Spratlin also holds the title of being the longest serving ACCG employee with 51 years of service, since joining Athens-Clarke County in 1974 serving as city clerk. During her tenure, she transitioned from the City of Athens to the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County in the clerk position.

Over her career, Spratlin has been a dedicated Clerk of Commission, receiving several certifications such as earning her Certified Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and completing the Athens Management Development Program I, II and III. In 2022, she was awarded as Local Government Administrator of the Year from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, an award that recognizes an individual who serves as a model for professionalism, leadership and integrity from the area’s twelve county and fifty-four city member local governments.

“Gloria Jean has demonstrated her dedication to municipal government through her many years of generous service to its citizens,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “Athens-Clarke County is fortunate to have had that kind of dedicated leadership, and GMA and Georgia’s cities are also grateful to have seen the examples she sets for all city leaders.”