Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has named Jason Gamel, director of Recruitment at GNTC, as its 2026 Staff Member of the Year Award winner.
The award recognizes GNTC staff who make significant contributions to the college and to technical education. Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president, presented Gamel with the award on Friday, March 6.
“I firmly believe in GNTC’s mission and am very grateful to work with I have at GNTC,” Gamel said. “GNTC serves as a vital community resource, and I appreciate being part of GNTC’s impact on our community.”
“I have always been impressed with GNTC’s dedicated faculty, staff and state-of-the-art training,” Gamel said.
The GNTC Foundation presented Gamel with $250. He also received a certificate of recognition, $250 gift card from Academic Affairs, GNTC gift basket and the parking space of his choice for one year.
Gamel joined GNTC as director of Institutional Advancement in 2006 and became director of Recruitment in 2017.
Gamel supports recruitment events through planning, logistics and material preparation; presents accurate and timely information about GNTC programs, courses and services to prospective students and community stakeholders; plans and coordinates on-campus tours for individuals and groups; delivers presentations and engages with prospective students and staff at high school visits, career fairs and other recruitment events; and develops and maintains communication plans to engage high school counselors and community stakeholders.
The list of 34 nominees was narrowed to three finalists for the award: Gamel; Josh Hickman, Military-Connected Services coordinator; and Amy Waters, property accountant specialist, Dr. Popham said.
The other award nominees were Toni Adams, custodian; Donna Baldwin, director of Student Success and campus manager; Larry Blanchard, director of Advisement; Billy Bridges, Campus Police officer; Matt Bryant, director of Enrollment Services; Selena Cameron, Accounting technician; Brad Cooper, director of data and research analyst; Kimberly Edgeworth, Financial Aid coordinator; Kayla Franks, Campus Police lieutenant; Lydia Gordon, director of Student Success and campus manager; Lori Gregor, Student Success coordinator and campus manager; Johna Jenkins, director of Student Success and campus manager; Jeffery Johnson, technology support specialist; Amber Jordan, director of Marketing and Public Relations; John Kenyon, assistant director of Marketing and Public Relations; James Madden, maintenance supervisor; Mary Mathis, Marketing media specialist – social media; Stephen Meeks, coordinator of Library Services; Tiffany Nance-Maltz, administrative assistant to the dean of General Education; Julie Norman, library campus coordinator; Missy McLain, graduation specialist; Jessica Quiroz, Student Success coach; Kelly Roberson, Human Resources specialist; Medina Safic, Career Services coordinator; Daniel Smith, technology support specialist; Heather Thomas, Student Success coach; Linda Tinney, Career Transition specialist; Justin VanNest, technology support specialist; E.K. West, Financial Aid specialist; Trish Wiggins, director of Student Engagement; and Mark Williams, custodian.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs.
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