Jacquelyn Thomas of Lowndes County has been named the 2014 County Administrator of the Year by the Association of County Administrators of Alabama in recognition of her service to her county and the profession.

Thomas was selected by a committee of her peers from around the state for ACAA’s highest honor.

The honoree was nominated by Lowndes County Commission Chairman Robert Harris. He and state Sen. Hank Sanders, who wrote a letter of support, both commented on her willingness to help other counties.

“She is often consulted by other county administrators and assists them at every turn,” wrote Sanders, who is also the county attorney. “I consult her and other officials consult her because she is not only capable as an administrator, but wise in the ways of people in general and leaders in particular.”

Thomas, who has been in her position with Lowndes County for 32 years, holds the certified county administrator designation through the County Government Education Institute. She is a past president of the ACAA and remains active on the organization’s board of directors. She also serves on the board of directors for the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s Liability Self-Insurance Fund Inc., a self-insurance fund serving counties throughout the state.

“County administrators do a tremendous job managing finances and the diverse array of services that citizens depend on, and they often accomplish this with very limited resources,” said ACAA President Mark Tyner, who is county administrator in Bibb County. “This Association is proud to be able to highlight the outstanding work of our members.”

Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Tuskegee University and an associate’s degree in business from Draughon’s Business College. She is married to Willie G. Thomas, and they have two children, Willie Jr. and Shana. She is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in White Hall.

The Association of County Administrators of Alabama is a professional organization affiliated with the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, a statewide organization representing county government in Alabama. ACCA promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice, and represents the interests of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies.