March 1993 —Atlanta, Georgia served as host to ASFPM’s 17^th Annual Conference. What made this conference most memorable was that it coincided with the “Blizzard of ‘93”. This snowstorm impacted all of Atlanta, most of Georgia, and much of the southeast. It became one of the most expensive and disruptive weather events of the 20^th century. A total of 26 states felt the fury of the storm’s widespread conditions. Through difficult conditions, conference attendees persevered, remained focused and applied the necessary mitigation measures to ensure that the conference proceeded, despite the many challenges caused by the storm. Though this was not a “flood event”, it did provide a glimpse into the dedication and comradery of those professionals called “floodplain managers”.  As a result of this March weather event, ASFPM has consciously avoided scheduling future annual conferences during this time of the year.  

July 1994 —On July 3, Tropical Storm Alberto traveled across the Florida panhandle and proceeded northeast into Georgia. However, the storm stalled on the Fourth of July in the southwestern portion of the state. Over the next six days Tropical Storm Alberto dumped more than 20 inches of rain over middle and southwest Georgia, causing historical flooding in 55 counties that resulted in extensive property damages. Realizing that flood insurance was unavailable in a significant number of communities within the disaster declared area, local officials were receptive to enrolling their communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Following the retirement of Alexis Harris, Collis assumed the duties of Georgia’s Floodplain Management Coordinator in February 1995. Over the next year, an ambitious outreach plan was undertaken to enroll those non-participating communities in the NFIP.   

By the time Collis retired from Georgia DNR in September 2012, 83% of Georgia’s counties and municipalities (655 local governments) were enrolled in the NFIP. Also, 38 communities enacted floodplain management measures that exceeded the minimum requirements of the NFIP, thus allowing them to participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) Program.  

ASFPM established the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Program in 1998 to create a baseline testing of professional competence in floodplain management. Through newsletter articles and training courses that were strategically held across the state, Collis eagerly promoted the program and encouraged local officials to become CFMs. Frequently proctoring the CFM exam, Collis would often announce that he would personally present the certificate to any local official who passes the exam.  

While serving as Georgia’s Floodplain Management Coordinator, Collis also served ASFPM in the following roles:

• 2001–2006   Served on Certification Board of Regents (CBOR)
• 2004–2006   Served as Vice President of CBOR
• 2006–2008   Served as Secretary of ASFPM Board of Directors   

During Collis’ tenure with Georgia DNR, ASFPM recognized him with the following awards:

• 1998, Tom Lee Award for Excellence

Given annually to recognize an outstanding floodplain management program or activity at the State level.

• 2009, John Ivey Award for Superior Efforts in Certification

Recognizes exceptional efforts to promote the professional certification of floodplain managers.

In 2005, Collis was One of Seven Chartered Members of Georgia Association of Floodplain Management (GAFM). He served as the association’s first Vice Chair.

After retiring from Georgia DNR, Collis continued his career in floodplain management as a Natural Hazards Program Specialist with FEMA Region 4, retiring in May 2019.