Clarkesville, GA – North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) recently named Barbara “Barbie” Gallimore the 2026 Employee of the Year at the college’s annual service awards holiday luncheon.
Gallimore, student success coach at the Currahee campus, has been employed by the college since Aug. 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas in 1987. Gallimore was nominated by fellow staff members and was complimented on her caring nature toward students and coworkers, willingness to go above and beyond, knowledge and effectiveness in her role, and overall campus and college involvement.
“I am proud to be part of North Georgia Tech, where we work together improving lives through technical education,” said Gallimore. “This award reflects the positive work environment we’ve all built together. It’s exciting to see students complete our programs and make an impact in our communities.”
“Barbie is committed to serving students and helping them succeed,” said Dr. Vinson Burdette, NGTC vice president of student affairs. “She continually considers students’ needs and ways she can leverage her skills and abilities to make a positive difference for students and for NGTC.”
Gallimore lives in Toccoa, Ga., with her husband, Warren. They have three children, and Barbie enjoys swimming, traveling, hiking, and family gatherings.
NGTC President John Wilkinson also presented the 2026 Employee Service Awards, recognizing those who have given distinguished years of service to NGTC and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).
Five-year service award recipients included Blake Conner of Toccoa, Ga.; Summer Day of Toccoa, Ga.; Katie Johnson of Mount Airy, Ga.; Matthew Mashburn of Blairsville, Ga.; Jason McElwaney of Dahlonega, Ga.; Matt Moon of Toccoa, Ga.; Mandy Moss of Demorest, Ga.; Connie Mull of Clarkesville, Ga.; Erin Nieves of Blairsville, Ga.; Augusto Roca of Martin, Ga.; Cameron Smith of Demorest, Ga.; Heather Terrell of Alto, Ga.; and Chris Vaughn of Toccoa, Ga.
10-year service award recipients were Fernando Arenas of Walhalla, S.C.; Laura Ferguson of Clarkesville, Ga.; Vicky Frankum of Cleveland, Ga.; Amy Hulsey of Clarkesville, Ga.; Kelly Moody of Clarkesville, Ga.; Lisa Ramsey of. Toccoa, Ga.; and Trudi Schubring of Clarkesville, Ga.
15-year certificates were awarded to Joe Banks of Alto, Ga.; James Benn of Toccoa, Ga.; and Pamela Segers of Clarkesville, Ga.
Alexander Bladowski of Toccoa, Ga., was recognized for 20 years of service with NGTC.
Ronnie Ayers of Toccoa, Ga.; Terry Edwards of Clarkesville, Ga.; Leslie Foster of Cornelia, Ga.; and Buddy Raper of Alto, Ga., were recognized for 25 years of service.
Shelby Ward of Demorest, Ga., was recognized for an outstanding 30 years of service to NGTC.
“I am proud to work with so many outstanding individuals who are committed to serving our students and communities,” said NGTC President John Wilkinson. “It was an honor to present Barbie with the Employee of the Year award and to recognize others for their dedication to the college. I look forward to witnessing the incredible impact of our faculty and staff.”
For more information regarding North Georgia Technical College programs or admission, visit northgatech.edu or call 706-754-7700.
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