One Georgia – Stronger Together. These words were the guiding force this year as we sought to fulfill Leader-ship Georgia’s mission to bring leaders together to con-nect, collaborate and create a better Georgia. As the year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on all that this year has meant to me both profes-sionally and personally. In my first President’s Column in the spring, I shared that I was humbled and honored to serve as the President of this fine organization. Now several months later, my sentiments remain exactly the same. My husband, Reggie, and I are so grateful to have had this opportunity to serve the Class of 2016 and the alumni of Leadership Georgia. Moreover, we thank God every day for the 2016 Program Chair Team – an out-standing group of servant-leaders from across the state. The 2016 Program Chair Team was amazing and truly the heartbeat of Leadership Georgia this year because they created amazing experiences that shaped lifelong memories for the class members and alumni in Brass-town, Augusta, Jekyll Island (Alumni Weekend and LG-Play), Tifton, Newnan and at the Gala. And for that I will be forever grateful.

In this edition, you will enjoy great highlights of the Tifton Program, Newnan Program and the Gala. All of these events were tremendously successful! In Tifton, the class enjoyed dinner at the palatial home of Mrs. Julie Hunt and after learning about the agriculture industry, danced the night away under the stars at Jimmy Allen’s turf farm. In Newnan, the class connected to the spirit

- J o y L a m p l e y F o r t s o n -2 0 1 6 P R E S I D E N T

On a beautiful fall day in early November, Leadership Georgia hosted its 7th Annual Alumni and Awards Gala at the Georgia Aquarium Oceans Ballroom in downtown Atlanta. More than 700 alumni, sponsors and friends entered the doors of the Aquarium to enjoy the 45th Anniversary Celebration of Leadership Georgia. In recognition of this important anniversary, we honored our past presi-dents in a Presidential Roll Call to thank them for their unfaltering contributions to Leadership Georgia over the years. The Past Presidents were introduced with the soothing sound of “Georgia On My Mind” in the background.

The Gala was highlighted by the much anticipated presentation of awards to

Celebrating 45 Years of Leadership Georgia at the 2016 Gala

December 2016

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Past President Philip A. Wilheit, Sr., (The J. W. Fanning Award); William H. “Bill” Gross (The Frederick B. Kerr Service Award); James M. Jeter (The E. Dale Threadgill Com-munity Service Award); and Michael L. Thurmond (The H. G. “Pat” Pattillo Honorary Membership Award). The outstanding award recipients embody Leadership Georgia’s legacy of leadership and have made a tremendous impact on our state by using their resources, relationships and vision to create a better Georgia for all. In addition to recognizing the award recipients, we were delighted to take time to honor Leader-ship Georgia Advisor Dale Threadgill for 30 years of unwavering guidance, service, and commitment to Leadership Georgia and the Board of Trustees. Having been described as a “sage advisor” and “guiding force” for the organization, Dr. Threadgill

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Past Leadership Georgia Chairs in Attendance at the Gala

Past President Philip A. Wilheit Sr. earned the J.W. Fanning Award.

2017 LG Chair Joy Lampley-Fortson is joined by four past African-American chairs. (L-R) David Danzie, Lampley-Fortson, Ed Tarver, Audrey Hollingsworth, and Horace Jones.

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William H. “Bill” Gross earned the Frederick B. Kerr Service Award.

Jimmy Jeter (LG ‘77) earned the E. Dale Threadgill Community Service Award.

Dale Threadgill – ably supported by his wife, Anne – was recognized for decades of unwavering service to Leadership Georgia.Michael Thurmond accepts the H.G. “Pat” Pattillo Honorary Membership Award.

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The City of Newnan rolled out the red carpet for the Class of 2016 for a memorable weekend centered on the “Nurture” theme. The focus was healthcare and the class experienced best in class healthcare throughout the weekend.

The program began Thursday evening with a welcome reception with local alumni and leaders. Roads were closed and the class was able to pa-rade down Main Street led by the Newnan High School Band Drum Corps to the Historic Coweta County Courthouse, where it learned all about lo-cal history from __ old town historian _______.

Later that evening the class was inspired by an energizing talk from Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and dean of Morehouse School of

Medicine, about the importance of education as an equalizer for opportu-nity. Dr. Rice also helped the class understand how important physician education and retention is in Georgia and its vital importance to reducing health disparities in our state. Following Dr. Montgomery Rice’s remarks, President Joy Lampley-Fortson presented a special recognition to Ms. Minnie Robinson (LG ‘__), Leadership Georgia’s first African American female graduate.

The nurture theme continued on Friday morning, as the class had an interactive conversation with former Department of Community Health Commissioner and new Court of Appeals Judge Clyde Reese about health care policy in Georgia engaged in topics like Certificate of Need, Medicaid

Mary Waugh, Cammie Temple, Misty Moore and Summer Rhodes (LG ’16) enjoy the welcome reception at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum.

Laura Dunaway is treated by James Farmer as the Class of 2016 learns about Newnan’s healthcare industry.

Local Newnan alumni and current class members recognized Ms. Minnie Robinson, LG’s first female African-American class member.

Class members and alums gathered at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum for a warm welcome to Newnan.

The Class of 2016 in front of the Coweta County Courthouse.

Anne and Dale Threadgill were provided with custom t-shirts by the Class of 2016.

City of Homes Nurtures Class of 2017 in Year’s Final Program

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of hope and healing offered at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Piedmont Newnan Hospital and was moved by words of wisdom from Ms. Minnie Robinson (LGA ’74), the first African-American woman in Leadership Georgia. And at the Gala, more than 700 alumni, class members and friends were inspired by our Past Presidents and awed by Award Recipients Philip Wilheit, Sr., Bill Gross, Jimmy Jeter and Michael Thurmond, as we celebrated 45 years of Leadership Georgia. The Gala was a magical evening and celebration of almost a half-century of fulfilling the founders’ vision for our beloved organization.

One Georgia – Stronger Together. This year, these words have become a part of the fabric of how I will serve and lead throughout our state going forward. I hope that these words have also resonated with you by realizing that as you serve, lead and connect in your community, you have the innate ability to work toward the goal of becoming One Georgia in so many ways, whether big and small. In closing, thank you for your support and commitment to Leadership Georgia this year and for all that it is and will become.

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made remarks that touched us all as his lovely wife, Anne, stood by his side.  The Gala has become the signature event for Leadership Georgia and is supported by gener-

ous sponsors from across the state. The purpose of the Gala is to recognize the tremendous service and leadership of alumni and raise money for future programs and the endowment so that Leadership Georgia’s future is secure for many years to come. With the largest attendance ever, this year’s Gala made it abundantly clear that our organization’s future is not only secure, but also bright and exciting. Brittney and Corey Hull (LG ‘11) chaired the event and did an outstanding job.

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors and to all who attended the 7th Annual Alumni and Awards Gala. The evening would not have been the same without you.

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The 2017 theme is: Georgia - a state of mind. When you’re in a Georgia state of mind, you quickly realize all the resources our home has to offer. From the spec-tacular mountains of North Georgia to the 121 miles of coastline and our mag-nificent barrier islands, it’s all right here. And we have some of the greatest roads to get you around. From the fertile fields of our agrarian communities to our capital city of Atlanta and the mighty rivers that sustain life, it’s all right here. And the quality of folks that live in our great state is simply the best. That’s why the connec-tions and relationships we form through Leadership Georgia allow us to accom-plish anything we set our minds to.

Next year, we’ll carry the 2017 Class of emerging leaders to get an in depth look and total experience of Georgia from top to bottom.

In January, we’ll kick-off the year in the

mountains of Young Harris at Brasstown Valley. There, our class will learn more about themselves and their classmates through the help of Dr. Geil Browning. And in leaving on Saturday realize the magnificent power of people and relation-ships as a resource.

Then in March, we’ll travel to focus on the largest watershed east of the Missis-sippi. A river dubbed the Little Amazon by The Nature Conservancy. We’re head-ing to the banks of the Altamaha River in Jesup, Georgia. Our second program will focus on our environment as a resource.

In May, we look forward to being with everyone for Alumni Weekend on Je-kyll Island. It is truly a new day for this great coastal resource. You’ll be formally invited to attend the weekend from our 2017 Alumni Chairs. And LG Play will enter its third year of service for our next generation of Leadership Georgians. Dur-

ing the program, the class will focus on all the coastal resources our state has to offer.

After the summer break, we’ll travel to Perry, Georgia, on the Gnat Line. Dur-ing this program, our class will get a hands-on look at the number one eco-nomic driver of Georgia: Agriculture. They’ll also have the opportunity to see an example of a small town that’s thriving and serves as a great model of what other small downtowns should strive to be. During the program the class will focus on agriculture as a resource our state has to offer.

Our fifth and final program of the year will be in Braselton. During this pro-gram, we’ll study location as a resource. Then our 2017 Gala will be held in the Grand Paris Ballroom on the property of Chateau Elan. We’ll look forward to see-ing everyone there to celebrate the 2017 Leadership Georgia year.

Leadership Georgia Gears Up for 2017Laura Dunaway is treated by James Farmer as the Class of 2016 learns about Newnan’s healthcare industry.

expansion, rural healthcare and access to care.The class spent time on Friday seeing the latest

innovations and technology in health care education and training. Some members acted as patients in the Simulation Lab at the University of West Geor-gia Newnan Center. Others explored the state of the art design elements at the LEED Certified Pied-mont Newnan Hospital. Some witnessed unique the world-class cancer care delivered by the team at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southeast-ern Regional Medical Center. The class toured the Coweta Education Center Dental Lab, which serves the community as a high school dental assistant training program providing free services to the Sa-maritan Clinic patients. Finally, a small group dis-covered how the Samaritan Clinic operates as a free clinic providing primary care access to the uninsured population in Coweta County, and donated personal care items brought in by the class as they arrived on Thursday. (The Samaritan Clinic was excited to get ALL those toiletry supplies).

After traveling into and out of Atlanta for the Gala on Friday night, the class turned our early for one last morning program. Saturday was a fabulous day with Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A and graduation speaker, passing the leadership baton to the class. Challenging them to be bold, different and embrace the Leadership Georgia experience and the opportu-nities that are ahead of them. It was a great weekend to end a wonderful year.

by Alan NeSmith 2017 President

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The Leadership Georgia Class of 2016 rolled into “The Friendly City” of Tifton on September 8, 2016. The class was greeted by local alumni in the courtyard of the Myon Hotel in down-town Tifton where refreshments were served with a “Georgia Grown” and local farm to table focus. The theme for the weekend was “Cultivate” and the class did exactly that after their sum-mer break.   Chairman Vann Parrott and President Joy Lampley-Fortson welcomed the class as well as Tifton’s Vice Mayor Wes Ehlers and Vivien Scott (LG ’07).  Next, the class walked a few blocks down to the Historic Tift Theatre where they were treated to an unbelievable experience: a private performance from world renowned

conservationist and keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, Chuck Leavell.  Chuck gave an inspiring talk on “steward-ship and partnership”, and treated the class to a solo piano performance of an ensemble of songs that culminated with a hair raising rendition of “Georgia on My Mind”.

We were then treated to southern hospitality at its finest at the home of Mrs. Julie Hunt.  Mrs. Hunt graciously opened her amazing home to the class and we enjoyed fellowship by the pool and a wonderful dinner. Trustee and Tifton native James Nixon addressed the class and spoke about the local community and the importance of staying involved with LGA after their class year was over.

Friday morning came early and the class set off in four separate groups to tour different locations in Tift Coun-ty.  The University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus hosted the class and showed them a Zero Energy Future Farmstead that students reside in.  While on the UGA Campus, they also toured the Na-tional Environmentally Sound Produc-tion Agriculture Laboratory (NESPAL), and the UGA Turf Farm. Dr. Joe West, Assistant Dean of UGA Tifton Campus spoke to the class about the sites they were seeing as well as the advance-ments in agricultural technology and the global reach of the UGA Tifton Campus.  

Also on the agenda was an all access tour hosted by the owner of Lewis Tay-

Class of 2016 Gets a Taste of Tifton

The Class of 2016 gathered in downtown Tifton to kick off the program.

2016 PC team in their finest farm wear.

Mary Elizabeth and McGregor Lott, Ashley and Brian Groome, Laurel and Jonathan Murrow, Annalisa Bloodworth ready for a hoedown

PCs Jamie and Sarah Alfriend (LG ’15) recognize Chuck Leavell.

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lor Farms (LTF), Mr. Bill Brim.  Bill opened the doors of his produce farm to the class and was the highlight of the day for many.  To say this is an impressive opera-tion is an understatement. LTF is a leading producer of tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupes, broccoli, zucchini, strawberries, eggplant, and vari-ous kinds of peppers just to name a few.  If that wasn’t enough, he also grows 60 million pine seedlings each year for various suppliers!  

ust down the road from Lewis Taylor Farms, Mr. Philip Grimes hosted the class at his peanut farm.  Philip and our friend Tyron Spearman, aka “The Peanut Man”, (LG ’74) spoke to the class about the process of planting, cultivating, and harvesting pea-nuts.  Boiled peanuts were served for the class to enjoy and Philip actually harvested some of his peanuts for the class to see.  

Will Bentley with the Georgia Cattleman’s Associa-tion spoke to the class at the ABAC Beef Unit where they learned about the importance of the cattle indus-try to our state.  Professors from the school of agricul-ture at ABAC as well as Ag students showcased cattle, the industry, and the impact it has on our state.

Friday’s lunch was generously sponsored by ABAC and held at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture (GMA).  The class toured the grounds of the GMA as well as the museum exhibits.   Dr. David Bridges, ABAC President, spoke to the class and delivered a dynamic message of challenging ourselves and not ac-cepting mediocrity or complacency.

“You’ve got to lead, you’ve got to develop some wis-dom, and you’ve got to work,” said Bridges. “You ain’t special.”

Gary Black, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Agriculture shared with the class the importance

(L-R) Nora Polk, Richard & Cheryl Carvajal, Phil Polk

The Class enjoyed a welcome reception in downtown Tifton.

of the “Georgia Grown” program. This program is appropri-ate in every aspect of the word in that it was intended to bring the agricultural community together and create one powerful community working towards one common goal, which is to help Georgia agribusinesses grow.

Friday’s activities concluded with an amazing evening under the stars at Jimmy and Quay Allen’s Pike Creek Turf farm.  The Kinchafoonee Cowboys entertained and a good time was had by the class, program chairs, trustees, and LG Alumni from all over South Georgia!

Joe West and UGA graciously hosted the class Saturday morn-ing at their beautiful UGA Conference Center and sponsored a delicious southern style breakfast. Matt Bishop (LG ‘08) of the J.W.  Fanning Institute had an interactive conversation with the class on working together to become “One Georgia”, noting that good leaders have mastered “self, relationships, and action.”

Also, State Representative Sanford Bishop delivered a great

message to the class on the state of the Agriculture industry and the importance of the industry to our county and the world.

Outgoing Trustee Mary Beth Hobby spotlighted her time on the board and encouraged the class to get involved and never sit on the sidelines.  

“Farming, life and leadership are gambles,” said Hobby. “As leaders, we have to step up and take chances. We have to make difficult choices and confront hard situations. What I learned is to trust in myself. I will bet on me any day.”

Leadership Georgia was graciously received in Tifton and all of the hard working alumni there made this program quite memorable for the class.  In true Leadership Georgia fashion, they rolled out the red carpet from day one, opened all the doors that needed opening, and did it all with a smile on their face.  To them we cannot say thank you enough.

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