b'Justin H. Cox |COLQUITT COUNTY 2020 - 2021 A champion for Colquitt County, Justin H. Cox, provides his TEAMSouth Georgia professional expertise and talents on numerous organizations andYurshema Flanders | LOWNDES COUNTY boards.As director of compliance for Colquitt County Board of Commissioners, he was involved in creating, adopting, and implementing itsYurshema comprehensive plan through zoning and land-use changes.Flanders is an From working on getting an accurate census count to serving onadvocate in the the board of director of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber offight to improve C ongratulations to Team South Georgia 2020-2021. This is the third time, South Georgia Business + CultureCommerce and Joint Development Authority (JDA), Cox has a passionthe lives of Magazine has recognized community champions for their innovative spirit and ability to obtain positivefor generating jobs and revitalizing economic growth in South Georgia. homeless people results. With the goal to get everyone counted, Cox says despite theand encourage parents to Throughout South Georgia there are people of varying ages and levels of professional experience that aspireCOVID-19 and other national issues, the Colquitt County Completebecome more Counts Committee shows tremendous leadership. involved in to make the region a better place to live, work, and play. This years class represents Berrien, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Lowndes, Randolph, Thomas, and Tift counties.Working with the JDA, which covers Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell,activities at their and Thomas counties, Cox has great respect for regional economicchilds school. efforts. Flanders is Brandon Godwin |THOMAS COUNTYThe JDA shows me that even if a project does not locate in our county,the executive its impact is positive and felt regionally in other ways, Cox says. Somedirector of similar industries may spur growth because of a larger one in the area. the Lowndes People have to have somewhere to live, and they may locate inAssociated Ministries to People (LAMP), which has a mission A native of Thomasville, Georgia, Brandon Godwin, principal architect withColquitt County so they can work in a neighboring county. Peopleto serve the homeless population in Lowndes County and Garschagen & Godwin Architecture, is focused on preserving the historicalwould be shocked to know the behind-the- scenes efforts that go intosurrounding counties. integrity of residential and commercial buildings throughout South Georgia. regional economic development. As a member of the Parent Advisory Council at J.L. Newbern Beyond his architectural efforts, Godwin serves on the National Wild TurkeyA native of Colquitt County, Cox is a graduate of LeadershipMiddle School, Flanders created a program that makes it easier for Federation, Longbeards Chapter to raise funds and awareness on theColquitt Countand completed the Georgia Academy for Economicparents to attend school events and informational meetings. importance of hunting and wildlife management. Development and University of Georgia Certified Public ManagerI learned barriers of why many of the schools parents were program. He is a volunteer firefighter in Colquitt County and a memberunable to attend programs and important information meetings, Godwin currently serves as chair of the Historic Preservation Commissionof the Kiwanis Club of Moultrie. Flanders says. Something as simple as the inability to afford in Boston, Georgia, where he works with community leaders to protect thedinner was something I knew how to resolve. I hit the ground design and standards of historic properties. He previously served on therunning and connected with local churches, organizations, board with Landmarks of Thomas County to promote the importance ofand volunteers to provide meals for the schools families and historic preservation.babysitting services, which removed those barriers and increased Preservation of historic homes and building is one of the most critical andparental engagement at the middle school.effective things everyone can play a role with our local communities, saysShe says removing these obstacles has increased parental Godwin. Anyone can participate, just hire the right professionals to ensureengagement at school activities. the renovation is sensitive and implemented properly.Her volunteer commitment extends to participating with the His architectural projects and works of art have been highlighted in variouslocal section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). regional publications, including Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles MagazineFlanders works closely with the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan and Charlotte Home + Garden Magazine. In 2015, Godwins historic homeSections Community Wide Family Reunion. Sponsored by the renovation project was highlighted in Saving America on HGTV. local section of NCNW, the event is free to the public and provides various resources, including health checks and food assistance.20 SG MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 BUSINESS + CULTURE 21'