As the Gateway85 Community Improvement District (CID) prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, the CID is entering a new chapter of leadership and momentum.
The CID board of directors named Robert Michener as the interim executive director, as Emory Morsberger, a founding contributor and longtime executive director, recently resigned from the position. Morsberger served as the CID’s first secretary and was instrumental in its early formation and transformation into one of Georgia’s largest and most active CIDs.
With 17 years of service to the CID, Michener brings significant knowledge, extensive project expertise and a deep commitment to the local community. Michener previously served as director of operations for the CID, and he has played a vital role in managing transportation improvements, public safety initiatives, beautification efforts and more.
Shiv Aggarwal, chairman of the Gateway85 CID board of directors, says: “Emory Morsberger helped move our organization forward. We wish him the best as he embarks on new ventures, and we welcome the fresh ideas and steady leadership that Robert Michener will in the interim bring to the table as the CID shapes its bright future.”
Under new leadership, Gateway85 will continue its mission to support economic development, improve mobility, accessibility, security and enhance quality of life across the district.
Michener says: “As a longtime Gwinnett resident, I have seen firsthand how much this community has grown and evolved in the last two decades. It’s an honor to step into this role and serve the CID during a time of transition and opportunity. The district has great momentum, and I’m excited to continue contributing to Gateway85’s next era of growth.”
The CID board officers will lead a search to evaluate permanent executive leadership, with updates to be shared in the coming months.
Free recycling carts available in unincorporated areas
Residents in unincorporated Gwinnett County can request a free recycling cart.
If you currently receive trash services, and are interested in curbside recycling services, order your free 65 gallon recycling cart at GCSolidWaste.com. The county is committed to recycling and reducing the volume of waste going into landfills to help protect the environment.
County announces changes in commission office
There have been several changes in the office of the Gwinnett County Commission.
Lewis Cooksey has moved from being the county transportation director to a new assistant county administrator position.
Edgardo Aponte is the new transportation director. He was previously the deputy transportation director,
Russell Royal is now director of financial services. He had been serving as acting director after Buffy Rainey (formerly known as Buffy Alexzulian) was promoted to the deputy county administrator/CFO position vacated upon Maria Woods December retirement. Prior to serving as acting director, Russell was deputy director.
Ron Adderly is now the director of support services. He had been serving as acting director since Angelia Parham retired nearly two years ago. Prior to that, he was a deputy director of the department of support services.
The recent promotions were all effective the week of June 22.
Jackson EMC Foundation makes grants to nonprofits
The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total of $101,633 in grants for organizations during its recent meeting, including $67,140 to organizations serving Gwinnett County.
- $10,000 to Friends of Disabled Adults and Children Too, Inc., which serves individuals with injuries, illnesses or physical disabilities by providing mobility and daily living aids for its home medical equipment program.
- $10,000 to Hi-Hope Service Center, Inc., Lawrenceville, which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for its nursing support program for Gwinnett County residents.
- $10,000 to The Next Stop Foundation, Inc., Flowery Branch, which serves adults with special needs for its services for residents in Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties.
- $9,840 to Annandale at Suwanee, which supports adults with developmental disabilities and brain injuries for its independent living program for Gwinnett County residents.
- $9,300 to Creative Enterprises, Inc., Lawrenceville, which serves individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers for its day program for residents in Barrow and Gwinnett counties.
- $8,500 to Angel House of Georgia, Inc., Gainesville, which serves women recovering from addiction for entry to its program.
- $7,000 to Hope for the Journey of North Metro, Inc., Lawrenceville, which serves individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers for its Hope for the Journey Program.
- $2,500 to Wheelchairs 4 Kids, which serves children with physical disabilities for its medical equipment program for Gwinnett County residents.
Jackson EMC Foundation grants are made possible by the 221,697 participating cooperative members who have their monthly electric bills rounded to the next dollar amount through the Operation Round Up program.
Tuff wins election for nation’s information officers
Gwinnett County’s Special Projects and Media Relations Strategist Deborah Tuff has been named Second Vice President of the National Association of County Information Officers, following a competitive national election with candidates from counties across the country.
Tuff, a two-time Emmy-winning executive producer, will help shape the future of government communications nationwide in her new leadership role. Tuff previously worked as a television anchor and reporter for nearly two decades. Since joining Gwinnett County, she has led several award-winning programs including Upfront Gwinnett and Eye on Gwinnett.
