b'Meghan Jordan Heckman |DECATUR COUNTY Chris Johnson|RANDOLPH COUNTY After receiving her Juristo voice opinions about changes they would like to see in theirGaining the reputation as a Master Muralist, Chris Johnson, associate professor at Doctor from the Mercercommunities, I think that it is essential for young people to volunteerAndrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia, uses his talents to uplift and revitalize small towns University School of Law,and get involved locally in order for those changes to take place. and cities across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.Meghan Jordan Heckman returned to Bainbridge,In the past two years, Heckman has provided pro bono legalI have worked very closely with community organizations to create art that reflects the Georgia. Her professionalassistance to Elephant Aid International (EAI), a nonprofithistory and values of those locations, says Johnson, who received the 2018 Randolph career started at the Southorganization that creates innovative approaches in the care andCounty Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award. In addition to working Georgia District Attorneysmanagement of elephants. with these community organizations, I have volunteered countless hours to help these Office before joining theAnimal advocacy has been my passion for many years, Heckmantransformative projects become a possibility. Bruce W. Kirbo Law Firm assays. When I learned about EAI establishing a refuge here inWhile most of his paintings are displayed along the sides of downtown buildings, an associate attorney. Southwest Georgia, I was very excited about the opportunity toJohnson recently used a less conventional canvas when he painted a series of murals on I love to travel, but nothingbecome involved in such a unique organization. grain bins in Shellman, Georgia. The massive artwork represents the agriculture, art, and culture of the rural town in Rudolph County.how to become mural painters, hoping they will use beats coming home,Heckman volunteers with the Georgia Democratic Party, where shethe art form to transfer other communities. Heckman says. I feel luckyserves as a legal liaison for the Decatur County Board of Election toThis year, in Warner Robins, Georgia, Johnson completed an 11-panel mural that to live close to my family,mitigate issues that may arise with the voting process. celebrates the importance of Robins Air Force Base and the history of AmericanFor the past three years, Johnson, who received the and work-life balance is very important to me. Bainbridge offers me theaviation. Commissioned by Tidal Wave Auto Spa, a local business, the murals depict2019 Governors Award for the Arts and Humanities, opportunity to practice law in many different areas, and, as a result, I feelWith a strong desire to give back to her community, Heckman ishas helped facilitate various fine arts events in that I am building a more well-rounded career. actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Decaturhistorical events and people in flight, including the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart,Cuthbert, including jazz performances, art exhibitions, County Historical and Genealogical Society, the Bainbridge-DecaturCharles Lindbergh, Tuskegee Airmen, Chuck Yeager, and John Glenn.dinner theatre events, and an annual Arts Around the Encouraging young professionals to give back to their community, HeckmanCounty Humane Society, and the Bainbridge-Decatur County BarAs an educator, Johnson says he has used the public art endeavors to teach studentsSquare festival.says they have the power to enact change. While many people are eagerAssociation.Randi Roxie Booker Price|TIFT COUNTY Sharon Harnage |COOK COUNTYShes on a mission to improve the quality of life for children and adults in Tift County. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Sharon Harnage rallied community leaders toRandi Roxie Booker Price is a University of Georgia Family and Consumer Sciences create the Cook County Community Response Committee, which sponsored feedingExtension agent who identifies community needs then works to develop, implement, programs for school children.and evaluate educational programs that improve a variety of quality of life issues.As the owner of Quick Consulting & Business Services, located in Adel, Georgia,The part I love most about my job is the ability to provide individuals and families with Harnage used her professional expertise to help business owners navigate the Smallresources and opportunities to improve their lives through access to research-based Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and clarified questionseducational information, she says. regarding unemployment compensation. She also created a Facebook page to answerThe educational classes include food and healthy lifestyle, family resource questions and provide resources for small business owners. management, improving relationships through better communication, food safety skills Training the next generation to be financially responsible, Harnage provided Cook Highfor restaurant employees, leadership development for all, housing and environment, School with the Dave Ramsey curriculum for personal finance and entrepreneurship.and community development.An active community leader, Harnage is on the Adel-Cook County COVID-19 DisasterTo help young children develop a healthy lifestyle, Price visits first- and second-Relief Committee, Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce, Adel-Cook Countygrade classrooms to demonstrate the importance of handwashing to stop spreading Tourism Authority, and Adel Downtown Development Authority, and Adel Mainstreetinfectious diseases and limiting sugary drinks to reduce childhood obesity.Board. She has also served on the Adel Tornado Relief Committee, Committee forPrice also teaches a series of adult classes focused on budgeting, spending, and Childhood Cancer Awareness, and Cook County Centennial Committee. savings, to help participants control their finances and reduce stress.Continuing to give back to her community, this year, she organized a National Day of Partnering with other groups and agencies in Tift County, such as family resource Prayer and Night of Solidarity to bring awareness of racial issues within her community. centers, health departments, and other family-serving agencies in the county, is key to reaching audiences in need, Price says. Through these collaborations, the leaders solve community problems and multiply effectiveness.22 SG MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 BUSINESS + CULTURE 23'