Profiles in Service - Jan. 25, 2016

Kathie Gannon

Vice Chair; Resilient Counties Advisory Board
Commissionerm; DeKalb County, Ga.

Number of years active in NACo: 10

Years in public service: 16

Occupation: retired, founding executive director of Georgia CASA

Education: B.A., political science, Marquette University; social work administration, University of Georgia; and many years of continuing education

The hardest thing I’ve ever done: Shortly after I started my first campaign, my mother’s cancer resurfaced for the final time. I went back and forth between Georgia and Michigan with much stress at both locations.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: My mother, my husband (someone needs to cook) and Ann Richards.

A dream I have is to: be a grandmother while I can still take the kids on field trips. 

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: kayak a river with small rapids by myself.

My favorite way to relax is: sip wine, nibble chocolate and read a good book.

I’m most proud of: my sons.

Every morning I read: I read at night — newspapers, work papers and junk novels. 

My favorite meal is: traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

My pet peeve is: people who lie.

My motto is: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The last book I read was: Gray Mountain by John Grisham.

My favorite movie is: Gone With the Wind.

My favorite music is: ’70s rock.

My favorite president is: John F.Kennedy.

My county is a NACo member because: The opportunities to learn and advocate for issues and services that help the people of DeKalb County. Being our watchdog in Washington is another huge benefit. Thank you, NACo.