Gwinnett County Commissioners Kirkland Carden and Jasper Watkins III Set for Swearing-In Ceremonies

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Community Invited to Celebrate the Leadership of District 1 and District 3 Commissioners. Both men have been elected as Gwinnett County Commissioners.

Gwinnett County residents are invited to honor the dedication and service of Commissioners Kirkland Carden and Jasper Watkins III at their upcoming swearing-in ceremonies. These events mark the start of their new terms on the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.

District 1: Commissioner Kirkland Carden

Gwinnett County Commissioners — Kirkland Carden

Swearing-In Ceremony

Date: Wednesday, December 18
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, Lawrenceville

Commissioner Kirkland Carden, representing District 1, will begin his second four-year term following his re-election. District 1 encompasses Berkeley Lake, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, and parts of Suwanee and Lawrenceville.

Carden, a former Duluth City Council member, made history as the city’s first millennial and African-American council member. Elected to the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners in 2020, he has focused on fostering growth, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with local land use ordinances.

An Ohio native, Carden’s family relocated to Duluth in 2004, where he graduated from Duluth High School in 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Georgia State University. His professional experience includes assisting state and local governments in developing transportation plans.

Carden’s community engagement spans a decade of service with the Duluth Zoning Board of Appeals, Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Rainbow Village Millennials Advisory Panel, and Gwinnett 101. Recognized by the Georgia Municipal Association as part of the 2019 inaugural cohort of the 20 Under 40 Focus Group, he continues to champion local leadership and development.

Contact Information

Phone: 770-822-7001
Email: [email protected]

District 3: Commissioner Jasper Watkins III

Swearing-In Ceremony

Date: Monday, December 23
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium

Commissioner Jasper Watkins III, who represents District 3, will officially begin his next term after first being elected in 2020. District 3 includes Dacula, Grayson, Loganville, Snellville, and portions of Lawrenceville.

A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, Watkins has an illustrious career in pharmacy, public health, and disaster response. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Florida A&M University and a Master of Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University. Watkins is also the first African American in the armed forces and the state of Florida to achieve board certification through the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist Nuclear Pharmacy Residency Program.

Watkins’ contributions include assisting with pharmaceutical support after Hurricane Katrina, resupply operations following Hurricane Andrew, and aiding the placement of wounded personnel from the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon. His work has earned him the Legion of Merit, the Order of Military Medical Merit, and other distinguished honors.

Since moving to Gwinnett County in 2006, Watkins has been an active leader in the community. He is a graduate of the Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy and Leadership Gwinnett, and serves on the National Association of Counties Health Steering Committee. Watkins has also served as president of the Northforke Plantation Homeowners Association and participates in various scientific and civic organizations.

Contact Information

Phone: 770-822-7000

Join the Celebrations

Both ceremonies provide an opportunity for Gwinnett County residents to show their support and gratitude for the commissioners’ continued dedication to public service. Join the community in celebrating the leadership of these distinguished individuals as they embark on their new terms.