SHERIFF BROWN NAMED PINNACLE LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREE

The Fortitude Educational and Cultural Development Center Inc. presented Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown with the 2023 Pinnacle Leadership Award on June 23, 2023, at the Marriott in Atlanta, Ga.

“First and foremost, I congratulate all the 2023 Pinnacle Leadership Award nominees. Because of the contributions you made to your community, lives have been changed for the better,” said Sheriff Brown. “I am honored to be one of this year’s award nominees. I thank the Fortitude Educational and Cultural Development board members for honoring me with this prestigious award. Also, I thank Winifred Clements for nominating me.”

Sheriff Brown added, “It is my belief that I will always extend a hand to help someone because had it not been for someone extending a hand for me, I would not be where I am today.”

The Pinnacle Leadership Award recognizes local minority women, men, and youth who show commitment to their community, make outstanding contributions to society, and impact the lives of others. The awards are presented annually to leaders who achieved the highest level of success and embodied the highest standards of service, leadership, and character.

Sheriff Brown was one of 12 honorees named for the 2023 Pinnacle Leadership Award.

SHERIFF BROWN SWORN IN AS GEORGIA SHERIFFS’ PRESIDENT

Brown. “This prestigious honor would not have been possible without the late Douglas Digby, who hired me as a Patrol Officer in 1973. He saw something in me — the little boy from South Georgia — and accepted me as a Patrol Officer. I also cannot forget retired Sheriff Gerald B. Malcom, who also saw something in me and allowed me to advance through his leadership; and my predecessor, the late Sheriff Joe Nichols, for continuing to elevate my success.”

Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown was sworn in as the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association President on July 26, 2023, during the GSA’s Annual Awards Banquet in Jekyll Island, Ga.

“I am humbled and honored to accept the responsibility of serving as the President of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, a significant milestone in my journey. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to all of my citizens who live within my community who have supported me and elected me for four different terms,” said Sheriff

Sheriff Brown added, “I send my deepest appreciation to the members of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association for entrusting me with the responsibilities of President. I am thankful for my wife, children, siblings, and other family members who have supported my career throughout the years. Additionally, I am thankful for my staff who stand beside me and work hard every day to uphold the mission and values of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.”

Sheriff Brown was elected the first African American Sheriff of Newton County, Ga., on Nov. 4, 2008. He worked in law enforcement in Newton County for more than 35 years before being elected Sheriff. He has more than 49 years of law enforcement experience and oversees a full-service department of approximately 350 employees and more than 600 inmates.