Stephen Childs

Stephen Childs is the CHRO at Panasonic Automotive Systems and a globally recognized keynote speaker, author, and executive coach. With over 25 years at Panasonic, he’s led transformative efforts in culture, leadership, and innovation. He holds a graduate-level coaching certification from Columbia University and is a Global Fellow of Talent Management at The Wharton School.
Stephen’s debut book, Just Be Undeniable, will be released in February 2026, delivering a proven framework for rewiring your habits, upgrading your mindset, and mastering the small daily behaviors that lead to extraordinary success and personal transformation.

Under his leadership, Panasonic Automotive has been ranked among the “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” earning the #1 national spot twice and is a year-over-year Certified Great Place to Work. Stephen is known for his humor, practical insights, and no-excuses approach to leadership development and human potential.

Valerie Alexander: Speaker | Author | Advocate for Workplace Happiness & Inclusion

Valerie Alexander is a globally recognized speaker, author, and thought leader on workplace happiness, inclusive leadership, and the advancement of women.

Known for her dynamic stage presence and ability to blend humor, neuroscience, and real-world insight, Valerie helps organizations unlock the power of happiness and inclusion to fuel performance, innovation, and retention.

She has delivered transformative keynotes for Fortune 500 companies, global conferences and government agencies including NASA, the CDC, the Air National Guard, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Her TED Talk, How to Outsmart Your Own Unconscious Bias, has been viewed over a million times and is used as a training tool in boardrooms and classrooms around the world.

Before becoming a leading voice on culture and leadership, Valerie worked in the Silicon Valley as a corporate securities lawyer, investment banker, tech executive, and the founder and CEO of Goalkeeper, a startup focused on communication, happiness and connection. Following that, she moved to Los Angeles, where her work as a screenwriter and director includes the Hallmark movie, Memories of Christmas, along with multiple award-winning advocacy campaigns in support of marriage equality.

Valerie is the bestselling author of Happiness as a Second Language, Success as a Second Language, and How Women Can Succeed in the Workplace, and she holds the Registered Trademark on the phrase, “…as a Second Language” for self-help books, publishing works by experts on parenting, grief, creativity, and mindfulness, with more in the pipeline. She also currently serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Culture, Leadership & Narrative for the Atlanta-area startup incubator, Launch Fayette, and on the Board of Directors of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Valerie lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their exuberant German Shepherd, Vegas, Baby!

Aaron Wright is a skilled professional with extensive experience in HR, including hiring, team development, culture improvement, and team management. He is passionate about working with business owners to recruit, retain, and develop top talent. Aaron delivers individual approaches to guarantee all clients experience exceptional results and drives success for our clients.

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 inducted 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 in 2019 and is currently serving as the Chair for Coweta Family Connection and the Vice Chair for Meriwether Family Connection. She also proudly serves as the board president for the Carroll County Community Theater.

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.

Angie Stryker creates teams and builds organizations. She built campus ministries from Atlanta to Mexico. From those experiences, she takes the leadership development principles she learned and utilizes them in coaching culture building and leadership in the business world, nonprofits and ministries. Angie has coached companies and nonprofits all over the U.S. and missionary teams everywhere.

Angie is a storyteller, speaking at retreats around the world and in local pulpits. She writes for local creative outposts and has a children’s book in the world.

Angie is ordained in the Christian Church, is an avid outdoors and fitness lover, teaching yoga and paddleboarding on Lake Wedowee in Alabama. There she lives a life of delight with her amazing husband of 30 years, Matt. She is the mom to two incredible adults, Jack and Valerie.

Find her at www.soulbodyheartmind.com or instagram @ wild.flowers.yall

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.

Mr. Blue Cole is an award winning writer and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. His experience includes nearly 20 years of state and local government work, including writing grants, managing projects, and building partnerships. Previous positions include State of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and several local governments. He lives in Sharpsburg, Georgia, with his wife and children, where he served two terms as Mayor.

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.

Candace Boothby, CCE, APR, GCCE, IOM


President & CEO, Newnan-Coweta Chamber

For over two decades, Candace Boothby has driven innovation and impact as President & CEO of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber. She led the organization to national acclaim, earning 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber for 16 years and capturing the title of 2015 “Chamber of the Year”—the first in Georgia—and again reaching finalist status in 2024. One of only three Certified Chamber Executives (CCE) in Georgia, Candace blends strategic vision with high-energy leadership, guiding the Chamber’s mission to champion economic prosperity across Coweta County. A longtime advocate for leadership development, she’s especially committed to creating pathways for professional women to grow, lead, and thrive.

Chellie Phillips is the Vice President of Communications and Public Relations for Coweta-Fayette EMC, where she leads strategic communication efforts focused on member engagement, community trust, and organizational culture. Through this role, she works closely with local nonprofits and community leaders, including oversight and promotion of the cooperative’s Operation Round Up® program—an initiative that allows members to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar to fund grants for nonprofits making a direct impact across Coweta and Fayette counties.
 
In addition to her utility leadership role, Chellie is an international best-selling author, keynote speaker, and corporate trainer. She has written multiple books on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth, including Culture Secrets: Secrets Leaders Use to Build a V.A.L.U.E. Culture and When In Doubt, Delete It!, which are widely used by organizations seeking to strengthen leadership, engagement, and communication.
 
Chellie brings a unique perspective to the nonprofit space, combining firsthand experience working with boards, grant processes, and community organizations with a deep appreciation for the mission-driven work nonprofits do every day. Through both her professional role and her speaking and training work, she partners with organizations to help leaders communicate more effectively, build trust, and create cultures where people—and communities—can thrive.

Chris Madrid is a facilitator focused on strengthening collaboration across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. He is Principal of Iberian Consulting, where he helps boards and cross-sector coalitions move from planning to sustained implementation. Chris chairs the Nonprofit Network for the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and serves in leadership roles with CAF Airbase Georgia and the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail. His work centers on building practical, repeatable processes that help partners stay aligned and effective long after a convening ends.

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.

Deb Page is the President of the Institute for Performance Improvement (www.TIFPIedu.org), where she leads the training and certification of performance improvement specialists across sectors. With a career spanning education, corporate leadership, and organizational development, Deb brings a unique blend of frontline experience and strategic insight to her work. She specializes in helping organizations align talent management, performance management, and performance improvement systems—ensuring sustainable results through people and processes.

In 2002 she launched and led the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement, as a public-private partnership supported by the state of Georgia and numerous philanthropic organizations. In 2010 she launched the Institute for Performance Improvement to provide sole-source training and certification that helps participants master “the power of How” to guide effective collaborative improvement, innovation, and sustainable implementation.

A Certified Performance Technologist and long-standing member of the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), Deb has partnered with former ISPI president Dr. Judith Hale to develop and validate standards and certifications for facilitators of collaborative performance improvement.

They are co-authors of The Performance Improvement Facilitator Playbook, available on Amazon and Kindle, and Facilitating Shared Success: A Practical Guide for Leading Collaborative School Improvement, from Solution Tree and Amazon. Their School Improvement Specialist Field Guide (2nd ed.) is also available on Amazon.

Nonprofits have discovered that the proven tools, processes, and practices the Institute provides can significantly improve not only how they approach their work, but also their results and impact.

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 is the partner in charge of attestation services at Fulton & Kozak. With extensive experience in the construction, distribution, real estate, and non-profit sectors, he is a valuable asset to our community. Residing in Fayetteville, GA, with his wife, Tara, they have four children, ages 6 through 25. Geoff is deeply committed to his community. He actively volunteers with youth sports organizations, the local Chamber of Commerce’s, and his local church, demonstrating his dedication to servant leadership.

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.

Justin Halford is a Business Development Manager at Johnson Construction Group in Coweta County where he helps local businesses and organizations bring their visions to life through commercial and residential construction projects. With a background that includes years as a safety professional and hands on field experience in the electrical utility industry, Justin combines practical jobsite knowledge with a passion for building strong relationships that drive community success.

He is known for his ability to connect people, spark collaboration, and create partnerships that lead to real outcomes. Justin currently leads multiple local initiatives focused on growth and community support including the Coweta Safety Alliance through the Newnan Coweta Chamber of Commerce and an active leadership role with Newnan Rotary. He also invests heavily in youth and workforce development serving on advisory boards, supporting local sports programs, and mentoring the next generation of talent entering the trades.

Justin believes that every great project starts with a conversation and that networking is not about collecting contacts but about building trust. His engaging approach and commitment to service have earned him opportunities to speak to business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and students on the importance of communication, teamwork, and showing up for your community.

Whether he is helping construct a new facility or helping someone build their network, Justin brings energy, authenticity, and a desire to lift others up.

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.

Joe Domaleski is the founder of Country Fried Creative, an award-winning digital marketing agency celebrating 23 years of service in Peachtree City, Georgia. An energetic executive with a passion for “Better Marketing,” Joe leads a team of 12 local professionals and was recently honored as the 2024 Peachtree City Rotary Business Leader of the Year.

Joe brings a unique technical depth to his work, holding a BS in Mathematics/Computer Science from UNG and an MBA from GSU. He is currently furthering his expertise at Georgia Tech, where he is pursuing a Master’s degree in analytics and machine learning. A proud Army veteran and active nonprofit board member, Joe is dedicated to helping organizations bridge the gap between human-centric mission work and cutting-edge data science.

Joe Domaleski is the founder of Country Fried Creative, an award-winning digital marketing agency celebrating 23 years of service in Peachtree City, Georgia. An energetic executive with a passion for “Better Marketing,” Joe leads a team of 12 local professionals and was recently honored as the 2024 Peachtree City Rotary Business Leader of the Year.

Joe brings a unique technical depth to his work, holding a BS in Mathematics/Computer Science from UNG and an MBA from GSU. He is currently furthering his expertise at Georgia Tech, where he is pursuing a Master’s degree in analytics and machine learning. A proud Army veteran and active nonprofit board member, Joe is dedicated to helping organizations bridge the gap between human-centric mission work and cutting-edge data science.

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.

Katie Pace Quattlebaum is a dedicated nonprofit leader with over 17 years of experience advancing nonprofit missions. She is an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Institute and currently serves as the Principal at Elevating Missions Consulting and the Senior Manager of Institutional Partnerships for Neglected Tropical Diseases for Christian Blind Mission. She previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Southern Conservation Trust, and as the Marketing & Communications Officer at MAP International, a respected global Christian health organization based in Georgia. 
 
Katie holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and a Global Leadership certificate from Thunderbird School. Recognized as a 2021 Atlanta Regional Commission RLI participant and Fayette Chamber’s Young Gamechangers Award recipient. Throughout her career, she has orchestrated numerous successful fundraising campaigns, raising over $1 billion in revenue to support thriving nonprofits globally.
 
Active in her community, she contributes to Fayetteville’s growth through local committees and volunteering with nonprofits like Southeast German Shorthair Rescue, Atlanta Lab Rescue and Faithful Endeavors. Katie resides in Sharpsburg with her husband, Tom, and their son, Cooper.

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.

Leonardo McClarty, CCE, IOM is a results-driven nonprofit executive and economic development professional with more than 20 years of experience leading chambers of commerce and public sector initiatives. He currently serves as President & CEO of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, where he oversees strategic planning, business advocacy, and community engagement for the 700-member organization.

Prior to his current role, Leonardo served as President & CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce in Maryland, where he was named Maryland Chamber Executive of the Year in 2022. His leadership helped the organization achieve consistent financial growth, launch innovative programs, and build strong regional coalitions. He also held the role of Director of Economic & Community Development for the City of York, Pennsylvania, managing multiple bureaus and spearheading revitalization efforts.

Earlier in his career, Leonardo led the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, transforming it into a thriving organization through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and membership growth. His public sector experience includes roles with the City of Roswell, DeKalb County, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Leonardo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Furman University and a Master of City and Regional Planning from Clemson University. He is a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE), a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional, and a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM).

Known for his visionary leadership, coalition building, and ability to navigate complex political environments, Leonardo is deeply committed to improving the business climate and fostering inclusive community development. He is married to Shaneka McClarty and is the proud father of three daughters.

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.

Melanie Reeves is the Executive Director of RiverLife, a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeowners in need through accessible home repairs, ramp construction, and compassionate volunteer engagement. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership, community development, and volunteer program design, Melanie has led RiverLife through significant growth—building systems that mobilize hundreds of volunteers each year and expanding the organization’s capacity to serve vulnerable neighbors with dignity and care.

Throughout her career, Melanie has been committed to creating meaningful service experiences that strengthen both volunteers and the communities they support. She has developed volunteer training programs, streamlined project workflows, and implemented engagement strategies that increase retention, deepen connection, and ensure consistency across teams. Her asset-based approach to community service emphasizes the value every volunteer brings and the importance of building relationships that reflect respect, empowerment, and shared purpose.

Melanie regularly partners with local organizations, churches, and businesses to cultivate collaborative community impact. She is passionate about equipping nonprofit professionals with practical tools to elevate volunteer engagement and build healthy, sustainable service cultures. Whether she is leading teams in the field or speaking to nonprofit leaders, Melanie brings a warm, mission-driven perspective focused on transforming ordinary acts of service into significant, long-lasting change.

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.

After serving the Healing Bridge Clinic for several years, first as a board member, then board President, then part-time Executive Director, Mike became the first full-time Executive Director on January 1, 2018. Under various phases of Mike’s leadership, the Healing Bridge Clinic has grown and increased the community impact. He is passionate about serving this faith-based organization and is excited to utilize his experience as an entrepreneur, pastor, and community connector to increase awareness and keep the HBC on mission.

Mike loves PTC and the surrounding area and wants to see the HBC touch as many people as possible while doing everything with excellence.

Tracey Rogers – Tracey Rogers started work at the Healing Bridge Clinic in 2022 as part of a grant program to market the COVID-19 vaccine. When the program ended, she took the opportunity to join the staff as the clinic’s first marketing and media coordinator. She now serves as the clinic’s Awareness Director. Tracey spent most of her career working in local television and then transitioned into digital content production and social media marketing. In 2012, Tracey left television to join the growing marketing team at Piedmont Healthcare. In 2015, she accepted a new role managing digital strategy at WSB-TV where she eventually became the station’s Director of Digital and Local Programming. She now handles marketing for a variety of clients with her company, Tracey Rogers Media. Tracey serves as the Vice President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast chapter. She is the recipient of eight regional Emmy Awards, a Bronze and Gold Telly Award, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, four AP Broadcasters Association Awards, and a Target Gold Award for Social Media Marketing.

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.

Nate Woods is a seasoned business coach dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses. With a rich history of building, growing, and selling his own ventures, Nate brings firsthand experience to his coaching practice. His firm specializes in implementing proven systems with a 30-year track record, focusing on enhancing team development, revenue, and profit. Nate’s commitment to values such as integrity, excellence, and communication ensures that clients receive guidance tailored to their unique needs, driving consistent success and growth.

Niki Vanderslice is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in Community & Economic Development. Prior to her current role as President & CEO of FCDA, Niki served as the Vice Chairman of the Board since her appointment to the authority in 2016. Her career has included positions with the Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia EMC and as Downtown Development Director for Valdosta and Douglas, GA. Niki’s impressive background includes degrees from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Georgia Southwestern State University, and a Master’s in Organizational Development and Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. Niki’s dedication to leadership development is evident through her participation in local, regional, and statewide leadership programs like Leadership Georgia. A Georgia native, Niki is deeply committed to her community, actively participating in multiple boards, including ABAC Foundation Board and the Fayette Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Niki, along with her husband Ed and their daughters, proudly call Fayette County home.

Retired Financial Professional (Yamaha VP Finance) now serving the community through non profit volunteer roles through the Chamber, including Work Force Development, skills training and assisting the community family connection.

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 is the founder of PurposedHR and brings 20 years of HR leadership experience in manufacturing, healthcare and non-profit. Sara has built HR functions from the ground up, led multi-state operations, and supported global compliance efforts. Today, she equips nonprofit and business leaders to align people practices with purpose—offering expert guidance from compliance to culture. Sara holds multiple certifications in HR and leadership facilitation (PHR, SHRM-CP, DDI FCP, Everything DiSC®, and The Five Behaviors®), along with a degree in psychology and business. When she’s not transforming workplaces, she enjoys family and travels.

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.