South GeorgiaLEADS

So thankful for the opportunity to be in the second cohort of the South Georgia Women’s Leadership Initiative by @SouthGeorgiaLEADS. I have already learned so much and made amazing friends.

Meet Chad Horne, CTAE Director at the COLQUITT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT >>> IN CHAD'S WORDS ?? "Regionalism is bigger picture. What is going on around us and understanding the why and how something is happening. We all share a common goal for each of our communities and we should work together to make sure those goals are obtained." We're excited to have Chad in our 2024-2025 Regional Leadership Initiative class!

Session #4, Day 1 -- Lowndes County What a great start to our 2-day visit to Valdosta on “Legislative Affairs: Positioning South Georgia for Success!” We started off with a welcome from City of Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson and Lowndes County Manager, Paige Dukes. Current class member George Robbins spoke about Georgia Power Company's storm relief and power restoration efforts in South Georgia. John Crawford of Coleman Talley Strategies LLC led a Legislative Simulation at the Historic Lowndes Courthouse on how to make an impact in South Georgia, then the class members toured the courthouse. After a little downtime at Holiday Inn Valdosta Conference Center, a Valdosta State University shuttle took guests to a Legislative Appreciation Event sponsored by Coleman Talley Strategies & VSU Center for South Georgia Regional Impact. An after-party debrief rounded out the day at Georgia Beer Co. Special thanks for our lunch at Jessie's Restaurant, provided by Ascend Strategy & Design and RLI graduate and session day chair Anne Shenton! And as always, thank you to the folks at Georgia Power Company and Colony Bank for supporting South GeorgiaLEADS! Day 2 buffering...

Meet Keyondria Harris, Director of Economic Development at Southern Regional Technical College >>> IN KEYONDRIA'S WORDS ?? "Regionalism means everyone working together towards a shared goal to increase an area's economic structure. I think it's important in South Georgia because several individuals in our area lack the skills or education necessary to contribute to success." We're excited to have Keyondria in our 2024-2025 Regional Leadership Initiative class!

Meet Megan Fowler, Transit Director at SOUTHERN GEORGIA REGIONAL COMMISSION! We're happy to have Megan as a member of our 2024-2025 South Georgia Women's Leadership Initiative class. IN MEGAN'S WORDS?? "The experience of being a female leader is distinct from that of men because we possess distinct traits. We provide a perspective, empathy, and emotional intelligence that are particular to women. As a result, people look to us to assist others to align with their purpose and for our straightforward yet kind reactions to problems."

Meet Xavier Gaulden, Transmission Maintenance Supervisor at Georgia Power Company >>> IN XAVIER'S WORDS ?? "Regionalism is embracing growth and being committed to the success of a region and its members. I believe it's important for South Georgia's success to retain and attract talent and promote industry and jobs in the community." We're excited to have Xavier in our 2024-2025 Regional Leadership Initiative class!

Meet Jill Coogle, Marketing Director & Community Relations at Reynolds Foodliner Inc. and Owner/Operator at Your Pie Pizza Tifton! We're happy to have Jill as a member of our 2024-2025 South Georgia Women's Leadership Initiative class. IN JILL'S WORDS?? "The female leadership experience is unique because of the perspectives and approaches women bring to the table. Female leaders drive positive change in innovation and often excel in emotional intelligence and collaborative problem solving... This is important in South Georgia because women play a crucial role in fostering inclusive and supportive communities, which is essential for addressing local challenges such as economic development education and health care."

Continuing efforts to support those impacted by recent hurricanes! #southgeorgiastrong All funds raised through "Sounds for Lowndes" will go back to support the ongoing relief efforts and support to nonprofits who are supporting individuals and families during this time. Free admission, suggested $20 donation directed through Greater Valdosta United Way. Friday, November 8 - 5 pm Unity Park, Valdosta --Kinchafoonee Cowboys --Magnetic South --Morning Start Baptist --Drivin’n’Cryin’ --GrandVille

Meet George Foreman, Job Development Coordinator at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers >>> IN GEORGE'S WORDS ?? "Regionalism is vital to South Georgia because it promotes collaboration, maximizes resources, and addresses common challenges faced by neighboring communities. By working together regionally, South Georgia can leverage collective strengths, attract investment, and implement solutions that benefit the entire area. Regionalism fosters economic growth, enhances quality of life, and ensures a stronger, more resilient future for all residents of South Georgia." We're excited to have George in our 2024-2025 Regional Leadership Initiative class!

Last week, our Regional Leadership Initiative class spent the day in Decatur County for a session on "Visioning & Livability: Preparing South Georgia for the Future." We heard from Mayor Edward Reynolds and Downtown Bainbridge Development Authority executive director Amanda Glover, as well as Greater Valdosta United Way executive director Michael Smith, all while enjoying Bainbridge's Old Post Office venue. After lunch, the group took a tour of Chason Park and The Alderman before learning about Locate South Georgia with Shelley Zorn, Payroll Development Director with Imagine Thomasville. Mary Crawford of Girls on the Run Georgia closed out the day. Special thanks go out to Amanda Glover (session day chair), and our dedicated sponsors: Georgia Power Company, Colony Bank, and Valdosta State University Center for South Georgia Regional Impact! LEAD ON ~