South Cobb Names Citizen of the Year

Betty Ann Cook of Mableton was recently recognized as South Cobb's Citizen of the Year.

Cook has worn many hats at Chattahoochee Technical College from Acting Dean of the Austell Campus, Foreign Affairs Liaison and Ombudsperson to her current role as the Executive Director for Outreach and Community Engagement.

The South Cobb Citizen of the Year award was created in 1986 by the South Cobb Rotary Club, and co-sponsored by the South Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

A selection committee collect nominations each year, and choose an award recipient who has demonstrated through "definable, exceptional deeds that he or she has made the South Cobb area a better place to live and work".

Cook was honored at a luncheon ceremony on May 16 by the South Cobb Rotary at Presbyterian Village. Her daughter, who lives in New York City, also congratulated her through a video message.

“Dr. Cook has an exceptional ability to build bridges, fill gaps and strengthen communities,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Ron Newcomb. “She was hard-wired that way.”

Cook was nominated by both Chattahoochee Technical College and the Cobb Library Foundation where she serves on the board, said Chatt Tech spokesperson Rebecca Long.

Cook is a graduate of Howard University and Atlanta University, and began her career at Chattahoochee Technical College in 2004. She has served on various committees and boards, as well as many volunteer projects in the South Cobb area.

"She is often seen coordinating clean up days and improvement projects in the community, participating as a principal for the day at local elementary schools and assisting in the planning of fundraising events for the Cobb Library Foundation," said Long.

Cobb Library Foundation Executive Director Linda Hoynes said Cook is an example to young ladies, and is known as a community advocate for South Cobb.

"She is the perfect example of one who shares her time and talents for the good of the community," Hoynes said. "Dr. Cook epitomizes the community spirit of the revitalized efforts of the region.”

According to South Cobb Rotary Club President and past recipient of the award, Nancy Arnold, the idea for the South Cobb Citizen of the year was conceived in 1986 by several Rotarians who felt that South Cobb, as a geographic area, received very little recognition. Few people outside the South Cobb area were aware of individuals who made exceptional contributions not only to the South Cobb area, but to Cobb County in general. Past recipients include business leaders, community activists, ministers and a former governor.