Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed two Hall County men to serve on state boards.

Tom Watkins of Gainesville will serve on the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, & Marriage and Family Therapists.

The board regulates the practice of professional counseling, social work and marriage and family therapy by enforcing education and licensing requirements.

Watkins has been in the counseling industry more than 20 years and is director of New Hope Counseling which serves accountability courts in Dawson, Forsyth and Hall counties.

Watkins holds a doctorate in psychology. He also is a member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

Paul White Sr. of Murrayville will serve on the Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers. The board regulates athletic training, including processing licensure applications and investigating complaints issued against licensed athletic trainers.

White has been a teacher and coach for 33 years, including time as wrestling coach at North Hall High School.

He serves on the board of directors of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Georgia Chapter, and also on the board of directors of the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

White has a master's degree from North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega.