Community Service:

·             Youth Mentoring – Shirley and I have devoted a great deal of time and energy into the young people of our community. This began in another community before our time at the Christian Learning Center here in Ellijay, and continues until today. We literally have scores of teens and twenty-somethings who regularly seek us out for counsel as they navigate their way into adulthood. Some of our dearest friends are in the 17 to 30 year range.

·              Board of Directors, Gilmer Chamber of Commerce. It has been my privilege to serve on the Chamber Board for the past four years, including the Chairman position in 2013. This role has put me in touch with many passionate and determined folks from the private sector who are determined to make Gilmer the best it can be.

·                 Spearheaded the effort to have Ellijay/Gilmer designated an Appalachian Trail Town. This work took approximately 18 months, and culminated in a designation ceremony in September, 2012.

·          Catalyst Group Facilitator –I have the privilege of serving as leader and spokesperson of the Catalyst Group, a public sector/private sector team dedicated to moving Gilmer forward to a brighter future. This eighteen member group is comprised of 9 from the public and 9 from the private sector and has experienced a great deal of success bringing all of the stakeholders of our community together to work on common goals and directions.

·             Georgia Apple Festival Board of Directors – I am currently serving my third year on the Apple Festival Board and currently serve as its Chair. During my tenure, the Apple Festival has successfully transitioned from the long-time service of Scott Sharp to a negotiated contract of services with the Gilmer Chamber for management of the day to day operations of the Festival.