Condensed and edited for brevity
Michelle Barclay: Thank you so much for letting me interview you for the Georgia Courts Journal. Let’s talk about your path to your current job.
Shimike Dodson: I started at the AOC in 2017 as a research analyst. I learned a lot about the Georgia court system, the legislature, and many Judicial Council initiatives. I knew I wanted a bigger role at the AOC so in 2018, I signed up for the Georgia Technology Authority Project Management course. Then in 2019, I completed the program and received a certificate for Associate Project Manager. Shortly after, the opportunity to serve as the project manager for the ARPA Grant program came along in 2021, which is centered in the JC/AOC’s Fiscal Division.
In 2023, I was promoted to the role of Assistant Director of Research which I accepted happily. Since then I have been serving in both roles.
MB: What is your favorite part of your job?
SD: The best part of my job is collaborating with the Research and the ARPA Grant Team. Together, we have created a great workspace and supportive team dynamics. With Research projects and initiatives and meeting ARPA goals and timelines, my work days are full, exciting, and never boring, and the outcomes are rewarding. I truly enjoy working with both the Research team and the ARPA Grant Team.
MB: Do you have any improvement goals for 2025?
SD: For sure, professionally, I want to add new work-related technical skills, so I plan on taking a few new courses. Also, I want to strengthen my professional network, so improving my networking skills is important for my professional development.
In my personal life, I want to improve my green thumb so I’m starting small. Right now I have about five easy-to-care for plant babies that I’m excited to see grow. Eventually, I want to expand my efforts to outdoor gardening.
Lately, I’ve been making adjustments to improve my health and fitness. I want to train for a small mini race, just to get started.
MB: What do you do in your free time?
SD: In my free time, I love to travel, try new restaurants, and attend music concerts. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I especially love to attend my son’s baseball games when I can.
MB: Tell me more about your son’s baseball games.
SD: He attends Voorhees University in South Carolina where he is an athlete on the Tigers Baseball team. He is a sophomore and plays outfield, mainly left field, but can play any position. He has been playing baseball since he was three years old, and it is his favorite thing to do and his happy place.