Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Recognizes Alumni, Benefactors, and Industry Partners at 2026 SPARK Workforce Awards
The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation recognized outstanding contributors to student success and workforce development at the 2026 SPARK Workforce Awards reception, held April 28 at the college’s Marietta Campus. Sponsored this year by True Natural Gas, the annual celebration honors individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and generosity strengthen the region’s workforce and advance the mission of Chattahoochee Technical College.
This year’s honorees included the Alumni of the Year, Benefactor of the Year, and Industry Partner of the Year—each selected for their exceptional impact on students, the community, and the college.
2026 Alumni of the Year: Darlene Hettinger
The Foundation proudly recognized Darlene Hettinger, COTA, ATP, CAPS, as the 2026 Alumni of the Year. A 2016 graduate of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, Hettinger has built a distinguished career defined by service, innovation, and advocacy for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
As the Assistive Technology Case Manager for Cobb County Senior Services, Hettinger leads transformative programs that help seniors remain safe and independent in their homes. Her work includes providing essential assistive devices, developing the county’s Assistive Device Program, and launching a Home Safety Program that installs ramps, stair lifts, and home modifications for residents in need.
Hettinger also manages the Assistive Tools Studio at the Senior Wellness Center, an educational space featuring more than 150 adaptive devices that help clients maintain independence. Her dedication to community service earned her the 2025 Cobb County PROPS Award for Excellence in Serving the Community.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hettinger continues to give back to Chattahoochee Tech as an adjunct instructor, fieldwork supervisor, and advisory board member for the OTA program.
Several other outstanding alumni were also nominated for this year’s award. They are:
Dana Bocinsky, a Physician Assistant with Vascular Surgical Associates, who earned a Surgical Technology Diploma in August 2013;
Nitasha Ginn, Staff Accountant II with North GA CPA Services, PC, who graduated with her Accounting AAS degree in May 2018;
Lauren Schreiber, Lead Expanded Functions Dental Assistant with All About Family Dentistry who earned her Interdisciplinary Studies AAS (Dental Assisting) in December 2023; and
Joshua Turner, a December 2018 graduate of the Radiography Technology AAS program now serving as a Radiologic Technologist Level 2 at Wellstar Paulding Hospital and Clinical Coordinator/Instructor Radiology Program at Chattahoochee Technical College.
2026 Benefactor of the Year: Alan Allison
The Foundation honored Alan Allison as the 2026 Benefactor of the Year for his extraordinary commitment to supporting students through scholarship philanthropy. A Chattahoochee Tech alumnus who earned his Environmental Horticulture diploma in 2000, Allison established the Ibby Allison Memorial Scholarship in 2019 in memory of his late wife. The scholarship has already supported eight students in achieving their educational goals.
This year, Allison expanded his legacy of generosity by creating the Hope Mozelle Allison Memorial Scholarship in honor of his daughter, with the first award presented in 2026. His enduring gifts ensure that students facing financial barriers can continue pursuing their education and career aspirations.
2026 Industry Partner of the Year: Georgia’s Own Credit Union
Georgia’s Own Credit Union was named the 2026 Industry Partner of the Year for its long-standing support of Chattahoochee Tech students and its deep commitment to community advancement. Founded on a “people helping people” philosophy, Georgia’s Own has grown into one of the largest credit unions in the state, consistently reinvesting in the communities it serves.
Georgia’s Own has been a dedicated supporter of Chattahoochee Tech since 2009, investing in scholarships, emergency grants, and student success initiatives. Last year, they supported the Nurse Education Advancement Resource (NEAR) Fund that helps nursing students pursue their goal of becoming registered nurses. In 2026, the credit union expanded its impact by funding the Textbook Lending Library and establishing the Georgia’s Own Credit Union Scholarship, ensuring that more than fifty students can remain enrolled and on track to join Georgia’s workforce.
Celebrating Mission in Action
The 2026 SPARK Workforce Awards highlight the many ways alumni, benefactors, and industry partners help shape opportunity across the region. Through their leadership, generosity, and commitment to student success, this year’s honorees strengthen the pathways that connect education to meaningful careers and ensure Chattahoochee Tech remains a vital force in Georgia’s workforce development ecosystem.
Pictured in the photo above are (l to r) Michael Moseley, Director of Commercial Sales for the event’s sponsor, True Natural Gas; Alan Allison, 2026 Benefactor of the Year; Darlene Hettinger, 2026 Alumni of the Year; Cassy Ferrell, Senior Vice President of Commercial Services Growth & Innovation for the 2026 Industry Partner of the Year, Georgia’s Own Credit Union; and Heather Pence, President of Chattahoochee Technical College.
The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial support to Chattahoochee Technical College, its students and its programs. Additional information about the Foundation can be found by visiting their website at https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/foundation.html.