Mike Berg received an unexpected honor earlier this month when the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission named him its 2010 Elected Official of the Year.

“It was a total surprise,” said Berg, chairman of the Dawson County commission.

Danny Lewis, executive director, presented the award Dec. 3 when the commission held its annual awards dinner and meeting in Dillard.

He said it was Berg’s dedication to regionalism that made him stand out in the group of about 250 elected officials from across region.

“Mr. Berg is a team player," Lewis said. "He is active in his attendance and dedication to regionalism.”

Berg, who represents Dawson on the regional commission, said the award was a nice honor for the county.

“I believe in regionalism and GMRC is all about affording counties the opportunity to work in a regional atmosphere,” he said. “The award speaks well for our county.”

In addition to his work with the regional group, Berg is active in the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, where he serves as third vice president, as well as numerous other civic groups and organizations.

He is in his second term as chairman of the county commission.

Council chairman David Stovall said Berg is a “very deserving” recipient of the award.

“There are over 250 elected officials in this region alone," he said. "When you add the state and federal elected officials, the number who could have been selected is awesome.

“I congratulate Mike Berg in his outstanding effort on this council, in ACCG, and of course in this region.”