County hires new accounting manager

Grady County commissioners on Friday approved the hiring of a new accounting manager.
Following a brief closed door meeting last week the board voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Connie D. Blackman as the county’s new accounting manager.
She replaces Finance Director Mary Mayer who was terminated late last year.
Ms. Blackman has retired from the state of Florida where she had a 38-year career and had worked in various capacities since 1971.
Most recently, she was employed by the Department of Children and Families, Office of Contract Client Services since June 2012.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida State University and earned a certificate in Public Administration from FSU in 1997. Ms. Blackman continued to work full-time as she went back to school to earn her degree and expand her education.
The new county accounting manager has lived in Grady County for the last seven years, but her family connection to this community dates back more than 100 years.
Her father, the late Dan Blackman, was born and raised in Grady County and her family came to this county in 1905.
Many may remember her uncle, Hobson Blackman, who was a pharmacist at the former Wight & Browne drug store. Her Aunt Eunice was also married to Spurgeon Dunn, who was the owner of the Dunn Theater.
“I am so excited about this new opportunity. I am looking forward to being able to serve my own community now,” Ms. Blackman said.
The new county accounting manager will begin work on Monday, Feb. 17.
Grady County Administrator Carlos Tobar said the county had excellent candidates to select from, but he said Ms. Blackman’s experience set her apart from the rest.
“I believe Ms. Blackman will be an asset to Grady County and we look forward to working with her,” Tobar said.
Ms. Blackman, who was born and raised in Havana, FL, has one grown child, a daughter who lives in Maryland and she is the proud grandmother of three.
She will be paid a staring salary of $38,600.