District 1

Commissioner Joyce Evans was elected to represent the great citizens of Lowndes County, District 1 in 1996 and re-elected in 2000, serving until 2004. In 2008, after a short absence, Commissioner Evans was again elected to represent District 1, thru 2012.

Joyce brings to the Board of Commissioners expertise and years of experience in public/human services and business ownership/management.

She is a Certified County Commissioner and an active member of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). Joyce serves as a member of the ACCG Board of Managers and is the ACCG District 11 Representative. In 2004, she became the recipient of the Emory Greene Leadership Award-the highest honor bestowed upon a County Commissioner.

Although Joyce's efforts are dedicated to all issues affecting the citizens of Lowndes County, her focus has been improving public health and social services, supporting local businesses, sustaining neighborhood character, promoting affordable housing, protecting the environment and collaborative community involvement.

Since her election, Commissioner Evans has served in numerous public positions to include: State and National Boards/Committees/Councils: Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, National Human Services & Education, Georgia Childcare Council

Local Boards/Committees/Council/Authorities: Valdosta/Lowndes County Conference Center, Valdosta/Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity and the Homeless Coalition, Valdosta Land Bank Authority, South Georgia Regional Development Council-3rd Vice Chair, South Georgia Regional Library Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce BEST-Advisory, Lowndes County Children's Advocacy Center, Valdosta Housing Authority, Weed and Seed Revitalization, Lowndes/Valdosta Commission for Children and Youth, KeyWe Affordable Housing Coalition, MLK Jr. Coorridor Project.

During her tenure as Commissioner of District 1, Commissioner Evans worked with other officials to secure: Public Transportation Funding-over 2,000 riders per month with almost no cost to Lowndes County, funds to purchase new library equipment, books and materials, education training program for inmates at the Lowndes County Jail, new construction-New Horizons Expansion, Georgia State Patrol Facility, Farm Services Building, Senior Citizens Center, North Lowndes Fire Station, Convention Center, County Administration Facility & CHIP Grant for eight Habitat homes, renovations and upgrades-Leila Ellis Social Service Complex, County Jail and stabilization/upgrade/paving of roads for a more progressive community road network, park improvements-Naylor Park, boat ramp at Grand Bay for public access, Blackburn Park & South Lowndes Multi-Purpose Recreational Facility.

Prior to taking office, Joyce was owner/operator of Kiddie Kollege Kindergarten in Valdosta, Georgia and is a member of the First African Baptist Church.

Joyce believes it is an honor and privilege to serve the residents of District 1 and wants everyone involved. Commissioner Evans pledges to keep the lines of communication open and work with enthusiasm for the best interest of Lowndes County residents in order to ensure a healthy, prosperous and safe community for everyone.

"I pledge to continue to be Accessible! Accountable! Responsive! and a Representative for the People!" -Commissioner Joyce Evans