Dawson County's chief financial officer was recently honored by the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association.

Cindy Campbell received the President's Award during the group's annual conference in Savannah last week.

The award recognizes members for their leadership in and contributions to the nonprofit organization.

Established in 1985 to promote and foster excellence in governmental financial management, the association's mission includes enhancing the abilities of governmental finance professionals.

Campbell, who was also elected as the group's treasurer, said she was surprised and honored to receive the recognition.

"GGFOA is a great organization that brings local government accounting and finance professionals together for information, training and networking opportunities," she said. "I have served on the Career Development Committee in the past and enjoyed setting up training opportunities and meeting my counterparts at host governments throughout the state.

"It was a nice surprise to be recognized for what you enjoy. I look forward to serving as Treasurer this year."

County Manager Kevin Tanner said the county is fortunate to have a professional of Campbell's caliber overseeing and leading its finance department.

"She has built a finance team that is recognized all over the state as one of the best in local government," he said. "The Georgia Government Finance Officers Association could not have chosen anyone better to receive the President's Award, and I am confident she has a bright future in this organization.

Hired in 2009 as assistant finance director, Campbell was promoted to chief financial officer in December of that year. She manages and oversees all aspects of the county's finances, supervising the finance, purchasing and human resources staff.

A 1990 Dawson County High School graduate, Campbell earned a bachelor of business administration degree at North Georgia College & State University and received her certified public accountant license in 2000.