Nicole Stewart
Tax Commissioner, Dawson County Government
University of North Georgia ‘06
Dawsonville, GA
Growing up, Nicole’s parents were always adamant that she would attend college. “My parents didn’t go to college; I was the first one. They always told me I was going to college.
They were so supportive and proud.”
“HOPE gave me the ability to go to college. I don’t think my parents would’ve had the money. What I heard, especially in high school was, ‘you need to work on your scholarships, you need to get your grades up.’ I think they knew, you know, if it came down to it that they probably couldn’t pay for it, then I would have to get loans. But I graduated with no student debt and I didn’t pay to go to college. How amazing is that? Especially now when I think back on it, I know I am so blessed to be in Georgia and to have had that opportunity.”
Nicole is currently serving Dawson County as the youngest Tax Commissioner in the state. “I’ve always been really good at building relationships and relating to people, so I knew that I could bring that to this office. I hoped I could bring a positive light to this office. Because unfortunately, no one likes us; you’re usually paying when you come into my office. I understand that, one hundred percent. But there’s no reason to not be nice and polite and try to make you have a better day while you’re here.”
She considers the best part of her role to be the ability she has to serve her community. “I’m a big servant, especially serving Dawson County, I love Dawson County. To me, this job is the ultimate test of serving your county. If you’re going to be an elected official in your county, you’re 100% serving your county. This is what you do every day. I just really found a passion for that and giving back.”
“I love my job. It’s not one of those things where I think ‘I don’t want to go to work today.’ I never have that thought. It’s great. I just love coming to work. Some days are better than others, of course. But for the most part, it is always good.”