Georgia County Internship Spotlight

 

For Kennesaw State University master's student Faith Ogbefho, interning in Gordon County wasn't part of her original plan. After stepping away from medical school, she took what she called "a leap of faith" into the world of artificial intelligence (AI), starting with the pursuit of a master's degree in AI. Her decision also led her to a transformative summer in local government through the Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP). Through her internship, Ogbefho gained hands-on experience applying AI, built lasting relationships, and discovered the vital role county governments play in everyday life.

 

Ogbefho joined Gordon County as an AI Strategy Intern, working directly with Assistant County Administrator Keith King. Her primary responsibilities during the internship included utilizing AI tools to enhance workflows, updating job descriptions, and supporting operations across county departments. Ogbefho met directly with departments to understand their workflows. Through interviews and research, she identified the best methods for deploying AI and training staff. She also led training sessions to help staff understand the AI tools. "My role combined technical innovation with cross-department collaboration to make AI practical and useful in a public service setting," Ogbefho said.

 

Ogbefho's impact as an intern was felt not only in the administration office but also across the county. From her interviews with staff, she was able to suggest updates and modernize county job descriptions across departments. "Reviewing and updating job descriptions was long overdue," Ogbefho noted. The county's HR department plans to use her work to update job descriptions in the future.

 

Ogbefho also had the chance to learn firsthand about the various roles and responsibilities of local government. She had the rare opportunity to ride along in a county fire truck and observe their response to a live fire. Additionally, staff gave her a tour of the county jail. Upon reflecting on her internship, Ogbefho noted that she gained a deeper appreciation for how local governments function and serve the community. “Each department plays a critical role in keeping the county safe, organized, and responsive to public needs,” she said. This commitment to the public aligned with Ogbefho’s personal commitment to teaching others and helping them acquire new skills.

 

In addition to her growth in understanding of local government, Ogbefho also experienced personal growth and professional development. After experiencing challenges transitioning from medical school to tech, the internship helped her build new confidence in her skills. She said the internship challenged her to step into her leadership abilities as the county’s go-to resource for AI strategy. She also said she strengthened her skills in research, public sector communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Ogbefho's internship had a significant impact on the county, as it modernized and adopted new forms of technology, including AI tools. She also learned new skills to carry with her as she continues her career. "This internship not only taught me the value of interdepartmental collaboration but also showed me how innovation can enhance public service at the local level," she said.

 

Ogbefho's work with the county helped launch her into a new phase of her career in AI. Through connections made at the county, Ogbefho connected with Times Journal Media, which offered her a role as AI Implementation and Strategy Lead. Now, Ogbefho helps design and implement AI tools for local news outlets, including the Marietta Daily Journal, Rome News-Tribune, and Gwinnett Daily Post. She also hopes to pursue a PhD and explore the connections between AI and healthcare.

 

While Ogbefho completes her education, she's also open to a future return to county government. "I would absolutely consider a career in county government, especially in roles that allow me to bring innovation, strategy, and technology into public service," she said. Students like Ogbefho – who embrace innovation and recognize the heart behind county leadership – represent the bright future of Georgia’s county governments.

 

Applications for the 2026 GCIP are open through Oct. 20, 2025. To learn more, please visit www.accg.org/caf_index.