David Crass –David Crass was appointed State Archaeologist in 1998 and later served as the Director of the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Crass established a statewide archaeology education and protection program that emphasized partnerships with local citizens, municipalities, and universities as well as integration of archaeology and historic preservation efforts. Crass also established a strong working relationship with the Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns.
Lewis Larson – Lewis “Lew” Larson was appointed Georgia’s first state archaeologist in 1972 after the passing of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and served this position until 1998. He also conducted excavations at the Etowah Mound site in the 1950s. As state archaeologist, Larson was the senior advisor in matters involving archaeology in state government. Only one year after Larson’s appointment, Governor Jimmy Carter reorganized state government and followed Larson’s advice to transfer the Historical Commission’s functions to the new Department of Natural Resources.
Rita Elliott – Rita Elliott is the Education Coordinator and Research Associate at The Lamar Institute, a 501c3 dedicated to education and archaeology in the state. Trained as a maritime and underwater archaeologist, she is the author of over 80 monographs and articles and led an excavation crew at the 1779 Savannah Battlefield site. She is an awardee of the Joseph Caldwell Award for Excellence in Archaeology from the Society for Georgia Archaeology.
Sammy Smith and John Burns – Sammy Smith and John Burns were instrumental in creating the SGA website and designing the Archaeobus. Smith has a graduate degree in archaeology and provided great service to SGA over many years, in addition to her CRM and public outreach in archaeology work. Burns, owner of a design firm, worked closely with SGA and donated his labor to creating the SGA website and the design of the infamous Archaeobus.
Betsy Shirk – Betsy is a Past President of the Society for Georgia Archaeology and for this work she received the Joseph R. Caldwell Award in Archaeology from the SGA. An Environmental Review Coordinator for the Historic Preservation Division she was instrumental in broadening archaeology education across the state through endeavors like the Archaeobus, organizing Archaeology Month, developing and distributing the Archaeology Month poster.
Al Vegotsky- A chemist by trade, Al Vegotsky was active in avocational archaeology in Georgia and Atlanta in particular. The Greater Atlanta Archaeological Society (GAAS) was first established from meetings at his house. Vegotsky conducted research and published work on pharmaceutical bottles, and he was a scholar in residence at New South Associates for many years where New South staff benefited from Al’s knowledge. New South established the Al Vegotsky Award three years ago and it is awarded annually to a staff member who demonstrates Professionalism, Leadership and Volunteerism – all the things that Al stands for.