She is the first African American to hold the position, according to a Gwinnett County press release.
Hendrickson’s ceremony, as well as the two last week for District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden and District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III, was done with COVID-19 precautions in place. It is my highest honor to serve as Chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Hendrickson said. My promise to you is that we will work to make Gwinnett County a community where economic opportunity is abundant for everyone, a community where affordability isn’t a luxury and a community that leads in regional connectivity.
Nicole Love Hendrickson said she did not run for county commission chairwoman to make history, but she did not ignore the significance of her taking the oath to fill that office on Monday.
Hendrickson is the first African-American to be elected to serve as the head of Gwinnett Countyâs government. She was sworn into the office at a ceremony that showcased the countyâs diversity on Monday as her four-year term officially begins Friday.
âI ran to create change, but I would be remiss if I did not reflect on the historical significance of todayâs swearing in,â Hendrickson said. âJust 55 years ago, a Black woman could not even vote. Being the first Black Democratic woman to hold this seat is not a responsibility I take lightly. I realize I stand on the shoulders of giants and that my victory represents another step forward in advancing the vision of a country where all people have access to opportunities to succeed.