Locate South GeorgiaLEADS graduates third class

AMERICUS — Locate South GeorgiaLEADS has announced the graduation of its third cohort, with 25 graduates committed to the development of a strong leadership pipeline across south Georgia.

Presented by Electric Cities of Georgia, Locate South GeorgiaLEADS spent a day in Bainbridge-Decatur County learning firsthand from a community about leadership, resiliency and revitalization. Members of Locate South GeorgiaLEADS heard from Amanda Glover, the city of Bainbridge’s Downtown Development Authority executive director, as well as Doug Young, president of PDC Construction, regarding ongoing redevelopment projects in the downtown district to enhance capacity for downtown living in Bainbridge.

The activity culminated with a graduation ceremony at The American, sponsored by Georgia Power Company and hosted by the city of Bainbridge, Bainbridge Downtown Development Authority, the Development Authority of Bainbridge and Decatur County, and the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce.

Rob Cohen, founding co-owner of Pecan Ridge Plantation in Bainbridge-Decatur County, served as the graduation keynote speaker. Cohen, along with his brother, Eric Cohen, have grown their pecan business to more than 1,400 acres encompassing five counties from Thomasville to Lake Seminole, and as far south as Greenwood, Fla., in slightly less than 20 years.

Diversifying their portfolio in 2014, the brothers began pressing some of their pecans to produce all-natural pecan oil. In 2016, they began producing the first pecan truffle oil on the market. Hard hit by Hurricane Michael in October, Rob Cohen shared lessons of perseverance and resiliency with Locate South GeorgiaLEADS graduates and guests.

With representation from 21 counties across south Georgia, the program is an eight-month experience designed to develop individual leadership skills while engaging participants in discussions of regional importance around economic development, identify and influence, work force development, and community growth that are both unique and relevant to south Georgia.

“LEADS is a dynamic and powerful leadership experience that empowers current and future leaders of southwest Georgia. Its regional participation aligns with today’s need for regional foresight and collaboration,” presenting sponsor Daryl Ingram, the senior vice president for external affairs and economic development for ECG, said.

The 2018-19 Locate South GeorgiaLEADS class that recently graduated included:

— Kristy Henderson, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College;

— Holley Lee, Dorminy Medical Center;

— Jim Puckett, mayor, city of Fitzgerald;

— Greg Icard, Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority;

— John Henry, Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority;

— Anna Ligon, Secure Records Solutions;

— John Peters, Ag Georgia Farm Credit;

— Amber Jenkins, Colony Bank;

— Joe Harvey, Dougherty County School System;

— Chad Warbington, Shutters Plus Inc.;

— Trey Gainous, Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce;

— Ellen Hill, Valdosta Main Street and Central Valdosta Development Authority;

— Caitlyn Hatcher, Pelham Chamber of Commerce;

— Karla Noble, Camilla Gym and Tan;

— Courtney Milliron, Andrew College;

— McKenzie Ragan, Andrew College;

— Hallah Sauls, Andrew College;

— Sandra Fowler, Georgia Southwestern State University;

— Lori Gadson, New Horizon Habitat for Humanity;

— Don Porter, Georgia Power Company;

— Savannah Hughes, Terrell County Chamber of Commerce;

— Landis Thomas, New Hire Solutions;

— Renata Elad, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College;

— Shedrick Gaskins, University of Georgia Tifton Campus;

— Rob Martin, UGA Small Business Development Center.

“South Georgia has always held a very special position in my heart, not just as my birthplace, but as a place I have always considered to be my home,” Icard said. “Now that I have been able to return, my strongest desire is to make it a place for my children and others that is filled with opportunity for success so they never want to leave.

“As an economic development professional that has a passion for rural counties, I understand the importance of communities working together. LSGL allows me to work with other like-minded people to help make south Georgia prosper and grow. I am excited for the future of south Georgia and look forward to what lies ahead.”

Officials said the purpose of Locate South GeorgiaLEADS is to develop informed, aware and educated leaders to promote and grow south Georgia by increasing awareness of assets and resources, creating a shared sense of regional pride and ownership in both action and solutions, strengthening partnerships and alliances, and enhancing political influence and acuity to support the needs and opportunities of the region.

Recruitment and nominations for next year’s class will open in April, with the program set to launch its fourth cohort in August. Interested applicants may contact their chambers of commerce or economic development authorities, or Locate South GeorgiaLEADS directly at https://locatesouthgeorgia.com/leadership-development/.

Jennifer Parks