Profiles in Service - Sept. 21, 2015

Richard A. Oden
NACo Board of Directors
Chairman & CEO, Rockdale County, Ga. 

Number of years active in NACo: 7

Years in public service: 7

Occupation: Personal and Profes­sional Development as a Process and Peak Performance Improve­ment Executive and Life Coach

Education: B.S. from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

You’d be surprised to learn that I: I’m a survivor of multiple gun­shot wounds when I was critically wounded and left for dead while being robbed during my employ­ment in the corporate world.

The hardest thing I’ve ever done: Bouncing back from life-threatening injuries as a survivor of multiple gun shots. I’m blessed to have been able to overcome this near-death experience.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: Tyler Perry, Ms. Oprah Winfrey and Warren Buffet.

A dream I have is to: Take my wife to South Africa, Hawaii (Big Island) and Taiwan.

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Climbing and walk­ing up the uneven steps on the Great Wall of China and ascend­ing to a very high elevation on the mountain.

My favorite way to relax is: Regularly working in my yard cut­ting grass, edging, grooming and blowing debris, and then drinking a lot of water afterwards.

I’m most proud of: My family life with my children and grand­children and their love for me, along with witnessing the joy and happiness people get when their life is transformed as a result of my life-changing personal and professional development and improvement strategies.

Every morning I read: Something inspirational and encouraging.

My favorite meal is: Fish or baked chicken with collard greens, sweet potato custard, mac and cheese and corn bread.

My pet peeve is: When my daughters visit my home and I am constantly asking them to put socks on my grandsons’ feet while they are playing and walking around on tile floors.

My motto is: The stars are at your fingertips and the world has always been yours, so reach out for your better world today because the world awaits the missing YOU!

The last book I read was: The book of Matthew about the family history of Jesus.

My favorite movie is: The Temptations – Motown version.

My favorite music is: From the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s including jazz and R&B.

My favorite president is: a tie between John F. Kennedy and Barack H. Obama.

My county is a NACo mem­ber because: My county is a member because of our state county association’s partner­ship (ACCG) with NACo, as well as the mission, synergy and proactive stance NACo takes in advocating for all counties at the federal policy level.