​Joe Allen started his career of service to Gwinnett County in the Tax Commissioner's Office, where he served as Director of Administration and then Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner. Later, he was Gwinnett’s Division Director of Risk Management and Employee Services. Allen also spent a number of years as the Director of Public Affairs and Business Resources for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. While at the Chamber, he helped organize the business leaders that later formed the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District. In April 2006, Joe was named Executive Director for the CID. Joe is married to Melanie and they have two children.

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​My guest today was Nicole Love Hendrickson.  She joined me at the Noise Factory to share with me and all of you why she has decided to jump in the crowed race for Gwinnett County Commissioner Chairman's seat.  Below is what Nicole had to say in her own words.  
Public service is and has always been my passion. I have dedicated my entire career as a social worker serving people, empowering communities, and giving a voice to those who have been historically underrepresented in the decision-making arena. As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that all citizens thrive. In order to do that, our decisions need to reflect the needs of all of our citizens. As the county's' founding director of the community outreach program, I have experienced first-hand the role citizens can play in promoting good governance. I want to continue building on that success while addressing the challenges that lie ahead. I have a vision for our future and the demonstrated leadership to move us forward.

Nicole Hendrickson joins me at the table to talk about all of the great community programs that are offered in Gwinnett County.  I had the opportunity to go through the Gwinnett Citizen's Academy 101 and it was great.  I learned a lot about my community and got a chance to meet some of the amazing people that work daily to make sure that our community is beautiful and safe.