JaNice Van Ness: Faith, Finances & Fixing Rockdale from the Middle—Episode 62

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In Episode 62 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall venture beyond Newton County to highlight the incredible story of a neighboring leader: JaNice Van Ness, Chair and CEO of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners. A seasoned public servant, former Georgia State Senator, and founder of Peachtree Academy, JaNice brings a rare blend of faith, fiscal responsibility, and unapologetic pragmatism to the often-polarized world of politics. This conversation touches on everything from her surprising political shift, her entrepreneurial roots, and the economic and spiritual heartbeat of Rockdale County.

📈 From Capitol Hill to the Courthouse: A Life of Service

With a degree in Political Science and International Relations from Auburn University, JaNice’s story began far from Rockdale—on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where she interned and later worked for U.S. Senators Alan Dixon and Howell Heflin. That experience lit a spark for service but also revealed that calling didn’t always come with a sustainable paycheck. Returning home to Georgia, JaNice entered the world of education and business, which eventually led to her founding Peachtree Academy—a Christian school now serving families from pre-K through 12th grade with multiple campuses.

Her public service career began with a Rockdale County Commission seat in 2005, followed by a successful election to the Georgia State Senate (District 43), representing Rockdale, Newton, and DeKalb counties. A deeply relational campaigner, she prioritized meeting people where they were—often at grocery stores and community events.

📝 Political Labels, Real-World Leadership

In one of the podcast’s most candid moments, JaNice shares her reasoning behind switching political parties—moving from Republican to Democrat—and how that move wasn’t about ideology, but community impact. She explains:

“A pothole is a pothole—there’s no Republican or Democrat version of that.”

Her campaign slogan, “Clean Up the Mess, Vote Van Ness,” reflects her centrist approach. She doesn’t fit neatly into a partisan box, and she prefers it that way. Her focus is simple: responsible budgeting, lower taxes, public safety, and community well-being.

💲 Budgeting Like It’s Personal

Rockdale County’s budget nearly doubled in 10 years—from $58 million in 2014 to $123 million today. As a business owner and former finance committee member, JaNice brings a fiscal discipline that’s often missing in politics.

She led efforts to: - Roll back the county’s millage rate from 18.68 to 18.282 - Conduct deep internal reviews of vehicle fleet spending - Empower citizens via a Financial Oversight Committee - Increase pay for first responders and public safety staff

Van Ness sees herself as a steward of the community’s tax dollars—focused on outcomes, not just programs. “Some government jobs feel more like employment programs,” she quips, “but we’ve got to stay outcome-focused.”

✨ Faith, Family & Peachtree Academy

JaNice’s business, Peachtree Academy, began as a passion for quality Christian education. Over time, it grew into a multi-campus private school and early childhood center. But she’s quick to say that her mission isn’t elitism—it’s service.

“We’re not in an elitist environment. We’re a community of families who prioritize education.”

Peachtree Academy is also a launching ground for local churches, with seven church plants launched from its campuses over the years. JaNice sees spiritual and educational growth as intertwined and believes the local church is a crucial part of any healthy community.

🤝 Bridging Counties, Building Community

With Rockdale and Newton Counties often sharing economic, educational, and cultural challenges, JaNice emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration. Whether it’s economic development (like supplier growth from the Rivian project), local churches, nonprofits, or shared infrastructure concerns, she believes the future is about “good neighbors across county lines.”

⚖️ Redefining Leadership: From Candy Striper to County CEO

Her leadership story is grounded in real-life service. She began volunteering as a candy striper at Rockdale Hospital and shelving books at Nancy Guinn Library. That foundation led to her now holding one of the highest offices in the county—Chair and CEO of Rockdale County. She’s now passionate about grooming the next generation of servant leaders, launching new citizen advisory boards and dreaming of a “So You Want to Serve?” forum for aspiring civic leaders.

“Don’t just win. Serve.”

🎾 Pickleball & Purpose

When she’s not leading commission meetings or mentoring community leaders, JaNice recharges on the pickleball court. The county is even expanding pickleball facilities to keep up with demand—a small but powerful example of her community-centered leadership style.

💬 Want to Contact Chairwoman Van Ness?

·      📧 County Email: JaNice.VanNess@RockdaleCountyGA.gov

·      🏢 County Website: rockdalecountyga.gov

Peachtree Academy
- 📈 peachtreeacademy.com
- 📧 janice@peachtreeacademy.com

Personal Website:
- 👥 janicevanness.com

📚 Related Links & Resources:

·      Rockdale Board of Commissioners Info: rockdalecountyga.gov

·      Learn about Peachtree Academy: peachtreeacademy.com

·      JaNice’s leadership journey: janicevanness.com

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