FORSYTH COUNTY -- A Forsyth County official recently became only the second in Georgia to complete a graduate-level communications program.

Forsyth County Director of Communications Jodi Gardner recently completed a Texas Christian University program to become a certified public communicator.

“I’m extremely proud of Jodi and her accomplishments; earning the Public Communicator Certification is one of many,” said Forsyth County Manager Doug Derrer in a news release. “Jodi is a perfect example of a highly skilled professional who chose to serve the community and does so with great pride and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Gardner has worked in the county for more than 11 years and, along with her team, aids with special event planning, handles media relations and produces the county’s media, including TV Forsyth, social media, publications and The Current, a monthly electronic newsletter.

Half of Gardner’s 2015-16 tuition was paid for by the National Association of County Information Officers’ Scholarship for the program, which she received in May 2015.

The program began in 2013 as the first of its kind in the country – a post-baccalaureate, graduate-level course designed for professionals working in local governments and other public-private agencies.

The program included a week-long summer session in both 2015 and 2016, where Gardner worked on a comprehensive communications plan.

“Having seen the work product from the course, I can say without hesitation that Jodi’s completion of this program will bring added value to her service and support to various government offices and the community,” Derrer said. “She is a consummate professional, and it is an honor and pleasure to serve alongside someone of her caliber.”