Commissioner Debbie Connell

Debbie Dahlstrom Connell, of Eastman, was appointed in 2002 by House Speaker Terry Coleman to serve the Georgia Commission on Women. She serves on the Education, Legislation and Health Committees, and as Chair of the Sub-Committee on Personnel.

Connell plays an important role on the Commission's C.H.O.W. programs, or Childhood Health & Over Weight Initiative, implementing and directing the pilot programs at both South Dodge and North Dodge, elementary schools in south Georgia who use the "Organwise Guys " curricula. Her success has assured maintenance and continuation of C.H.O.W. through community support. She is also a board member of GPEE, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. Executive Director of Dodge Connection: A Communities in School Approach, Inc., since its inception, she coordinated community based involvement of public and private resources whose goal is to improve the quality of life for children and families in Dodge County, combining groups like Family Connection, Communities in School, Prevent Child Abuse, Certifed Literate Community Program in a joint effort with Boys & Girls Club of Dodge County, Even Start, Parental Information and Resource Center, the 21st Ce ntury Learning Center, Reading Buddies, their partners and mentors.

Debbie Dahlstrom Connell graduated from Lakeside High School in Atlanta. She received a Journalism Degree from the University of Georgia, and worked for local newspapers for many years. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, horseback riding and public service. An active community volunteer, she, her husband David, and sons Tyler, Dylan and Ryan are all members of Eastman First United Methodist Church.