Georgia Trend recently released its Georgia 500 Most Influential Leaders List. For the second year, Coastal Pines Technical College President, Lonnie Roberts was named among the 500 most influential leaders in the state.
Georgia 500 is a comprehensive list of local leaders around the state driving Georgia’s economy from the areas of arts, agribusiness, finance, communications, education, economic development, government, healthcare, non-profits, and more.
Lonnie Roberts is a native and life-long resident of Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County. He graduated from Jeff Davis High School. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree from Valdosta State University. Lonnie is also a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.
Lonnie served as the Jeff Davis County Clerk and County Administrator for almost 21 years. He retired as administrator in August 2001 and went to work for Altamaha Technical College as Director of Institutional Effectiveness. In 2012, he became Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and led the College’s efforts in achieving accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. On July 1, 2013, he became the Acting President of Altamaha Technical College and served in that capacity until Altamaha merged with Okefenokee Technical College to form Coastal Pines Technical College on July 1, 2014. Lonnie has served as President at Coastal Pines Technical College since February 1, 2021. As President, he is charged with ensuring the day-to-day operation of the College functions in a manner consistent with, and supportive of, the College’s mission.
He is a past president of the Association County Clerks of Georgia and the Georgia Council of County Administrators/Managers. Lonnie also served as a member of the Board of Managers of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.
Lonnie is active in many civic and community activities. He is a deacon at First Baptist Church in Hazlehurst and has served as chairman many times. He has also served as a Sunday School teacher and is the Church Clerk. He is a past president of the Hazlehurst Lions Club. Lonnie served as District Governor for the Lions Clubs of Georgia and also served as Chairman of the Council of Governors – a position equivalent to State President. He is a past president of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind and a past director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation. He has received the Lions International Leadership Award and the Lions International President’s Award
He has served as chairman of the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Recreation Commission, the Jeff Davis County Public Library Board of Trustees, and the Satilla Regional Library Board of Trustees. Lonnie is also a past president of the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce.
He is married to Dr. Gina Roberts and they have one daughter, Georgia.