Atlanta, GA - This afternoon, Governor Brian P. Kemp conducted swearing-in ceremonies for seven (7) appointments to boards and related state entities.

Board of Early Care and Learning

The Board of Early Care and Learning supports and guides the mission and vision of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, which works to enhance children’s early educational experiences to promote their academic, social, emotional, and physical development in partnership with families, communities, the early care and education industry, and stakeholders.

Dr. Cristina Washell is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator for the Elementary and Special Education Program at the University of North Georgia (UNG). Before her career in higher education, Washell taught P-12 students with special needs in traditional and alternative school settings. Apart from her work with the ELE/SPED teacher preparation program at UNG, Washell is engaged in community outreach programs supporting the literacy development of Latinx children. She resides in Cleveland.

Georgia Auctioneers Commission

The Georgia Auctioneers Commission oversees the regulation and licensing of auction companies, auctioneers, and auctioneer schools.

Perry Walden is an Auction Marketing Specialist for J.P. King Auction Company, and he has been a licensed auctioneer since 2015. Walden is a graduate of the University of Georgia. He lives in Monroe, Georgia with his wife, Sydney.

Georgia Board of Economic Development

The Georgia Board of Economic Development works with the Department of Economic Development, which is the state's lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, aligning workforce education and training with in-demand jobs, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

Scott Blackstock earned his bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech in 1979. In 1981, Blackstock purchased Tire and Auto Master in Thomaston and grew it into the highest volume tire and service center in the West Central Georgia area. In 2004, Blackstock built and opened his first Tidal Wave Auto Spa, now the ninth largest car wash chain in America. His other business interests include SHJ Construction company and Blackstock Properties, which provide jobs for over 600 employees. Blacstock and his wife, Hope, have one son, Justis, and reside in Thomaston.

Georgia Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

The Georgia Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology oversees the regulation, licensure, and investigation of speech language pathologists and audiologists.

Alice Cellino is Executive Director of the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center as well as Director of MD Audiology, Inc. Cellino has been an audiologist since 2008. She and her husband, Richard, have two children, Ford and Sam, and they live in Fortson.

Robin Hardin is the owner of Athens Oconee Audiology where she practices as an audiologist. Hardin has been a licensed audiologist since 1981. She has a son, Scott G. Hardin, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Annah Kaye Hardin, as well as two grandchildren. She currently lives in Statham.

Statewide Independent Living Council

The Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc. (SILC)is a private, non-profit corporation governed by people with all types of disabilities from all across Georgia. SILC identifies societal barriers to independent living and collaborates with Centers for Independent Living, Rehabilitation Services, and related entities to remove those barriers and increase the support and services needed to create independent living opportunities.

Reshell Baldini is COO of Business Development with 5 Star Office Furniture in Avondale Estates, Georgia. She lives in Atlanta with her spouse, Karla, and has two children, Kennedy and Breeze.

Shelia Kitchens holds her master’s degree in Science Management and leadership degree from Southern Wesleyan University. Kitchens previously served as the Outreach, Advocacy, and Development Coordinator for Walton Options Center for Independent Living in Augusta, Georgia. She lives in Martinez and has a son, Cornelious Jaques Lyons, who is serving in the U.S. Army in Kuwait.

Contact Information:

Cody Hall, Press Secretary [email protected]