NASCA Press Release: Autumn Turner Cole Announced as 20 Under 40 Award Recipient

For Immediate Release
May 22, 2025

Contact: Elizabeth Whitehouse, Executive Director, executivedirector@nasca.org

NASCA Press Release: Autumn Turner Cole Announced as 20 Under 40 Award Recipient

Atlanta, GA — The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) proudly announces Autumn Turner Cole, Assistant Commissioner of Government Affairs and General Counsel at the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), as a NASCA 2025 20 Under 40 Award winner. This prestigious award recognizes 20 outstanding individuals from across the country for their exceptional contributions to state government.

In her current role leading DOAS’ legal strategy and legislative affairs across various operational divisions, Cole supports a diverse range of services, from procurement and management to human resources. She oversees legal and regulatory compliance for more than $4.5 billion in annual state purchasing. Cole also played a vital role in Georgia’s swift COVID-19 response and the successful integration of the Affordable Care Act.

Reflecting on Cole’s achievements, Commissioner Rebecca Sullivan commended her contributions to state government.

“She has played a pivotal role in many of the State's goals, including developing the State of Georgia's first statewide Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy, along with training for state employees and managers as well as investigative procedures in 2017. In 2022, she was integral to developing policy and implementing the state's first Small Business and Supplier Diversity Program in execution of a Governor's Executive Order to make the procurement process more accessible for small, veteran, women and minority owned businesses.”

Sullivan added, “Autumn embodies the values of excellence, leadership and service and demonstrates wisdom well beyond her years.”

Cole earned her Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree from Mercer University. In addition to her role at the DOAS, Cole has served on the Board of Directors for the Younger Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, where she has educated the next generation of lawyers on the principles of public service.

Founded in 1976, NASCA is the nation’s only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving chief administrative officers or CAOs. NASCA provides a forum for state chief administrative officers to exchange information and learn new ideas from each other and private sector partners. NASCA engages states in transforming government operations through shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership.

For more information on NASCA, please visit NASCA.org.