South GeorgiaLEADS Class of 2022-2023
Across South Georgia, 28 business leaders have committed to investing in the future vitality and sustainability of the region by participating in the 2022-2023 class of South GeorgiaLEADS.
Representing 16 South Georgia communities, this year’s class members share a desire to engage and proactively address the issues facing the region.
“We are excited about the great conversations and skill sharing the class will experience—and take back to their hometowns.,” said Barbara Grogan, South GeorgiaLEADS board chair. “Reflective of the diversity of our region, we have professionals from a wide range of sectors including non-profits, K-12 and post-secondary education, local government, financial institutions, utility companies, entrepreneurs, and more.”
South GeorgiaLEADS links community leaders to the region’s economic development plan and efforts. The program is sustained through corporate sponsorships, including Georgia Power Company as a sustaining sponsor and Electric Cities of Georgia as the presenting sponsor.
“At Georgia Power, we have well over 100 years of community and economic development experience,” said Joe Brownlee, Georgia Power regional director. “From that experience, we’ve come to realize and firmly believe that the most successful regions have committed, engaged leaders. When communities and regions consider leaders to engage in the economic development planning process, it’s important to include stakeholders that bring a different perspective, innovative ideas, and contagious enthusiasm. Community and regional leadership is too important to be left up to chance.”
Brownlee explained that Georgia Power is committed to South GeorgiaLEADS because it brings together leaders that foster change and growth and create strategies for collaboration throughout the region.
“The South GeorgiaLEADS program provides pathways for southwest Georgia leaders to solve complicated challenges of today and the future.,” said Daryl Ingram, senior vice president and chief external officer for Electric Cities of Georgia. “The grassroots principles of LEADS align with the Electric Cities of Georgia’s rich history of helping communities and why our continued support of this LEADS program is a perfect fit in our support of Southwest Georgia.”
For more information about South GeorgiaLEADS, please visit www.southgeorgialeads.com; or contact South GeorgiaLEADS Chair Barbara Grogan at 229.921.1457; orsouthgeorgialeads@yahoo.com.
The 2022-2023 South GeorgiaLEADS class:
Jennifer Floyd, City of Fitzgerald
Jessica Griner, Fitzgerald Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce
Brandon Winn, Young, Black, and Empowered Inc.
Brent James, Georgia Power Company
Dale Rickett, Colquitt County Educational Foundation
Anna Kinchen, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit
Tonya Jones, Sumter EMC
LaVenice Grace, Dougherty County Schools
Cheryl Winson, Dougherty County Family Literacy Council
Donica Williams, First National Bank
Cicily Florence, YardCandi Pops
Amy Carter, Southern Regional Technical College
Mary Crawford, Girls on the Run South Georgia
Mike Davis, Hahira United Methodist Church
Kimberly Hobbs, Southern Georgia Regional Commission
Shannon McGee, Valdosta State University
Chanel Randolph, Southeastern Credit Union
Christy Wray, Mitchell County School System
Rachel Jenson, City of Whigham
Wendi Jenkins, University System of Georgia
Josh Drew, Sumter County Schools
Jimmy Whaley, Whaley Realty, Inc.
Erin Badger, New Hire Solutions
Brittany Bryant, Southern Regional Technical College
Jennifer Jarvis, Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce
Travis Moss, Secure Records Solutions
Adrian Martinez Franco, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Jodie Kretzer, Invision Technologies