Central Georgia Technical College’s (CGTC) Board of Directors recently welcomed its newest member, Manse Jennings, of Hawkinsville, Ga.

Jennings, chairman of SunMark Community Bank, joins the Board with an established reputation in Hawkinsville, the service area his position represents.

During the early 80s, following graduation from Georgia Southern with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physics, Jennings began work with his family’s business, Hawkinsville Telephone Company, and propelled his career into the next pair of decades in telecommunications and networking.

In recent years, Jennings worked with ComSouth as vice chairman and served area non-profits and educational institutions at various levels.

He expressed his excitement and commitment to joining the Board, and getting to work on new and growing educational and economic development opportunities for regional students.

“My goals for service on the board are not just limited to the Hawkinsville and Pulaski County area but the College’s service area at large,” said Jennings. “I would like to see us meet workforce demands and push economic development of the middle Georgia area.”

He added the College meets a vital need in the educational landscape of the region.

“Locally, we definitely want to increase participation in dual enrollment, adult literacy and training. CGTC is incredible at achieving all of those goals. It’s part educational, part economic development, and I certainly hope to increase opportunities for residents locally and regionally to advance in technical career opportunities and industry.”