Abigail was born in Newnan, Ga and is now raising her daughter in the same supportive community. She received her Bachelor’s in Management and Hospitality from the Georgia State University and her Master’s in Business Administration at the University of West Georgia. She began working at Pathways Center in May 2020 and has been promoted to Director of Client Engagement and a member of the Executive Leadership Team. In 2023, she received her certification as a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner. At Pathways Center, she supervises a team of Activity Therapists at the Crisis Stabilization Unit as well as the Client Curriculum Coordinator for outpatient day, will share valuable insights and strategies for supporting mental health and preventing suicide in our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a difference.

Alan Maxcy believes nonprofits and their leaders are the world’s best problem solvers. With the right support, he has seen them transform entire communities. A nonprofit expert with 15+ years of experience, Alan specializes in turning grassroots initiatives into award-winning programs through strategic planning and measurable impact. His journey began at a housing and mentoring ministry in Montgomery, Alabama, where he revitalized a fledgling program with structured curriculum design and clear goals. Alan’s superpower is turning chaos into clarity, helping nonprofits prove and improve their impact. When he’s not empowering nonprofits, Alan enjoys perfecting his pizza dough, cycling around Stone Mountain, and adventuring with his wife, Sherilee, and their two wild, wonderful kids—all fueled by great coffee and good books.

Amanda Camp-Fenlon is a native of Carroll County and graduated from the University of West Georgia with a degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. Amanda served on the board of the National Alumni Association with the University of West Georgia and was on the public relations committee for the College of Social Sciences with UWG. She was the president of Prevent Child Abuse Carroll for over 10 years. Amanda was one of the first female members allowed into the Carrollton Civitan club and was the first female president of the club. She served as the Executive Director for the Carroll County CASA program for 17 years before coming to Coweta CASA in November 2017. She graduated from Leadership Coweta and is currently serving as the Chair for Coweta Family Connection.

Angela McRae serves as the contract publicist for the Coweta Community Foundation, where she plays a vital role in promoting the Foundation’s work in supporting nonprofits throughout Coweta County. Whether capturing moments at fundraisers, documenting the efforts of the Community Service Team, or helping annual grant recipients gain visibility, Angela is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the Foundation’s impact. Outside of her professional work, she is an active board member of Plant Newnan and enjoys afternoon tea, crafting, and writing cozy mysteries in her spare time.

Anne Morris brings nearly 20 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in employee benefit plan and nonprofit audits. As the Assurance Leader for Windham Brannon’s Employee Benefit Plan and Not-for-Profit Services Practice, she ensures audits are effective and timely by identifying potential issues early in the process. Anne works closely with clients throughout the year, providing guidance and presenting financial statements and audit findings to boards and committees. She is a sought-after speaker on emerging nonprofit issues and has contributed to industry conferences, including the AICPA National Employee Benefit Plan Conference. Anne serves on the Leadership Council of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and is a member of the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference Planning Committee. Her expertise includes 401(k), 403(b), pension plans, and SEC Form 11-K filing requirements.

Blue Cole, a Georgia Southern University graduate, brings nearly 20 years of experience in state and local government, specializing in grant writing, project management, and building impactful partnerships. His work includes a successful state/city/NPO collaboration to rapidly rehouse homeless families and the implementation of federal and state grants to improve water quality. He is also dedicated to studying the role and significance of small, local government units. Blue lives in Sharpsburg, Georgia, with his wife, their children, and their beloved “dog-aughters,” Hazel and Olive.

Bob Brown is the CEO of Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation (YMMC), joining in 2019 as Vice President of Finance & Operations Support. He played a key role in navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and later became Vice President of Manufacturing, helping optimize Yamaha’s North American operations. With nearly five years at YMMC’s Newnan facility, Bob has driven success in the ATV, Side-by-Side, Water Vehicle, and Golf Car sectors. He has chaired the Coweta Grand Prix, supporting STEM education, and serves on the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and Coweta Community Foundation boards. Bob has also led YMMC’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, focusing on community involvement. He resides in Newnan, where he is committed to local development.

Brandee Thomas is a former journalist turned nonprofit leader. She has worked for entities like United Way of Greater Atlanta and The Gainesville Times. Her storytelling has been used to win awards for print publications and 6-figure grants for nonprofits. As the CEO of Always Write Communications, she is determined to leave the world a better place than she found it, by helping mission-minded organizations tell the stories that move their missions forward. She believes that the heart of a mission is what opens doors, but its the telling of the stories that keep the lights on.

Brett Johnston is the Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee at the Coweta Community Foundation, where he has served since 2019. He has extensive experience in the banking and nonprofit sectors, having previously served as the Coweta/Fayette Market President at Southern States Bank, where he grew the loan portfolio to $125 million and developed community engagement initiatives. Brett’s leadership in both corporate and nonprofit spaces has focused on fostering economic empowerment and building strategic community relationships. He has also held senior positions at Fifth Third Bank, United Community Bank, First Choice Community Bank, and Regions Bank, where he excelled in loan portfolio management and business development.

Chad Staples has lived in Newnan, Georgia, for 22 years, where he discovered his passion for music at age 19. A multi-instrumentalist with experience recording albums and performing in several bands, he also holds an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Chad is deeply involved in community service through Bridging the Gap and Foundation Christian Church, which led him to identify a significant need for music education and instruments for at-risk students. In response, he co-founded the More Music Foundation in 2021, creating programs to address that need. Chad and his wife, Cori, enjoy teaching music, taking trips to the mountains, and serving their community.

Cynthia Bennett is the chairman of the Coweta Community Foundation, where she coordinates the teen community service team, and serves as president of Meals on Wheels of Coweta. She is also the community liaison for the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Coweta Public Facilities Authority and the Coweta Ballot Review Board. A retired social studies teacher, Bennett volunteers at the Central Education Center, helping to make the annual Career Works event a success. Following the March 26 tornado, she helped restructure the Foundation’s response, including the creation of the Hope Has No Deductible program.

Dean Jackson, a Coweta County native and Georgia State University graduate, has served as Public Information Officer for the Coweta County School System since 2001. He is a former Board Member and Chairman of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and has led numerous civic initiatives, including Newnan’s 175th Anniversary Committee and the Leadership Coweta program, which he co-founded. As Chairman of the Coweta Community Foundation, Dean played a pivotal role in disaster recovery efforts after the EF-4 tornado that struck Newnan, dedicating countless hours to establishing long-term support for the community, even while recovering from damage to his own home. A longtime member of the Rotary Club of Newnan, Dean continues to serve his community with passion and dedication.

Denise Grove, CPA, CGMA is a Georgia native and financial expert with a mission to “Do Good” by empowering others through financial literacy and practical advice. A sought-after speaker and consultant, she specializes in sustainable financial solutions for nonprofits and individuals, drawing on a career that spans Big Four public accounting, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurial ventures. An Auburn University graduate and Advanced Certified Profit First Professional, Denise offers group training, one-on-one coaching, and clear guidance to help her clients achieve financial stability. Passionate about philanthropy, she has served as a volunteer treasurer for multiple nonprofit organizations and remains active in her community as a Coweta County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer. Denise lives with her husband in Coweta County, where they enjoy travel, college football, and time with loved ones.

Deon Whitlock is the CEO of AI Business Coach, specializing in AI-driven solutions designed to empower nonprofits and small businesses. With a background in Business & Process Engineering, Deon has helped Fortune 500 Companies enhance their impact through technology by optimizing operational workflows and implementing automation that improve reliability and operating efficiencies. AI Business Coach is dedicated to equipping nonprofits and churches and small, and medium size organizations with the tools and insights needed to maximize their resources and fulfill their missions effectively.

Doug Kolbenschlag, a proud Navy brat, grew up across the U.S. and Europe before settling in Senoia in 2012. He holds a bachelor’s in electrical engineering technology from Southern Polytechnic State University and an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University. A registered professional engineer, Doug retired in 2017 after a 35-year career with Georgia Power Company. Now dedicated to giving back, Doug serves on the Coweta Community Foundation Board, chairs the Coweta Street Park Initiative, volunteers with the Senoia Area Historical Society, and is active in Senoia United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Lori, live in a historic 1905 home in Senoia, enjoying time with their three adult children and four grandchildren.

Ellie White-Stevens is the Creative Director and founder of Dirt1x, a marketing agency that helps businesses grow through recruitment strategies and full-service marketing support using its Sustainable Marketing System. Dirt1x specializes in building lasting brands, crafting compelling campaigns, and delivering consistent marketing solutions. Ellie has been recognized as the Entrepreneur Category Winner for Newnan Coweta Chamber Small Business of the Year, the first Young Professional of the Year for the Fayette Chamber, and Business Woman of the Year for Business Women of Fayette and Coweta, where she also served as President. She chaired the O Christmas Tea committee, raising over $250,000 to support women and children.

Eric Billman is Principal Consultant for Donor Bliss Consulting and co-author of The Art and Science of Donor Bliss: Raise (More) Money, Make Friends, and Embrace the Joy of Giving. A seasoned fundraiser and nonprofit consultant, Eric has worked with donors, boards, and volunteers worldwide, supporting over 25 campaigns that collectively raised more than $5 billion. Previously, Eric served as Head of Advancement for the Australian National University and held leadership roles at Georgetown University and the University of Wisconsin. He began his career at Carnegie Mellon University, his alma mater, where he earned an MBA and a BS in Civil Engineering. Eric is a sought-after speaker on topics like fundraising, board engagement, and the transformational power of philanthropy.

Erika Godfrey serves as the vibrant Executive Pastor at Pure Worship Deliverance Ministries in Hogansville, GA. She is also an accomplished entrepreneur, co-owning Unique Whips Auto Brokers, LLC, North Coweta Kitchen and Bath, and running her travel agency, Traveling Bougie On A Budget. Erika recently launched a new venture creating custom signs, plaques, and marketing materials for all occasions. With a tech-savvy background starting with AOL 1.0 and MySpace, she excels in digital engagement and content creation, turning everyday experiences into meaningful connections. A dedicated mentor, Erika is passionate about helping others discover their purpose and entrepreneurial spirit. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, traveling the world with her husband Render, and spending time with their energetic 2-pound teacup Yorkie.

Geoff Fulton, CPA, is a dynamic leader and the partner in charge of assurance services at Fulton & Kozak. With extensive expertise across the construction, distribution, real estate, and nonprofit sectors, Geoff brings unparalleled insight and practical strategies to his clients. Beyond his professional achievements, Geoff is deeply committed to his community, dedicating his time to empowering the next generation through youth sports programs.

Gerald Kemp is a deacon at Zion Hill Baptist Church, where he teaches a teen Sunday School class, serves as a youth advisor, and established a scholarship fund. He has created and taught financial literacy seminars in underserved communities. A past president of the Rotary Club of Newnan, Kemp has served in leadership roles with organizations including Newnan-Coweta United Way, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteers with the Coweta County School System, the University of West Georgia, and as a mentor to local students. In 2024, Kemp was named Coweta Citizen of the Year for his outstanding leadership and volunteer work. As a senior vice president at Ameris Bank, he supports local organizations focused on education, healthcare, and quality of life. Kemp is also involved with the Les Bons Hommes Civic and Social Club, coaches youth sports, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels.

Hank Arnold is the founder and director of Coweta FORCE, a Recovery Community Organization supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction. Active in the recovery field since 2012, Hank has held roles at Talbott Recovery Campus and earned certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Peer Specialist-Addictive Disease (CPS-AD), and Forensic Peer Mentor (FPM). Since founding Coweta FORCE in 2018, he has led the organization to serve an average of 1,500 people monthly. Hank, in recovery since 2010, lives in Coweta County with his wife and five children, embracing a life of purpose and gratitude.

James Schiller Paul is an accomplished filmmaker, author, and founder of Schiller Productions. With a background in accounting for major productions like The Sopranos, Third Watch, and Men in Black II, Paul transitioned from financial roles to storytelling, blending his expertise with creative instincts. He has also taught aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of turning dreams into reality. Schiller Productions, named in honor of his late father, produces films, documentaries, commercials, and social media content, while also supporting other creators. A graduate of Delaware State University, Paul continues to refine his craft in Georgia, where he balances his career with his love for family.

Jason Walton has served as the Community Outreach Pastor at Foundation Christian Church in downtown Newnan since 2017. In this role, he has helped the church partner with numerous nonprofits in Coweta County to support their missions. Jason earned a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Point University in 2004 and a master’s degree in Church Planting from Liberty University in 2014. Before joining Foundation, he led UWG CCF, a ministry for college students at the University of West Georgia, for twelve years.

Jennifer Yaeger is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in various therapeutic settings. She is a Certified Master Addiction Counselor and a frequent presenter at organizations like the Georgia School of Addiction Studies. Trained in Trauma-Informed Expressive Art Therapy, Yoga, and EMDR, Jennifer authored the 21 Day Expressive Art Therapy Journal for Emotional Expression. She is the Owner and Clinical Director of Sea Glass Therapy, a holistic wellness center, and the Founder of Frayed Edges Foundation, providing counseling scholarships and mental wellness programs. Jennifer also created Looking Glass Courses for continuing education in mental health.

Joe Domaleski is an energetic & experienced executive with a passion for better marketing. He has over 25 years of experience in helping nonprofits maximize their marketing results. Joe is the owner of Country Fried Creative, an award-winning digital marketing firm. Joe has an MBA from Georgia State University and is currently working on a second Master’s Degree in Analytics from Georgia Tech. He is a husband, father of three grown children, and a proud US Army Veteran.

Julie Edwards is a nonprofit strategist dedicated to empowering leaders to thrive in fundraising. After 11 years as a successful nonprofit leader, she launched her consulting business in 2020 and has since helped raise over $10 million for the organizations she supports. Known for her vibrant and empathetic approach, Julie combines strategic insight with genuine care to tackle the challenges of nonprofit management. Her expertise in donor relations, fundraising strategy, and campaign management makes her a trusted resource for organizations seeking growth and sustainability. Passionate about making a difference, Julie brings seasoned expertise and boundless enthusiasm to every project, helping nonprofits achieve their missions and maximize their impact.

Kevin Williams is an esteemed author, speaker, coach, trainer, and mentor who is uniquely qualified to guide and inspire leaders in their pursuit of leadership development. He is the founder of Power Forward Leadership and Power Forward Youth Leadership and is a Certified Maxwell Leadership Team Member. With a Master’s Degree in Leadership, Kevin brings a wealth of understanding and experience to the world of leadership development. His proficiency in leadership theory and practical application positions him to assist leaders in fostering growth and development. Kevin’s passion for equipping youth with the skills needed to thrive in the future is truly inspiring. He encourages leaders to recognize the transformative power of leadership development and emphasizes the importance of investing in the younger generation’s growth.

Kim Ellis Walker is the Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Board (WPB) at the Auburn University Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, a position she has held since 2012. With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, event planning, marketing, and program development, Kim has made significant contributions to Auburn University. She earned a degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Auburn and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adult Education. Previously, she served in various roles at Auburn, including Director of External Relations and Director of Development for the College of Education. Kim is also Vice President of the F. Allen and Louise K. Turner Foundation and serves on the board of the Auburn Heritage Association.

Krista Gonce, MA, has been a Regional Prevention Coordinator for the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy since August 2012. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in Atlanta, and has worked in the human services field since 2004. She previously worked as a Victim Advocate at the State Attorney’s Office in Orlando, Florida and a Substance Use Counselor at various non-profit agencies in both Florida and Georgia. Krista currently resides in Fayette County with her husband and daughter.

Kristin Webb is the Manager of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Yamaha, bringing over 15 years of experience across the nonprofit, healthcare, insurance, and sales sectors. Previously the CEO of the Coweta Community Foundation, she raised and managed $3 million for long-term disaster recovery efforts. Before her nonprofit work, Kristin was a top insurance sales producer, ranking among the nation’s top 10 agents for personal annual volume. She also served as the Director of Development at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where she created and led the successful Youth Board program, which expanded nationally. Kristin is a graduate of Winthrop University, an alumna of the Leadership Coweta class of 2022-23, and a contributing instructor in the UWG Nonprofit Certification program.

Lori Shapiro is a staff attorney at Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, where she provides legal services to nonprofits, supports volunteer attorneys, and educates clients on employment law. With over 20 years of experience, Lori has worked as a law firm partner, in-house counsel, and General Counsel for Employment Learning Innovations. She has expertise in labor law, employee benefits, intellectual property, and OSHA compliance. Lori has also taught labor law and served on nonprofit boards, including The Breman Museum. She earned her J.D. from NYU School of Law and lives in Marietta with her family.

With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Lorraine Burt specializes in grants management, fundraising strategies, nonprofit boards, and partner relationship stewardship. She has served with Operation Mobilization for 23 years, building and leading a team of writers who raised over $20 million in 2023 through compelling grants and reports. Lorraine has been an active board member for several nonprofits, including five years with Riverlife, Inc. She is passionate about helping organizations, especially those without the resources to hire full-time staff, to develop strong, sustainable funding strategies. Outside of her work, Lorraine enjoys traveling on motorcycle trips with her husband, singing with her church’s worship team, and playing games with her grandchildren. She and her husband of 45 years live in Sharpsburg and have two adult children.

Mak Strickland is a quasi-Newnan native, born in Atlanta and deeply connected to Coweta County through her maternal roots. After spending summers in the Handy Community with her grandparents, Mak moved to Newnan and graduated from Newnan High School in 1995. She earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance from Clayton State University. Mak worked for several years as an auditor for governmental and private education entities before discovering her passion for music and community service. Through her involvement with More Music, she combines her love for music, service, and helping children explore experiences beyond the expected. Now living in Sharpsburg with her husband, Vernon, and their children, Drake and Emmerson, Mak is also a Realtor, committed to the growth and integrity of Coweta County. Above all, she values quality time with family and friends.

Marcie Bayne is dedicated to fostering connection and creating meaningful change through community involvement. After relocating from California to Newnan over seven years ago, she and her husband embraced life in their historic downtown home and became active members of Foundation Church. As Volunteer Coordinator for Affinis Hospice, Marcie recruits and supports volunteers for patient care, administrative assistance, and bereavement services, while also leading community outreach efforts. With a 25-year career in consulting, specializing in research, policy development, communications, and contract writing, Marcie has extensive experience in volunteer recruitment, event planning, and nonprofit board service, particularly in fundraising and community engagement. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration, she is skilled at uniting people to achieve shared goals, believing that collaboration is key to a thriving community.

Meredith Burke Hammons, Ph.D. brings over 15 years of expertise in grant development, training, and research, with a proven track record of securing more than $17 million in grant funding. As a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) consultant, she partners with clients nationwide to provide grant research, writing, training, and readiness services. Meredith’s diverse teaching experience spans high school, college, and graduate levels, alongside training for nonprofit staff, libraries, and the public. She has also presented at conferences on local, regional, and national stages. Holding a Ph.D. in Religion from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois, Meredith combines academic rigor with practical insights to empower organizations and individuals to achieve their goals.

Quay Boddie, a lifelong resident of LaGrange, GA, is a dedicated community advocate, author, and leader. Inspired by his grandmother’s legacy of service, Quay founded the Get Fed program to address hunger in LaGrange and continues to champion causes that uplift his community. A former scholar-athlete and Callaway High School Hall of Fame inductee, Quay earned a degree in Business Administration from Shorter University. He has served as District 2 City Councilman, acting Mayor of LaGrange, and board chair for Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter. Quay is the author of four books, including Old Soul 22 and Coffee: Wake Up and Be Great, and is a sought-after speaker known for his messages of hope and faith. Above all, he is a devoted husband to Jerika and father to their daughter, Harper.

Ruth Scott, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, grew up navigating the complexities of multiple cultures as a “third culture kid.” This experience of feeling disconnected from both her parents’ culture and the culture she grew up in inspired her to study psychology and dedicate nearly 30 years to working with children and families as a social worker, counselor, and educator. A proud member of a large African American family from Alabama, Ruth is a passionate advocate for social justice. As a white, middle-class woman, she is fiercely protective of her black husband and biracial daughters, and is committed to confronting her own biases while advocating for positive change.

Sara Bordeaux, founder of Purposed HR, brings over 17 years of transformational HR leadership to the table, honed in high-stakes manufacturing and healthcare environments. Armed with a degree in psychology and business from Lee University and certifications in HR and leadership facilitation (PHR, SHRM-CP, DDI FCP), Sara’s career journey began in the trenches of HR as a “department of one,” navigating the unique complexities of a family-owned business. She later spearheaded HR strategies for global manufacturing giants. Now, through the mission of Purposed HR, she provides services that simplify compliance, foster a positive culture, and build foundational leadership skills. Purposed HR takes a holistic approach to supporting business goals in everything from compliance to culture. When Sara isn’t revolutionizing HR, she enjoys life in Georgia with her husband and four teen boys, drawing inspiration from community service and globe-trotting adventures.

Scott McInnis has been appointed Executive Director of the Coweta Community Foundation, succeeding Kristin Webb. A respected leader in the Coweta community, Scott brings extensive experience in fundraising, community engagement, and relationship-building. Previously, he founded and served as senior pastor of Wellspring Church and later became the Community Relations and Outreach Director at Crossroads Church following its merger. Most recently, Scott was CEO of Frontline Policy. He has also served as a US Navy Reserve soldier and is active on various community boards, including Elevate Coweta. Scott holds an MBA from LSU and a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Susie Berta has lived in Newnan since 1977 with her husband Rick, a veterinarian. Together, they raised two sons and now enjoy their two grandchildren. A retired vocalist and performer, Susie sang with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, toured Europe, and starred in productions like The Music Man at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre. She also created and performed her one-woman cabaret show, All Grown Up. At 53, Susie began a new chapter as an artist, earning a BFA degree in Art, Summa Cum Laude, from SCAD in 2007. Now a full-time writer, she pens a weekly column for The Newnan-Times Herald and has authored two books. The Veterinarian’s Wife, a Memoir (2022) shares heartfelt and humorous essays on her life, marriage, and love of animals. Her second book, Something I Said (2024), features her witty reflections on life and includes recipes. Susie continues to bring her creativity and insight to everything she does, finding joy in writing and sharing her story.

Zuleica Rendall is a brand strategist, designer, and consultant dedicated to helping nonprofits and community-driven organizations communicate their mission with authenticity and impact. With expertise in marketing, design, and consulting, she combines creativity and strategic insight to craft compelling brand identities. As the founder of In Good Company, Zuleica empowers organizations to cultivate meaningful connections with donors, volunteers, and communities through storytelling, design thinking, and intentional energy management. Known for her engaging, down-to-earth style, she leads workshops that equip participants with the tools to build cohesive, impactful brands that inspire positive change.