Habitat for Humanity Building A Dream For Cobb Women
We are a well-rounded community alive with community spirit, a touch of urban chic and plenty of down-home natural charm.
Nestled among lush trees, you’ll feel at home in our diverse neighborhoods. Residents and visitors enjoy access to indoor and outdoor amenities, from boating on the Chattahoochee, to biking, walking, or running along our trails, watching baseball at the Battery, or catching good vibes in our downtown.
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by
the cover:
Kim Gresh (right) and Stacey Chapman. Photo: LaRuche Photo
Photo
Bob Burklhardt
Let Us Help Bring Them to Life Member Testimonial
There’s an episode of the hit TV sitcom “Frasier” in which the title character helps to build a house for a family, clearly written as a nod to the work of Habitat For Humanity. In the episode (“Some Assembly Required,” season 10, episode 19), Frasier becomes an annoyance to the family, offering constant advice for home’s décor after he gets an undue, overinflated sense of accomplishment that he built the house.
I have seen every episode of this show countless times; I’m a super-fan. This particular chapter always reminds me of the time I helped to build a Habitat house for a deserving family in Atlanta. And fortunately for that family, I never returned to their property to tell them their mailbox is the wrong style or that their curtains don’t match. I’m reminded again of that project because of our cover feature on Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta and their Women Build initiative. This group is doing great things, and we are proud to share their story.
Speaking of building great things, this issue also features a profile of Cork Howard Construction, which has been constructing multi-unit residential and commercial developments since 1995. Perhaps their unique management approach will inspire your own business’ needs.
Turning the page, you’ll also find our article on Chattahoochee Technical College’s new Mammography Technologist program, as well as one local mother’s appreciation for the effort put into protecting our children in the Cobb County School District — an especially crucial and difficult task. Another major safety issue is tackled by the Road Ready Foundation, which tells us why automotive tire maintenance is essential for young drivers.
Finally, we feature the annual list of the Cobb Chamber’s Area Councils and local business associations’ Citizens and Businesses/Members of the Year. This is an impressive collection of honorees, so be sure to read who is making waves in Cobb while improving the lives of others. n
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S harper Focus
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in your community.
East Cobb Quilters Donate to Hurricane Relief
Local quilters have donated their time and their quilting skills to help the victims of Hurricane Helene, which left a wide path of destruction through western North Carolina last September. The East Cobb Quilters’ Guild has a long history of community service, so this past October, members worked to donate quilts, blankets, and other items and drove them to Fairview, North Carolina for distribution. Learn more at ecqg.com/community-service.
Cobb PARKS Director Honored at State Convention
Congratulations to Cobb PARKS Director Michael Brantley for receiving the Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s (GRPA) 2024 “Distinguished Professional Award.” Brantley was honored during the GRPA’s annual meeting in Columbus, Georgia this past November. GRPA is a statewide organization that supports and promotes recreation and park agencies in Georgia while encouraging healthy lifestyles for its residents.
“Michael’s advocacy for parks and recreation continues to drive progress, capital improvements, and land acquisitions for Cobb PARKS,” said Cobb County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris.
Equestrian Park Opens in Powder Springs
The first phase of construction at Violet F. Stout Park is completed. Visitors and their horses can enjoy this new park that includes two showrings, equestrian trails, and an open meadow for picnics. The Stout Park entrance is located at 5315 Brownsville Road, Powder Springs. For more information, see the park’s website at bit.ly/3BAU4cG.
Discovery Park Opens in South Cobb
In December, a ribbon cutting for a new trail in Cobb celebrated the first section to open in the Chattahoochee RiverLands project. This section of Discovery Park in South Cobb is the start of the project which will connect 19 metro Atlanta cities and seven counties to the Chattahoochee River and each other with a greenway trail of parks, overlooks, access points and trailheads. The site also offers the first-ever public access to the river in South Cobb County.
Capital City Bank Group Foundation Awards $13,500 to Nonprofits
During the 2024 grant cycle, the Capital City Bank Group Foundation reinvested $13,500 into the Cobb County community, awarding grants to Cobb Collaborative, Marietta Schools Foundation, Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, 10 Women of Hope, Cobb & Douglas Public Health, and Communities In Schools of Georgia. “Enriching the quality of life in the communities we serve is the primary mission of the Capital City Bank Group Foundation and a calling our bankers are proud to share,” said Ron King, Capital City Bank president of Cobb County. The bank recently was named among the “Best Banks to Work For” by the publication American Banker.
Chattahoochee Tech Celebrates Graduates
Chattahoochee Technical College honored graduates during two commencement ceremonies held on December 19, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville. The largest groups of graduates this fall included those completing the Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography, or Occupational Therapy Assistant programs of study. Chattahoochee Tech Interim President Heather Pence (pictured) congratulated the graduates for their hard work in achieving this milestone. “All of us at Chatt Tech are proud of being a part of helping you find who you are supposed to be,” said Pence. Delivering the commencement address at both ceremonies was Patria Brown, the college’s 2024 Adult Education student of the year.
LiveSafe Resources Honors ‘Women of Achievement’
LiveSafe Resources recently recognized its 2025 Women of Achievement who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their personal, professional, and volunteer endeavors. Among the 15 honorees, one of them also will be named “2025 Woman of the Year” at the Tribute to Achievement awards gala on Mar. 21, 2025. For the complete list of honorees and to learn more about the gala, visit livesaferesources.org.
Sheriff’s Office Hosts GED and Parenting 101 Graduation Ceremony
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Anderson Training Institute and Bank of America, recently celebrated the achievements of participants completing the Parenting 101 and GED programs at a graduation ceremony inside the Adult Detention Center. In 2024, the Sheriff’s Office graduated a total of 25 GED participants (with more testing scheduled before graduation) and 46 Parenting 101 participants.
Two East Cobb Schools Earn STEM Certification
Two schools in East Cobb were recognized recently by the Cobb Board of Education for earning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) certifications. Sedalia Park Elementary School and Sprayberry High School were among the latest Cobb County School District schools that have completed STEM certifications for the district and Cognia, the district’s accrediting agency. More than 50 schools in the district are STEM-certified.
JANUARY
Editor’s note: Due to evolving community needs, these events are subject to change or cancellation.
1/25
1/11 Bingo Night
American Legion Post 264 hosts Bingo Night every Saturday. Bingo starts at 5 p.m. Sales start at 3:30 p.m. Seven games. Total Prizes equal $3,000. More info: mableton.gov/community-calendar
1/25-26
Cobb Chamber’s 83rd Annual Dinner
You are invited to a highly anticipated gala where officials recognize the dedication, leadership, and valued contributions of the county’s most engaged professionals. More info: cobbchamber.org
1/27
To-Go Craft Kits
Stop by the Smyrna library to pick up a to-go craft kit and keep those kiddos busy! The kits contain everything needed (no crayons or glue) to create three crafts. More info: smyrnaga.gov
Trains, Trains, Trains!
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History will host the 15th annual installment of its flagship event. Features include new train layouts, scales, and gauges. More info: southernmuseum.org
1/20
Martin Luther King Day Celebration
The Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department will host the 12th annual MLK Day Celebration and 14th Annual Day of Service. More info: acworthparksandrec.org
1/31 - 2/1
1/27
Evening with History
The Marietta History Center will host Amy Albers, a Marietta resident and Library Assistant, who will speak on “The Last Slave Ships to the South.” More info: mariettahistory.org/upcoming-lectures
FEBRUARY
2025 State Indoor Winter Games
Join Special Olympics Georgia at the 2025 State Indoor Winter Games in Marietta. Support up to 3,000 athletes as they compete in Basketball, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Pickleball, and more. More info: specialolympicsga.org
2/1
Valentine’s Dance Party
The Ben Robertson Community Center in Kennesaw is hosting a Valentine’s Day dance. More info: kennesaw-ga.gov
2/22
Polar Plunge
The 2025 Special Olympics Polar Plunge will take place at Acworth Beach at Cauble Park. The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising effort benefiting Special Olympics. More info: specialolympicsga.org
2/7-13
Daddy Daughter Dance
This year’s Daddy, Daughter Dance features an 80’s theme. Dance to classic 80’s hits, dress in your best retro outfits, and make unforgettable memories together. More info: smyrnaga.gov
2/15
GSO Jazz! Presents Miles Ahead: The Magic of Miles Davis
Journey through the groundbreaking compositions that redefined jazz and revel in the magic of Miles. More info: georgiasymphony.org
2/28
Black History Month Celebration Dinner
Join the City of Smyrna for a Black History Month celebratory dinner with Playwright Kelundra Smith. Ms. Smith and the cast of “The Wash” will present scenes from this exciting new play highlighting local history. More info: smyrnaga.gov
Pillars Of Progress
How Cork Howard Construction built its Southeast reputation
By Michael J. Pallerino
The recent renovation of a six-floor, 210,000-square-foot interior project for a long-time client in Tampa is one of many examples of Cork Howard Construction’s commitment to take on a challenge for their clients. Their client had a hard move-in date with an eight-month schedule for a complete demolition and build out that required extremely long days seven days a week and two shifts for several trades to keep the project moving forward after some permitting delays. While projects of this size all come with their own challenges, Clark Howard’s project managers, superintendents, and Vice President John Handerhan (a 26-year
Cork Howard finished a six-floor, complete renovation of this MetLife office building in Tampa.
veteran of the firm), did an excellent job of keeping the project on track towards a fastapproaching deadline. The client moved in as scheduled and immediately rewarded the firm with another large café project in the adjacent building on campus.
The renovation of the Southern Regional Medical Center’s state-of-the-art CAT scan rooms in 2020 serves as another example of Cork Howard’s pledge to make a difference in everything it does. The multi-phase project, which was awarded a prestigious “Build Georgia Award” by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia), involved navigating between multiple departments and trades. That Mark Williams and his team had to conduct the work seven days a week, in and out of working shifts so that the hospital could continue to operate, is just a day in the life.
For Williams, President and Project Executive of Cork Howard’s Atlanta office, the project also represents everything that the nearly 30-year-old company stands for. For example, along with renovating two existing CT rooms, it also provided major rework and upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. For this project, the work involved multiple crane lifts, electrical shutdowns, Interim Life Safety Measures (a set of health and safety actions that are implemented to ensure that a building maintains an acceptable level of life safety when it is under renovation), and constant communications between construction and hospital staff. To note, during the entire process, there was not one disruption.
“We pride ourselves on our ability to put the right team on the right project and stay focused on the fundamentals,” said Williams, who has led the Cork Howard Atlanta team for the past six years of his 27-year tenure. “To use football terminology, it is what’s called the ‘blocking and tackling’ approach. We focus on the basics with project management and do our best to set the project up for success at the onset of each project. That means identifying long lead items, getting submittals reviewed and released quickly, and developing detailed schedules with everyone’s input while maintaining proper documentation throughout the project.”
In the world of construction, where teamwork is everything, Cork Howard is one of the Southeast’s leading players. The commercial
general contractor, which along with having an office in Marietta and Tampa, Florida, holds licenses in Alabama, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. Founded in 1995 by Gene Cork, the company has successfully transitioned from a two-person organization to a team of dedicated and skilled employees specializing in high-end interiors, healthcare, build outs and renovations, which include large multi-floor construction, and projects with difficult and compressed schedules.
The latter is where Cork Howard thrives. In an industry where collaboration is critical, success hinges on fluid partnerships across all participating teams. Client and owner. Architects and designers. General contractors and subcontractors. Suppliers and vendors. Regulators and inspectors. “You have to maintain solid communication channels with all parties, including weekly team meetings with all trades and vendors on any and every project,” Williams said. “Our project managers and superintendents literally speak daily and use our project management software to discuss any issues as they arise so we can get solutions to the field and all parties involved as quickly as possible.”
The power of team
The Cork Howard culture was built, pardon the pun, on its team-first mentality and the ability to effectively have everyone focus on attention to detail. One of its key strengths
remains its ability to consistently construct large and/or complicated multi-phased projects in an efficient and timely manner — a feat that is easier promised than delivered in today’s commercial construction landscape.
“The construction business is very tough, as we have challenges almost daily, whether material deliveries are running behind or lack of skilled manpower prevents a scheduled completion of an activity within a schedule,” Williams said. “These all require solid communication from our team to the client to manage expectations. Hard and difficult projects build character, and the successful completion of projects builds confidence for our team members. That confidence, in turn, feeds our motivation to seek success.”
In a team-based environment, where each person feeds off others’, success is fostered by repeating the same effective process over and over to achieve the same or better results. Williams said that he and his team closely study each project after it is completed to learn where the process can be better. This drive — and that attention to detail — is why the firm has had more than 75-percent repeat customers since its first job. “Our basic approach to any client is that our goal is to make their jobs easier, period,” Williams said. “We want our clients to know that we care about every project, large or small. We do not want to perform just a single project for anyone. Our goal is to
Southern Regional Medical Center CT room renovation.in Tampa.
B usiness
build a relationship off that first project that will last a lifetime.”
Reflecting on the heart of Cork Howard’s relationships with its clients, Williams said that the genuine connection of getting the job completed drives excellence. When everyone genuinely enjoys the give and take and communication, there is a mutual determination to deliver exceptional results. Through both established and budding relationships, this authentic enthusiasm propels them to explore innovative solutions for every project’s success.
“We believe that clients understand that not everything will be perfect every time and there will be adversities,” Williams said. “It all comes down to how you deal with those adversities. That is what builds relationships. When a client sees our team members working diligently to complete their project, getting to the job early, staying late, keeping an eye on quality and safety, it puts them at ease and it builds trust knowing that we have their best interest at heart.”
Cork Howard operates under what is called a flat management style, which is designed to offer fewer levels of management between employees and executives. “This style allows us to work in conjunction with each project manager,” Williams said. “We meet bi-weekly as a team to discuss every active project. This gives us the ability to keep the workflow as even as possible and allows us to take the team approach for every project. For example, if someone has some unexpected issues on one project, we can have another project manager jump in and work through the issue or simply review submittals, shop
“We pride ourselves on our ability to put the right team on the right project and stay focused on the fundamentals. To use football terminology, it is what’s called the ‘blocking and tackling’ approach.”
–Mark Williams, Cork Howard President and Project Executive
drawings, handle sub-meetings and attend OAC [owner-architect-contractor] meetings to help out. By meeting as a team every other week, everyone is familiar at a high level of all active projects.”
To keep the Cork Howard team in step with the latest practices and standards related to the industry at large, it offers internal classes taught by its management team, and via other project managers and local vendors. Take the Cork Howard safety director, which sets up schedules that require mandatory participation for various aspects of the construction industry. This includes everything from Infection Control Risk Assessment and Interim Life Safety training, accounting classes, lessons learned, project process classes, and various trade training from vendors and subcontractors.
“This is an ongoing process that is scheduled each quarter along with our weekly safety training videos and tests that are
incentivized through bonuses given for all consistent attendees,” Williams said. “The diverse background of our project managers, as well as the diverse types of projects we perform on a regular basis, is part of our strength. It is part of our focus to assemble the right team for the right project. Because we have such a diverse background and team members, we can be competitive in many markets. This helps us maintain a consistent flow of work. This versatility is critical for us as a company. We do not have to simply rely on one sector of the market, if corporate interiors work is slow, healthcare could be picking up, if not ground-up projects could be our focus.”
On call, all the time
The ability of the Cork Howard team to circle the wagons in a moment’s notice is one of their endearing qualities. Williams recalled an explosion at a local hospital over a New Year’s break that resulted in a fatality in an emergency department. The incident activated the sprinkler system, which in turn ruined all the equipment, finishes, ceiling, electrical, etc. Called in the next day, Cork Howard met with the hospital staff and its director of construction to formulate a game plan.
“We established a plan and scheduled work two shifts seven days a week,” Williams said. “From the day of the explosion to the day the doctors saw patients in the newly renovated wing was a total of eight weeks. That was during COVID. Needless to say, this was probably one of the toughest projects we have ever done to date when you consider the product and manpower availability and schedule constraints. We still work within that facility today. They are one of our favorite clients.”
Work on this office space for BNY Atlanta included full demolition and rebuild.
For most of their healthcare projects, and a large percentage of their corporate interior work, the Cork Howard team is required to work in active and occupied areas. That is what makes their training with infection and dust control such an important attribute. To help meld the two environments, the Cork Howard team implements the same procedures as the hospital staffs, including HEPA filters to keep dust down for the employee’s work environment, creating “white noise” to help muffle the sound of construction, using walk-off and sticky mats, and scheduling clean sweep times during the day to keep freight elevators and public corridors clean.
“We approach these projects much the same way and determine the tolerable level of noise of the adjacent tenants and patients,” Williams said. “If the noise level is too much on a corporate project, we have the opportunity to implement a night or weekend shift. If the noise level is too much for a healthcare project, we do not have that luxury, as patients need the hospital quiet at night. We then need to coordinate closely with the facilities and floor nurses to establish set work hours.”
While most construction projects in today’s
climate are challenging due to material deliveries, manpower shortages or schedule requirements, healthcare construction projects are sometimes the most challenging, especially since the work is mostly done in and around patients. But as any general contractor will earnestly admit, fast and complicated projects take several key “must-have” components — blueprints of success Williams and his
team have ingrained into the process.
“Having that strong and open communication is a must,” Williams said. “You must have the right subcontractor and the right vendor to have the right project. Everyone, across the board, must have the buy-in on the schedule. Internally, we set the project up for success or failure within the first week by adhering to that. The more detailed we are in setting the project up, the fewer problems we have during the project. And when we have issues, we act immediately so that we can establish and implement a solution as soon as possible. Time is always of the essence.”
Cork Howard Construction’s rise as a leading general contractor in the Southeast is a testament to its commitment to more than just exceptional craftsmanship. It’s a story of building not only structures, but also a culture where employees are valued as people first. By fostering a team atmosphere that prioritizes balance — delivering excellence on the job while ensuring time for family — Cork Howard has created a legacy that resonates with clients, partners, and its dedicated workforce. This commitment continues to set the foundation for its enduring success. n
Cobb Schools: Safe, Secure, Trusted
By A Cobb Mom
Mornings at my house are a rush, trying to get the kids ready for school. One needs an extra snack for chorus practice, another needs an early wake-up for a club meeting — acting as an alarm clock for a middle schooler is no easy task.
It feels like the North Pole outside, but it will be a battle whether my teen wears a jacket or shorts. Amid the chaos and flutter of clothes, I make breakfast, sign permission slips, organize pick-ups, and remind the kids — or they remind me — about tests and projects coming up.
After a whirlwind morning, Here Comes the Bus (cobbk12.org/page/19019/here-comesthe-bus) and off they go to school. Parents,
like me, have a lot to juggle, think about, remember, and plan for every day. Thankfully, because I live in Cobb and my children go to Cobb schools, school safety is one thing I can leave to the experts.
Safety
Of course, safety is always at the top of my mind, just as it is for those leading Cobb Schools. It influences where I live, how my child gets to school, and the trust I place in their education.
That’s why I’m grateful my children attend school in the Cobb County School District, where safety isn’t just a policy — it’s a promise.
Schools have changed since my days as a student, and while the news often reminds me
of the dangers out there, Cobb’s commitment to safety gives me confidence. It has been more than 25 years since the school shooting at Columbine forever changed the way students experience school.
Instead of just tornado and fire drills, my children are now prepared to react, like muscle memory, in the case of a crisis because their schools conduct routine active shooter drills or code red drills.
Admittedly, the negative effects of social media scare me. It has introduced challenges my parents never had to face. Social media is a mischievous friend that causes trouble inside and outside the school building. False information and threats spread rapidly online,
about the dangers of vaping. These proactive steps will help create a healthier and safer environment for all students.
I teach my kids that bullying is wrong, and I appreciate how Cobb’s Expect Respect program and Superintendent Christopher Ragsdale’s zero-tolerance policy reinforce this value. His stance on bullying is clear: “Bullying is real, and we take it very seriously. We do not allow bullying of any type. Regardless of what the nature of the bullying is. We address it head-on. We address it quickly.”
Thankfully, Cobb also recognizes and cares about the mental well-being of students, providing support through school counselors, psychologists, and programs like Sources of Strength, which empowers students to support one another.
commitment to school safety (cobbk12.org/_ ci/p/105458). “I don’t think you can put a price tag on safety, especially when you’re talking about a child’s safety or a staff member’s safety. I don’t think you can put a price tag on that,” Superintendent Ragsdale shared during one safety talk.
That’s why another school board priority (cobbk12.org/_ci/p/107394) for the state legislature is to maintain, if not increase, school safety and security funding.
especially after the terrible incident in Barrow County that triggered a storm of fake threats in Cobb schools. These threats, even when false, create stress and fear for students and parents alike. I was relieved to learn that the Cobb school board is advocating for stronger criminal penalties (cobbk12.org/_ci/p/107394) against those who threaten schools.
The Cobb school board is also pushing the state to approve better protection against substances like THC and vape products. The vaping issue is particularly concerning. Vaping devices, often disguised as everyday items, can easily make their way into my kids’ schools. It’s reassuring to know that Cobb is addressing this head-on, pushing for legislation (cobbk12.org/_ ci/p/107394) to limit access and raise awareness
Seeing my child and other students step up to help classmates makes my heart happy. Not only does it show how much Cobb students care, but it also shows how our schools are building up tomorrow’s leaders.
It’s also reassuring to see Cobb working to address students’ mental health needs early. In fact, prevention is a major focus of Cobb’s safety initiatives. As Superintendent Ragsdale said recently, “Cobb is one of the first in the nation to actually implement a systems-based approach in helping to identify issues before they become problems and problems before they become tragedies.”
Security
Cobb is constantly upgrading and testing new technology to keep schools safe, and those enhancements are made possible because of the community’s $35-million annual
In Cobb, those tax dollars allocated to school safety back the advanced security technology embedded in Cobb schools, some of which I see at my kids’ schools and others I don’t. At the local high school’s football game, my family and our neighbors are safeguarded against outside dangers by the same cuttingedge screening system used at places like the Georgia Aquarium, FOX Theatre, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In addition to the AI-powered detection system that screens up to 1,000 students in 15 minutes, I also see the Cobb Schools police officers and some of the cameras. I also go through the school ID checks needed to enter my kids’ schools. But I know there is an extra layer of protection for the schools that I cannot see.
It’s natural to want detailed safety plans and to look behind the curtain to see the concealed layer of protection, but I understand that could compromise their effectiveness. It would make my children less safe. That’s not what I want.
What I do know is that there are teams of people working behind the scenes to keep my children and their friends safe. Knowing Cobb
Cobb County Public Safety Appreciation Week
E ducation
partners with members of the national intelligence community (cobbk12.org/_ci/p/105458) and collaborates and trains routinely with local and national law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force (cobbk12.org/_ci/p/105718), gives me peace of mind.
There’s a lot of scary stuff in the news about what may happen, could happen, threatened to happen, and in tragic cases like Columbine and Barrow County, did happen at schools.
Yes, those things live in the back of my mind, but I also know the people of Cobb. I’ve met the police officers who greet our students with fist bumps every morning but are ready to run toward danger to protect students and staff. I read about the police officers who take a break to read to students, mentor a struggling student, or take students in need shopping for presents. Many are parents themselves. They’re law enforcement veterans whose experience spans decades in Cobb and beyond. It’s comforting to know that their 1,690 years of combined service are shielding my children from danger, inside and outside the school building.
I feel safe sending my children to school because I know Cobb’s shield of protection extends beyond the 80-plus school police officers. If something happens on campus — whether it’s a medical emergency or a security concern, it’s reassuring to know that my kids’ teachers can immediately press a crisis alert button on their badge, and help will be on the way. This immediate response capability is a testament to Cobb’s commitment to preparedness.
Trust
It also helps that I know my children’s principals, principals who I trust will contact me if something concerning has happened and let me know how it is being handled. I know that I may not hear right away. That is okay. I know they don’t want to share inaccurate information. And, in the heat of a crisis, whether it’s a reported threat or a problem with the air conditioning system, I want them to focus on keeping my children and their teachers safe. I know they will send accurate information as quickly as possible.
My role as a parent is vital, too. By keeping my contact information current, I receive important updates through the Cobb Teaching and Learning System (CTLS) about my children’s school day, including any safety alerts. The District’s communication channels and CTLS are lifelines for parents like me. I urge other parents to update their
details and actively check these channels so we all stay in the loop with accurate and timely information. Simple actions like these make a big difference.
Although I hope never to have to use it, I can report safety concerns to the District’s tip line (cobbk12-ga.safeschoolsalert.com), and the concerns will be immediately investigated.
Seeing all the volunteers supporting and mentoring students at my children’s schools has shown me firsthand how much the district values parental involvement. As parents, we invest our time, trust, and resources into our children’s education. Cobb Schools amplify that investment by creating a secure environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
Superintendent Ragsdale’s decade-long commitment to safety, even in the face of criticism, strengthens my trust that everything possible is being done to protect Cobb’s children. His leadership has positioned Cobb as a national leader in school safety by prioritizing prevention strategies, such as maintaining a strong police presence, securing critical funding, equipping officers with essential resources, and implementing innovative tools like the crisis alert system. His forwardthinking approach, including partnerships with members of the intelligence community to stay “left of launch,” ensures the district remains proactive in safeguarding students and staff.
Thanks to Superintendent Ragsdale, Cobb’s safety efforts are extensive, but the unwavering focus on prevention stands out to me most. From addressing small issues early to implementing large-scale security enhancements, District leaders know, and security experts agree, that staying ahead of potential threats is key. This proactive mindset reassures me as a parent and reminds me of the importance of staying vigilant.
As a parent, I trust schools to educate my children, strengthen their social skills needed to succeed in life, and, most importantly, keep them safe. In Cobb, that trust is earned daily by dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators who create a learning environment where students can thrive. Their unwavering commitment to safety and student success reminds me why I choose to live in Cobb County and send my children to the Cobb County School District.
Cobb is the best place to teach, lead, and learn because the District is safe and secure. n
Safety on full display at McEachern High School.
Shop with a Cop 2024.
Training Tomorrow’s Healthcare Workforce
By Cory Sekine-Pettite
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the second-most common form of cancer diagnosed in U.S. women. Only skin cancer accounts for more cases. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2024 are as follows:
• About 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women.
• About 56,500 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were diagnosed.
• About 42,250 women died from breast cancer in the U.S. last year.
While the ACS and other organizations report a slight increase in breast cancer diagnoses in recent years (up about 0.6 percent), breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, for an overall
decline of 42 percent through 2021. The decrease is believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.
Of course, as more of us are getting screened, the demand for radiologists, mammography technologists, and other qualified healthcare professionals has grown. Chattahoochee Technical College, which in 2023
Chattahoochee Tech launches Mammography Technologist program
Chattahoochee Tech Radiography Program Director, Jamie Bailey
H ealth
celebrated its 60th anniversary, is heeding the call. This past October, the college announced a new Mammography Technologist program, which begins its first classes on January 13. The program is designed to equip certified Radiography professionals with the advanced skills needed to excel in the critical field of breast cancer detection.
“Many programs offer CT [computed tomography] and MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] certificates and Chattahoochee Tech wanted to offer something that not many other programs were offering at the time,” said Chattahoochee Tech Radiography Program Director, Jamie Bailey, regarding the impetus for the new program. “The
Mammography Tech
Radiography program and administration at Chattahoochee Tech initially coordinated the logistics of the program with Northside, and later had the support of Wellstar, Floyd/ Atrium, and Piedmont in moving forward.”
The program is open to students who hold certification in Radiography from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Participants will develop proficiency in producing digital, 3D, and X-ray images, which are essential tools in detecting breast cancer when it is most treatable, the school reported in a recent news release. At the time of publishing, up to 20 students were expected to be enrolled for the spring 2025 semester.
The program consists of one online course
Mammography Technologists produce digital, 3D, and X-ray images as an essential tool in detecting early-stage breast cancer when it’s most treatable. These skills are in high demand in healthcare facilities. This is an advanced program open to students who are certified in Radiography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Students gain the skills and knowledge required to operate a mammography unit for medical screening and diagnostic purposes under the supervision of a physician. The program consists of one online course and one clinical course where students will be placed in a healthcare facility under the supervision of a certified Mammographer. The program will be completed in one semester.
The Mammography certificate program prepares students to sit for the national certification examination in mammography offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The Program meets MQSA initial education requirements for mammographers.
This program is currently only offered during spring term.
*Note that in order to be eligible for this program students must be certified in Radiography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
combined with a clinical course, providing students with hands-on experience under the guidance of certified Mammographers in healthcare facilities. This immersive approach ensures students gain practical skills necessary for operating mammography units for both medical screening and diagnostic purposes. The entire program can be completed within one semester.
“The program falls under the umbrella of the Chattahoochee Tech Radiography program so it will consist of the program director, clinical coordinator, and we will have an instructor for the online course,” Bailey said regarding staffing for the Mammography Technologist program.
Chatt Tech Foundation Event Raises $85,250 to Help Students in Need
The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation raised a recordbreaking total of $85,250 at its annual fundraiser this past October to help students in need. This event featured the Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos, a high energy, interactive and comedy show, at the college’s North Metro Campus. Proceeds will provide much-needed funding to deserving students for scholarships, emergency grants, and textbooks. Learn more at chattahoocheetech. edu/fundraising-event.
Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to sit for the national certification examination in mammography offered by ARRT, meeting the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) initial education requirements for mammographers.
“We are excited to offer the Mammography program,” said Dr. Stephanie Puffer, PT, DPT, Dean of Health Sciences, “which will not only fulfill a great need in the community workforce but will also give Radiographers an opportunity to advance their skills in a personally rewarding career where they can have a meaningful impact on detecting early-stage breast cancer when it is most treatable.”
Job placement assistance is a hallmark of Chattahoochee Tech’s commitment to its students, so this program is no different. According to Bailey, the college is collaborating with stakeholders in the local healthcare community to ensure job opportunities for graduates are available within the service area. “Clinical placement for students will provide working interview opportunities for potential employment after completion of the program,” she said.
The Mammography certificate program is offered exclusively during the Spring term. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as spots are limited. To learn more, visit chattahoocheetech.edu. n
Chattahoochee Tech at a Glance
Students can graduate in two years or less at Chattahoochee Technical College with a meaningful degree that is immediately usable and builds a lasting career. Chattahoochee Tech offers real-world training in a wide range of programs for students at all stages of life to quickly start, change, or accelerate their careers. A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Chattahoochee Tech awards certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in programs of study linked to the state’s fastest-growing, high-demand career fields.
Chattahoochee Tech has nine campus locations, which are located in Cobb, Bartow, Cherokee, Paulding, and Pickens counties. The Aviation Training Academy is the college’s newest campus, which opened in the 2024 spring semester near the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport. Three of the Chattahoochee Tech campuses are located in Cobb County. The Chattahoochee Tech Marietta Campus continues to have the college’s largest campus enrollment each semester.
In 2020, Chattahoochee Tech celebrated the opening of its newly constructed, 71,716-square-foot Health
Sciences building at the Marietta Campus. The facility houses six health sciences programs under the same roof and includes two lecture halls, a computer lab, faculty and administrative space, a covered roof-top terrace, simulation labs, and an electroneurodiagnostic (END) lab used to study brain activity. This is only the second laboratory of its kind in the state of Georgia.
As part of the college’s 60th anniversary commemoration in 2023, the then Chattahoochee Tech President, Dr. Ron Newcomb, told Cobb In Focus, “Our students are becoming well prepared for careers in the medical profession, with 100 percent of recent graduates in five of the college’s health science programs routinely achieving first-time pass rates on their national licensure and certification exams.”
Building A Dream For Cobb Women
Strong women build strong communities through Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build.
By Jennifer Todd
From left to right: Women Build Co-Chair Stacey Chapman, Habitat NWMA CEO Jessica Gill, and Women Build Co-Chair Kim Gresh.
Since 1976, the mission of Habitat for Humanity has been clear and constant: Every human being should have a decent, safe, and affordable home in which to live. In 1986, Cobb Habitat was founded by Marietta resident and trailblazer Christine “Chrys” Street. Today, known as Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta (Habitat NWMA), this affiliate has built or rehabilitated more than 600 homes as part of their pursuit to provide decent, affordable housing in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties. In Cobb County today, hundreds of families live in affordable, attractive homes in the communities where they work thanks to partnerships with the county’s leading corporate and faith organizations.
The History of Pink
In 1995, the young affiliate embarked on a new project called “Women’s Work.” The house in Marietta was funded and built almost completely by women. In 1991, across the country, this project became known as “Women Build.” In 2018, Habitat NWMA successfully completed another Women Build in Marietta. Former Georgia First Lady Marie Barnes served as committee chair, and a beautiful home was completed for a single mother and son.
In September 2024, under the leadership of committee co-chairs Kim Gresh, owner and president, S.A. White Oil Co.; and Stacey Chapman, principal, senior vice president and owner, CROFT & Associates, the affiliate officially kicked off the 2025 Women Build with a one-day home build project.
The Women Build project makes sense for this community, and that’s where Habitat NWMA CEO Jessica Gill and her team of amazing volunteers, leaders, and business partners are making a distinct difference. Gill says since 2019, 76 percent of the affiliate’s Habitat homeowners have had a female head of household (38 out of 50). “Giving hardworking women and mothers a handup to achieve homeownership with a zerointerest affordable mortgage allows them to provide a stable home and safe environment for their children,” she says. “This creates better outcomes for the children and generational wealth that otherwise would not be achievable.”
Gill says her master’s degree in public health, and the poor social determinants of health within pockets of our community have driven her desire to work for Habitat for Humanity. She says the Women Build initiative works because the construction industry still tends to be dominated by men. When women come together, amazing things happen. “There is something to be said when a team of women raise all of the money and then actually build the house.”
Women Building the Dream
Habitat NWMA has a long history of women leaders, starting with its founder, Chrys Street. The affiliate has many female crew leaders, construction volunteers, board members, and staff. Gill says the initial Build Committee has City of Marietta employees, Habitat homeowners, Cobb citizens, judges, and our former district attorney. “I hope we can continue to have the support of Marietta council members, Cobb commissioners, and other influential community members. We have a full-time female construction manager on our staff, and she will be doing the quality assurance portion of this build.”
Habitat NWMA’s Women Build committee leadership consists of Barbara Moses, secretary; Susan Chang, treasurer; Allyson Moyer, volunteer recruitment; and Lisa Lewis and Sontonia Sloan, catering managers. The goal is to raise $165,000 to build a complete house in 2025, which will be in the City of Marietta. Throughout the winter, committee members will work to raise funds. The walls of the home will be raised in May, and the building of the house will continue for 10 weeks. More than 250 volunteers will work with skilled volunteers to construct a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home.
A finished Habitat home kitchen.
To start the process, a crew leader will explain to volunteers the jobs they’ll carry out to contribute to construction. “To some, it’s as simple as showing a volunteer how to use a hammer or drill. In the end, volunteers will build — literally — a strong foundation to help make a deserving Women Build recipient’s dreams a reality. Workers will participate in raising walls, insulating, adding siding, painting outside and inside, and landscaping,” says Gill.
“I’m sure it doesn’t surprise anyone that the cost of construction materials and labor has increased by 40 percent in the last five years,” Gill says. “Financial resources help us to maintain consistency among our housing projects. We anticipate a cost of about $165,000 for an entire build in 2025. We also need breakfasts and lunches sponsored, and ice and drinks to keep our volunteers fed and hydrated.”
Regarding recipients, Gill says Women Build follows all Fair Housing Act laws. “With that being said, ‘special populations’ of applicants may exist, and the land that we are building on has been donated by the City of Marietta. The homeowner will be a Marietta
city employee who works in the police department. They must meet financial criteria, complete 300 hours of sweat equity, be a firsttime homeowner, and live in substandard housing.”
Gill says Kim Gresh is a shining example of putting that power to work for the future of Cobb County. Gresh has been involved with two previous Women Build projects with Habitat for Humanity. In 2018, she sponsored the Women Build in Marietta, which she says was an amazing opportunity. Then, in
“There is something to be said when a team of women raise all of the money and then actually build the house.”
— Jessica Gill, Habitat NWMA CEO
September 2024, she worked with the Women Build kick-off project in Austell. “We installed all of the windows in the home and framed out all the interior walls,” says Gresh. “This was a spectacular day with all the women working together and doing something out of their comfort zones.”
If you’re wondering why a powerful, busy community leader like Gresh sees the importance of this fundraising endeavor, the answer is simple: she understands the progress that like-minded, motivated women can harness. “Habitat is an incredible non-profit and working with this fantastic group of women to build a home for a deserving family is so satisfying,” she says. “Getting to see the power of women coming together is something we need to see more often.”
The Power of Women
As a woman in the design and construction industry and a Cobb resident, Stacey Chapman sees Women Build as an extraordinary opportunity for local businesses to make a meaningful impact in the Cobb community.
“Cobb businesses should consider getting involved, because this initiative directly addresses critical needs: affordable housing, community development, and empowerment for women in traditionally male-dominated fields,” she says. “Women Build projects are more than construction efforts; they are a celebration of collaboration and servant leadership. By participating, businesses can
The cause is more than worthy as it carves so much opportunity for Cobb’s motivated community of volunteers and leaders. And, though much has been accomplished, there still is much work to be done.
demonstrate their commitment to strengthening the local community and aligning with a cause that resonates deeply with residents. Supporting this project showcases a company’s dedication to improving lives right here in Cobb County, while fostering pride and unity among employees and clients.”
In addition, businesses in construction, design or related industries can lend expertise and highlight their role as community builders. Companies outside these industries can partner through sponsorships, donations or volunteering, connecting with the broader community in a hands-on way, says Chapman.
“Businesses can participate in a Women Build for Habitat for Humanity in a variety of impactful ways,” Chapman says. “Financial support through donations or sponsorships can help fund specific phases of the build, such as the foundation, roofing or landscaping. Contributions of construction materials, including lumber, paint, hardware, or appliances from retailers or suppliers can significantly reduce costs.”
Chapman says companies also can engage their employees by organizing volunteer teams to provide hands-on labor, fostering team bonding while supporting the build. Businesses specializing in architecture, engineering, or trades can offer professional service insight to ensure the project meets safety and design standards. Promotional support through company platforms and social media can raise awareness and encourage community involvement.
Additionally, businesses can host fundraising events or drives, match employee contributions, or partner in other creative ways to generate resources. Small contributions, such as meals on the build days, construction gloves, and hard hats are meaningful donations throughout the process as well.
Sponsors and partners from different industries are paramount in bringing the Women Build project to fruition. The Cobb community benefits from companies who align with the mission of providing affordable housing, giving back to the community, and understanding the dedication and expertise required to design and build a home.
“Many of our ideal partners are womenowned construction and design firms that have been trailblazers in creating
Raising the walls of a Habitat house.
Two photos courtesy Habitat NWMA
opportunities for women in this field,” she says. “We also seek partnerships with companies across complementary industries, including engineering, real estate, manufacturing, and suppliers of construction materials. These partners not only bring vital resources and expertise to the project, but they also amplify the Women Build mission by demonstrating a commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities.”
Building Pride
Without a doubt, there’s more to be gained from Women Build than an affordable, safe and healthy home for a deserving Cobb recipient. The spillover to community strength and pride is an intangible, but important, added benefit.
“I want to show that a strong group of women can accomplish anything they put their minds to,” says Gresh. “We hope to complete a well-built home for a deserving family who, without Habitat for Humanity, would probably never have achieved home ownership and the pride that comes with it.”
Gill adds that such projects also bring together individuals and community leaders who otherwise may not know each other but who give tirelessly to many non-profits in the Cobb community. “Women who may nor mally never know one another get a chance to work together and learn,” she says. “Building an entire house is daunting, and the ‘Rosie the Riveter’ mentality — working for a common purpose — brings strength at a time when many people seem divided.”
The cause is more than worthy as it carves so much opportunity for Cobb’s motivated community of volunteers and leaders. And, though much has been accomplished, there still is much work to be done. Linda Beggs, a Cobb County Habitat founding board mem ber, participated in Women’s Work (the area’s first Women Build) in 1995.
“I’m gratified to see Habitat still thriving after all these years,” Beggs says. “Habitat’s longevity proves the strength of the model: pro viding opportunities for people willing to work hard for their American dream. I’m excited for the chance to pick up a hammer again and build with some of Cobb’s finest women leaders.”
Methany, a Cobb resident and teacher at Marietta Middle School, became a Habitat homeowner in 2023 and was the first recipient in the Marietta Public Service Housing Pro gram. The program is a partnership between
Habitat NWMA, an independent, locally operated organization, is responsible for its own funding, family selection, and education, as well as land acquisition and development, home construction, and mortgage origination and servicing. Since 1986, Habitat NWMA has built, rehabilitated, or repaired more than 600 homes in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties. Through volunteer labor, and a zerointerest mortgage, homeowners are able to achieve financial stability and build generational wealth.
To learn more or donate to the Women Build: give.habitatnwma.org/ge/womenbuild
the City of Marietta and Habitat for Humanity to build Habitat homes for City of Marietta public servants. Methany strives to pay it forward as a teacher and now lives minutes from where she serves.
“Thank you for all that you do in the community for people like me,” Methany says. “You truly are God sent, and I pray that as you continue to bless others, God will bless you even more.” n
YOUR LIFE in the CITY OF MARIETTA
The City of Marietta offers an unparalleled quality of life with its exceptional schools, abundant parks, historic downtown, and thriving arts and culture scene. Nestled in safe, welcoming neighborhoods, our residents enjoy a perfect blend of vibrant activity and relaxed charm. Whether you are raising a family or seeking new opportunities, Marietta is perfectly positioned to welcome you home.
www.MariettaGa.gov
Leaders of Cobb
Since its establishment more than 180 years ago, Cobb County has been defined by its people. Some of these individuals have made their mark by becoming pioneers of business, captains of industry and heads of state.
And if you’re reading this, you likely know why Cobb is attractive to so many. It hosts exceptional schools, is within close reach to the world’s busiest airport, has all of the convenience of proximity to the
big city and is fertile ground for entrepreneurship. The list goes on, but it always comes back to the people who have built this county into what it is.
On the following page we have profiled an individual who is among Cobb’s premier leaders. We wanted to find out about his job, delve into his personal life, and gain some words of wisdom. And of course, we asked: Why have you picked Cobb County?
Answers submitted by Nathan Bates
THE STORY: I was born in Mississippi, but moved seven times by the age of 12 due to my dad’s corporate sales career. I attended high school in Peachtree City, Georgia, and college for three years at Georgia State University before being selected in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels. As I started high school, my dad left corporate America and researched different franchise opportunities before deciding to open CMIT Solutions of Atlanta Southern Crescent in 2009 based in the Fayetteville/Newnan area. After eight years of professional baseball, I retired in 2022 and moved into a home in Cobb County with my wife, Brooke. In November of 2022, we opened a second location, CMIT Solutions of Atlanta Northwest, servicing Cobb, Paulding, and Douglas Counties along with the surrounding areas.
WHY I CHOSE TO WORK IN COBB:
A big factor was my wife’s job as an anesthesiologist assistant at Northside Hospital’s Cherokee location. But after looking around the surrounding areas, Cobb County is a perfect blend of an intimate community and a thriving, growing community like you expect in the Atlanta area.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love making a difference. Providing great IT services and empowering small businesses through technology gives our clients peace of mind and freedom in their business, and we love seeing them be successful and exceed their goals. Since my dad and I are co-owners in this business, I also truly enjoy working and learning from him every day.
LEISURE TIME: I play a lot of golf, basketball, slow-pitch softball … you name the sport! If I’m not playing a sport for fun, I’m in the backyard running around with our black lab and mini dachshund.
Doug and Nathan Bates Co-Owners, CMIT Solutions
BEST ADVICE: Don’t get discouraged. Any goal worth achieving is a long, difficult road and if you never face challenges and disappointment along the way, you need to raise your sights.
WHAT’S NEXT? Our first baby is due in February, and right now that’s the most important thing on my radar! As far as CMIT Solutions goes, we are a second-generation family business and we do not plan on going anywhere any time soon!
by LaRuche Photo
Photo
Cobb’s Citizens & Businesses of the Year
The Cobb Chamber’s Area Councils and the local business associations have selected their 2024 Citizens of the Year and Businesses/ Members of the Year to honor those who have made our community a better place in which to live and work. Additional honors were bestowed upon locals for charity work and meritorious acts for the community. The awards were announced recently for the following communities:
Outstanding Citizens
Acworth Citizen of the Year: Corporal Tamara Severtson, Acworth Police Department. Throughout her years of service, Corporal Severtson has been responsible for numerous lifesaving actions, a testament to her quick thinking and dedication to public safety. She has earned the Acworth Police Department Officer of the Year award twice, and in 2018 was recognized with the Award of Merit by the Cobb Chamber. This year, Severtson received the Lifesaving Award after two incidents, one involving the successful administration of CPR and another in which she saved a choking victim using a rescue device that she had personally purchased. Her initiative led to the department purchasing these devices for all officers.
Austell Citizen of the Year: Quintasha Swanson. Swanson is the Founder and Executive Director of The Haven of Help, a non-profit with the mission to provide services and resources to assist individuals and families to become self-sufficient. Swanson is known as a pillar of the Austell community, serving as the Executive Assistant to the city’s Chief of Police and volunteering for several organizations. She has represented the city for Keep Cobb Beautiful for three years. For the past two years, she has been President of the South Cobb High School’s Parent Teacher Student Association. Swanson also is an active member of the Beacon of Light Christian Church in Austell.
The Haven of Hope provides employment services, food, housing, utility, rent assistance, and agency referrals. Swanson has developed and implemented several initiatives to empower and encourage people in her community, including the annual Back-2-School Bash, Single Mother’s Luncheon, Father’s Day Cook-out, Black History Month Spelling Bees, and Project Warm Blanket. Swanson is a devoted mother of three children and has served as a spokesperson for United Way & Families First.
East Cobb Citizen of the Year: Butch Carter, owner of Honest-1 Auto Care, is the 2024 East Cobb Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year Awards are given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model. Carter has displayed unwavering dedication to delivering excellent service and building a topnotch work environment for his team. He is the current president of the East Cobb Rotary Club, supervising the distribution of over $100,000 to local charities in the 2023-2024
Acworth Citizen of the Year
Austell Citizen of the Year
Rotary year, and $30,000 to Lunches for Learning, a charity that provides food for needy children in Honduras. Carter leads the club’s volunteer efforts with East Cobb Park, road cleanup, clean water projects, and veteran organizations.
His volunteer endeavors include service at MUST Ministries, the McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA, and the East Cobb Business Association (ECBA). Some of his notable achievements with the ECBA has been supporting the East Cobb Public Safety Celebration and winning the ECBA Business Person of the Year award.
Kennesaw’s Citizens of the Year are Lewis and Andrew Bramlett, Community volunteers. Lewis and Andrew Bramlett are a father/son duo who have dedicated themselves to making a profound impact on Kennesaw by embodying a spirit of service, leadership, and generosity. The two have been pillars of support and volunteerism for Kennesaw for many years. As advocates for preserving local history, they have worked closely with city staff and officials, lending their expertise and insights to help preserve historic sites and local history. Lewis serves on the Kennesaw Cemetery Commission and Andrew serves on the Kennesaw Historic Preservation Commission and the Kennesaw Cemetery Foundation. Both are key forces behind helping to preserve the historic Kennesaw Cemetery by participating in annual maintenance events, cleaning gravestones, and organizing the annual “Life in the Cemetery” tours.
Mableton Citizen of the Year: Carolyn Turner. Turner’s dedication to her community can be seen in nearly every aspect of her life. As the founder of H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center, she embodies the spirit of “Helping Other People Everyday,” directly impacting the lives of hundreds of families through her commitment to service. From organizing school supply drives and community outreach events to supporting small businesses and providing critical resources to those in need, Turner’s contributions have left a lasting mark on Mableton.
In addition to her work with the H.O.P.E Family Resource Center, Turner is the treasurer and longtime board member of the Mableton Improvement Coalition, an appointed member of the Cobb Board of Tax Assessors, and the current chairperson and grant administrator for the FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program. She has played a significant role in many Mableton Improvement Coalition projects, including the Taste of Mableton, the community garden, Farmer’s Market events, and zoning decisions.
Powder Springs Citizen of the Year, Elliott Hennington, is recognized for his long-standing dedication to community service and his impactful leadership across numerous local initiatives. Hennington has been a committed member of the Cobb County Parks and Recreation Board, where he served as chair from 2018 to 2023. Additionally, he serves as Lead Deacon at Destiny World Church in Austell and as Co-Chair of the South Cobb Opportunity Zone, a United Way-funded initiative supporting community growth and development.
Over the years, Hennington’s leadership roles have included Chairperson of the Powder Springs Community Task Force (20152024), and board member positions with both the Austell Community Task Force and Circles Cobb. Since 2016, he has also been an active member of the Powder Springs
4P program, contributing to various city improvement projects.
He is well-known for organizing the Annual Back-to-School Bash, an event providing backpacks and school supplies to local students. He also has coordinated the Giving Hope for Holidays event for nearly a decade, delivering toys to children in need. His dedication to education and youth support extends to Tapp Middle School, where he has spent more than a decade tutoring and mentoring students, as well as helping establish a nonprofit youth foundation that offers affordable summer camp options.
Smyrna’s Citizen of the Year, is Rose Diggs, CEO, Down 7 Up 8 Incorporated. Over the past 13 years, Diggs has dedicated herself to children in the foster care system. Through her leadership at Down 7 Up 8 Inc., a non-profit providing a range of programs designed for fostered, adopted, and underprivileged children, she has fostered more than 300 children and provided free virtual tutoring for more than 700 children across Georgia.
In addition, Diggs has provided school supplies and Christmas gifts for hundreds of children, offered training for foster and adoptive parents, and created a legacy of compassion and service. Her advocacy for the rights of foster and adoptive parents through the Adoptive and Foster Parent Association of Georgia has driven meaningful policy changes at both state and national levels.
East Cobb Citizen of the Year
Kennesaw Citizens of the Year
Mableton Citizen of the Year
Powder Springs Citizen of the Year
Smyrna Citizen of the Year
Town Center Citizen of the Year is Dan Buyers, Partner at McWhirter Realty Partners. For more than 30 years, Buyers has worked throughout Cobb County to ensure that economic development and growth is strategic, thoughtful, and mutually beneficial to investors, individuals, and the county. He is credited for his involvement in the South Barrett Reliever and Skip Spann Connector, projects designed to decrease traffic congestion around Town Center during peak hours. Buyers helped to organize and implement the first ever CID bikeshare program in the state, providing 24/7 rental access to the community. He was also involved in the CID’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Study for Town Center to develop strategic direction for the area. Buyers serves on the Boards of the Cobb Chamber, the Council for Quality Growth, the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, the Town Center Area Community Improvement District, the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS, and the Wellstar Foundation.
West Cobb Citizen of the Year: Justin O’Dell, Partner at O’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford, & Blanchard. Under O’Dell’s leadership, his law firm has supported multiple schools and charities around the county for more than 22 years. He is actively involved in Kiwanis and has served as president and on a dozen other committees throughout the years,
including the Flag Committee — in which he and his children place American Flags around the community for various holidays during the year.
O’Dell and the firm also sponsor a free breakfast every July 4 for the community to come and preview the Marietta July 4th parade. He has raised money and donations for various other groups such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Cobb County Diaper Day, Reconnecting Families, and the Boy Scouts.
The Cobb Chamber’s Marietta Area Council awarded former Marietta Mayor Bill Dunaway with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual whose significant contributions over a span of many years will positively impact their community for years to come. Through his involvement in various civic projects and initiatives, Dunaway has been instrumental in fostering positive change and bringing the community closer together. In addition to his public service, Dunaway has a rich history as an entrepreneur and community builder. Through his roles as the proprietor of The 1848 House Restaurant and President of Dunaway Drug Stores, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to civic engagement and the improvement of the local economy.
The Cobb Chamber’s Cumberland Area Council named John Shern , longtime Chairman of the Board of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), as its 2024 Cumberland Citizen of the Year. The award is given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model. These
outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.
Shern, a pillar in Cobb County’s development, retired after an unparalleled tenure as the longest-serving board member of a CID in Georgia. Since 1988, the success of Cumberland has inspired the formation of nearly 30 CIDs statewide, significantly shaping Georgia’s landscape with strategic infrastructure and transportation enhancements.
Shern’s service and dedication to the Cumberland CID, leaves a legacy that will positively impact the region for generations. Under his leadership, the Cumberland CID has delivered landmark projects, including the $300-million Cumberland Blvd. Loop Road, which connects the area’s major assets, and the Kennedy Interchange, an $81-million project enhancing mobility to I-75/I-285.
The Cobb Chamber and the Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) also honored Mark and Rhonda Jacobson with CCF’s 2024 James L. Rhoden Jr. Visionary Philanthropist Award , presented by Kim Gresh, CEO & President of S.A. White Oil. Gresh shared these heartfelt words about the Jacobsons: “Everyone in this room knows them and has been touched by them, be it through their
Town Center Citizen of the Year
West Cobb Citizen of the Year
Bill Dunaway, Lifetime Achievement Award
Cumberland Citizen of the Year
James L. Rhoden Jr. Visionary Philanthropist Award winners.
business, their community involvement, or their charitable giving, which comes directly from their hearts. They are two of the most generous people I know, and there is no one more deserving of this award.”
The Jacobson’s unwavering dedication to supporting causes like SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Wellstar Foundation, LiveSafe Resources, Shepherd’s Men, and countless others is inspiring. Their leadership, generosity, and passion uplift our community in immeasurable ways.
The Cobb Community Foundation and Cobb Collaborative also honored excellence in human services during their annual awards dinner last December. The CCF presented its Jack Vaughan, Jr. Human Services Award to Cobb Moms Helping Moms volunteer and administrator, Jody Vane with the volunteer award and Tyler Driver, Executive Director at The Extension, with the professional award. This award was established in 1994, honoring the legacy of Jack Vaughan, Jr., a state representative and founding member of Cobb Collaborative dedicated to serving the less fortunate.
Additionally, CCF’s William E. “Bill” Hanson Collaboration Award was presented to Gayle Battersby of McClesky East Cobb YMCA. Introduced in 2008 by the Collaborative, this award honors Bill Hanson’s legacy of fostering collaboration among nonprofit organizations to address community challenges.
Finally, the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award was presented to Courtney Schreer and Steven Egan of Acts 6 Ministry of Stonebridge Church. Acts 6 helps homeless and low-income individuals obtain essential documents like IDs and birth certificates.
Business Association Awards
Acworth Business Association’s (ABA) 2024 Person of the Year is Lori Tanner of Landmark Legacy Homes. Tanner has served on the ABA board for the past three
years and says she is truly blessed by her community having built numerous friendships that she cherishes. Surely, more big things are headed her way.
Acworth Business Association’s Business of the Year is Fairway Insurance with Stuart Sailers. Fairway has been in business in Acworth for 10 years, helping clients will their insurance needs. The company has been named a Bulldog 100 business, meaning it is one of the state’s fastest growing businesses operated by University of Georgia alumni.
Acworth Business Association’s The Legacy Award went to Henry and Claudia Chandler, owners of Henry’s Louisiana Grill. Henry’s is one of Acworth’s most beloved restaurants — and an essential part of the community. The ABA wishes them well as they embark on new adventures during retirement.
Kennesaw Business Association’s (KBA) Business of the Year is 22one Realty Co. Owner- Teena Regan is a life-long resident of Cobb County. She is involved in many community charitable and business organizations including the KBA, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Partners in Education, Special Needs Partners, Homes for Vets, Wounded Warriors, SafePath, and Project Peace for Teens. On top of that, her business reputation is stellar with more awards and honors than she may care to admit. Regan is certainly a local business owner on the rise!
Kennesaw Business Association’s Member of the Year is Stormi Kenney, Owner of Kennesaw Driving School Kenney’s business has been operating for 30 years in downtown Kennesaw. It provides driver’s training to residents in Cobb, Bartow, Paulding, and Cherokee Counties. Kenney is an active KBA member and provides a vital public safety service with her driving school.
The Marietta Business Association gives out awards for member and business of the year to recognize the contribution and dedication of that member or business to the association. In addition, the MBA honors members with two other annual awards, the President’s Choice Award and the Above and Beyond Award.
The MBA recognized the following members and businesses:
• MBA Business of the Year: Liz by Design Photography (Liz Williams)
• MBA Member of the Year: Marietta Handyman (David Clarke)
• MBA Above & Beyond Award: Logomotion LLC (Patti Willig)
• MBA President’s Choice Award: High Caliber Realty (Brent Rittersdorf) and Biltmore Insurance Services (Michelle Garland).
The West Cobb Business Association’s (WCBA) Member of the Year is Jennifer Carnahan with Aflac, and the WCBA Business of the Year is After Five Floors (Brady Reason). Carnahan is the current WCBA Education Director and has been a benefits counselor for more than 15 years. n
WCBA Businesses of the Year
I n Your Community
Road Ready Foundation Commits To Saving Lives Through Safe Tires
On Feb. 10, 2023, Alex Bebiak and his family received a devastating phone call: their 19-year-old son, Jackson, was in a serious car accident while on his way to the beach with college friends. He was placed on life support at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. When the Bebiaks got to the hospital, they learned doctors could not do anything for Jackson due to the nature of his injuries. As a registered organ donor, Jackson’s family found great solace in knowing his donated organs helped save the lives of three other people. His resting day was Feb. 13, 2023.
When the Bebiaks retrieved Jackson’s belongings from the vehicle, they noticed the tires had virtually no tread. The accident had occurred during a rainstorm, and the
Florida Highway Patrol later confirmed that the unsafe tires caused the vehicle to hydroplane. Despite traveling below the speed limit, wearing seatbelts, and the airbags deploying, Jackson (who was a passenger in the front seat) suffered severe injuries. Thankfully, the driver and another passenger sustained less serious injuries and recovered fully.
This tragedy drove the Bebiak family to create the Road Ready Foundation (roadreadyfoundation.org) to educate young drivers about proper tire maintenance. Road Ready emphasizes tire safety, the importance of checking tread and inflation levels, and rotating and replacing tires. While beneficial for all drivers, Alex notes, “Statistically, drivers aged 16-19 are more likely to be involved in accidents due to inexperience, so our focus
is on educating young drivers.” The foundation’s motto is “Tread Wisely,” and its vision is to create a world where individuals, families, and communities embrace tire safety as a fundamental aspect of responsible road behavior.
Tires for Teens, one of Road Ready Foundation’s initial programs, seeks to provide tire maintenance education directly to young drivers. “Research shows nearly half of young drivers have never checked their tires and don’t know how,” Alex states. “We are working on developing the right partnerships with tire professionals to host educational events and offer professional diagnoses of tire tread and pressure along with maintenance information.”
Another initiative, “Change for Change – Where Pennies Save Lives,” aims to raise awareness and funds. This program
highlights the “Penny Test,” where drivers insert a penny into the tire tread groove. If the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head is visible, it is time to replace the tire. As a rule, tread depth should be at least 2/32 of an inch.
Alex points to statistics indicating that unsafe tires cause four in 10 accidents, which is statistically like accidents resulting from distracted driving. He explains, “Young drivers don’t realize how tire issues affect car performance, especially in rain or snow. Proper tread depth significantly reduces the risk of hydroplaning or skidding.”
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, tires are the cause of 33,000 accidents per year. Specifically, tire failure causes 11,000 accidents and 200 deaths a year. In a U.S.A study by
the National Transportation Safety Board, research found that most tire-related crashes can be prevented, and though actions that can reduce tire failure-related injuries and deaths are known, people continue to debate them rather than implement them.
Sgt. Chase Woodie of the Georgia Department of Public Safety emphasizes the importance of tire safety, noting frequent encounters with unsafe tires during traffic stops. “Drivers should look for uneven wear, cracks, or bulges,” he said. “If the steel ply is showing, the tire could blow out.” He stresses the importance of tire rotation and vehicle alignment for preventing uneven wear and notes that officers can cite motorists for driving with unsafe tires. However, he stresses that “it isn’t just about complying with the law. It’s about keeping yourself and others safe on the roadway. Timely tire replacement prevents crashes. It can save your life and the lives of others.”
Road Ready has a presence at Caffeine and Octane, one of the largest car shows in the Southeast. Alex notes that the monthly event in Kennesaw, Georgia, is a perfect venue to drive home another important — and often overlooked — aspect of tire safety. “A lot of hobbyists rarely drive these cars. Tires have warranties for mileage and a specific timeperiod. A lot of people don’t realize this. People who don’t drive very often may look and see they still have good tread, but if the tires are over six years old, they’re expired. They can rot from the inside and are just as dangerous as tires with no tread left.”
Alex speaks regularly to people about the
need to replace worn tires, and many say they put it off because of the cost. He understands concerns about the expense but chooses instead to emphasize their value. “What is your life worth? Is it $1,000? No, I’m sure it’s worth a lot more than that,” he notes.
Future initiatives for Road Ready include scholarships, awards, tire giveaways, legislative measures, and other tools to increase awareness and reward safe drivers. Alex aims to expand these programs by 2025, stressing the need for better tire safety information. “The only thing between your car and the road is that tire,” he adds. “Why would people neglect the one thing that is keeping them safe?”
For more information, email Michael Erickson at michael@thinkmla.com, or visit roadreadyfoundation.org. n
Updated Gritters Library Reopens
County officials celebrated the opening of the new 20,000-square-foot Gritters Library, which includes space for a Cobb County Public Library, Cobb PARKS, CobbWorks and the Northeast Cobb Community Center. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax programs approved by the community in 2016 and 2022 provided most of the funding for the joint-use $9.4 million Gritters project. The original library was opened in 1973.
In December, the County also named a new Library Director. Keith Schuermann replaces Helen Poyer, who is readying for retirement after 15 years. Schuermann has over 20 years of library experience, including almost 13 years helming the Troup-Harris system.
Jackson Bebiak
Work-Life Balance
By Cory Sekine-Pettite
According to Expedia’s 24th annual Vacation Deprivation Report released last summer, Americans take the least vacations globally. The online travel platform reports that we not only receive the fewest vacation days each year, averaging just 11 days, but only half of us even use all our allotted time off. Economic concerns aside, it seems most of us prioritize work over rest and relaxation. I’m certainly guilty of this.
In fact, until this past December when I took a long weekend trip to Montreal (See, I still won’t even take a full week.), I hadn’t taken any significant time off since the summer of 2019. What can I say? I’m a workaholic. It’s a hard habit to break. A report in Money from 2023 states that U.S. workers typically put in 400 more hours on the job every year compared to our counterparts in Germany. That’s astonishing! Are we more productive? No. It’s the Germans who have the well-deserved reputation for being a more productive workforce. Clearly, work-life balance is not a custom with which most of us are familiar. That needs to change.
I’ve decided to do my part by taking more days off when I can and certainly take more long vacations. You should too, if you can. It’s good for your health. You’ll lower your stress levels, actually be a happier employee (or employer), you’ll sleep better, improve your mental health, and more. Plus, if you travel overseas, you can learn a little more about different cultures and this amazing planet we all share. Speaking of Germany, it is one of my favorite countries, as I’ve shared in this column before. Japan is another beautiful destination to which I cannot wait to return.
Now if I could just get my revitalized wanderlust to coincide with a dip in airfare… n
POWERING OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE
Affordable and reliable electricity is a key ingredient for a successful economy. Our members’ bills are $42 lower per month than the state average according to the PSC 2024 Summer Rate Survey, and we rank #1 for the lowest rates in the state among all 94 electric utilities for the second year in a row.
At Cobb EMC, we understand the importance of building powerful connections and having a place for businesses and families to call home. From developing the workforce of the future to offering the best service available, Cobb EMC is more than just your electric provider. We’re your community partner in economic development. Learn more at cobbemc.com/Grow
