The Council

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, also known as “Georgia’s DD Council” is one of 55 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.

Our activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities.

Originally established as the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, our name was changed in July 2009 to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, in accordance with legislation that ordered the reorganization of the Department of Human Resources (DHR), Department of Community Health (DCH) and the newly created Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).

Today, GCDD continues to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, reform, project demonstrations, education and training.

Applications for Council Membership

Applications for Council membership are always welcome and members of the disability community, including family members, are encouraged to apply at any time during the year. All applicants must complete and submit an application for consideration of endorsement to the Office of the Governor. If you are interested in applying to be considered as a Council member, please download the application below.

Applications can be emailed to or mailed to:

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Attention: D'Arcy Robb, Executive Director
2 Peachtree Street, Suite 26.240
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Council Member Application (Word Doc)     Council Member Application (PDF)

Since our inception in 1971, GCDD has been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities wishes to thank those members who rotated off the Council this year. Below is a list of current Council members.

Council Members / Advisory Board Members

		Jeff Allen Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency – Designee
		Becky Brightwell Institute of Human Developmental & Disability – University of Georgia – Designee Athens
		Lori Campbell Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities – Designee
		Mark Crenshaw Executive Committee Member Center for Leadership in Disability - Georgia State University – Designee
		Brian Dowd Georgia Department of Community Health – Designee
		Wesley Ford Self-Advocate Jackson
		Dorothy Harris Self-Advocate Fitzgerald
		Rena Harris Georgia Options, Inc. Lawrenceville
		Deborah Hibben Executive Committee Member Parent Advocate McDonough
		Nandi Isaac Self-Advocate Macon
		Dana Lloyd Georgia Advocacy Office – Designee Decatur
		Wina Low Georgia Department of Education – Designee
		Ruby Moore Georgia Advocacy Office Decatur
		Lisa Marie Newbern Council Chair Atlanta
		Evan H. Nodvin Executive Committee Member Self-Advocate Atlanta
		Sharifa Peart Georgia Department of Public Health – Designee
		Dr. Zolinda Stoneman Institute of Human Development & Disability – University of Georgia Athens
		Sharia Stripling Fort Valley
		Elana Meyers Taylor Douglasville
		Ronald Wakefield Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities