Lizann Roberts, outgoing executive director of the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition and The Chatham Family Connection Collaborative, was a featured speaker for the 2024 Georgia Family Connection Conference, held Dec. 4-6 at the Legacy Lodge and Conference Center on Lake Lanier Island in Buford.

Through her work with Family Connection in Chatham County, Roberts has emphasized the critical role language plays in cognitive, social, and emotional development by bringing training and support to educators and community partners.

“My interest in early language development stems from my belief that laying a strong foundation in language skills during the formative years is essential for lifelong learning, success, and well-being,” said Roberts.

Also joining Roberts in addressing the conference were Cheri Dean, vice president of Direct Services and Impact, United Way of the Coastal Empire; and Melissa Cole, executive director of Child Care Resource and Referral of Southeast Georgia, Savannah Technical College.

The purpose of the conference, entitled, “We’ll Dream by Design,” was to transform dreams for Georgia’s communities into reality. It was developed to help collaborators find solutions to the complex issues that challenge its children and families. Conference participants represented urban and rural areas of Georgia and other states, as well as multiple sectors of community life, including social services, education, government, health care, and business.

Roberts also introduced incoming CGIC Executive Director Kim Clifton to the conference attendees. Clifton is succeeding Roberts, who retired in December 2024 after seven years at the organization’s helm.