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 pages we have profiled individuals who are among Cobb’s premier leaders. We wanted to find out about their jobs, delve into their personal lives and gain some words of wisdom. And of course, we asked: Why have you picked Cobb County?

THE STORY: Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, I migrated to New York after graduating from high school. I discovered my

Owner, Anytime Fitness East Cobb

interest in business, specifically accounting as a high school student, and with the support of one of my favorite teachers, made the commitment in those early years to pursue accounting as a profession. I was blessed to earn an academic and track & field scholarship to attend The University of Southern Mississippi where I graduated with an Accounting degree. I later relocated to Smyrna to continue my career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Big 4 Public Accounting Firm and have since transitioned to work for Fortune 500 companies.

I am one of three individuals selected by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to inspire more minorities to pursue the field of Accounting through the “Real CPAs” program. Giving back is dear to my heart so I serve on two non-profit boards, The National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA) and The R.I.S.E. Schools in East Point. I am thankful for the foundation of my mother’s prayers, my wife, family, friends, and church — House of Hope Atlanta. most, and be committed to a lifestyle of physical fitness.

The discipline of track & field has always been a cornerstone of my life that has both prepared and kept me focused on achieving non-sport-related goals. I am forever indebted to the platforms that the sport has given me over the years, including today as the “Freeze” with RaceTrac’s Beat the Freeze race event in partnership with the Atlanta Braves.

home for several reasons; proximity to the airport, the city, access to parks, great schools, amazing restaurants, and the growing diversity and culture of people.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The common theme among my areas of work is centered on people. I have a passion for working with others, knowledge

Durran Dunn, aka, The Freeze

sharing, and hopefully inspiring them along the way to make healthy living a lifestyle. I also enjoy teamwork, setting goals and working to exceed them, and problem solving.

LEISURE TIME: I really enjoy spending quality time with my family, mother, sisters, and friends. I also enjoy traveling, dining, and competing with USA Track & Field Masters.

BEST ADVICE: Begin living your dreams today and celebrate moments along the journey of life. Tomorrow is not promised; so live life to the fullest and realize that the dream is really within the journey and process of achieving your goals. Along the way, express love, value time, nurture relationships, express gratitude, give back, make time for the things that you enjoy WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: I made Cobb my permanent

WHAT’S NEXT? I whole heartedly believe that my journey over the years has always divinely prepared and positioned me for whatever was next during that season. So, while I am unsure as to what exactly is next, I believe that I will be ready to embrace the next opportunity and challenge, continue to grow personally and professionally, and inspire others to live healthy through exercise.

Littie Brown President, SpeedPro Marietta

THE STORY: I was raised in a military family; I was born in San Bernardino, California, but grew up mainly in Austin, Texas. I graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos with a degree in business and began a career with Xerox Corporation right out of college. In my book, “Leadership Lessons from the HART,” I wrote about my path to becoming a business major and taking on a career in sales. This was not a typical career path for a young African American woman in the late 1970’s. After spending 35 years of my career with three Fortune 500 companies (Xerox, Dun & Bradstreet, and W.W. Grainger), I changed direction and became an entrepreneur. Along with my business partner, Karen Brown, we purchased the SpeedPro Marietta franchise here in Cobb County. WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: It was by great fortune that I ended up in Cobb County. My office location with W.W. Grainger was in Marietta. Looking for a place to live, I researched Cobb County. The reputation it had with its schools and community was impressive. I fell in love with the Smyrna area where I purchased my first home. Most importantly, I was introduced to my church, Turner Chapel A.M.E. in Marietta, where I have been an active member for more than 15 years. Since becoming a business owner, I moved to Mableton where again I fell in love with my neighborhood.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT

YOUR JOB? I love the opportunity to interact with customers, working with them to get their jobs completed in a timely and high-quality manner. When we can meet a short turnaround time and see them breathe a sigh of relief, I am excited. I also love supporting the community. We have provided signage to many nonprofit and community organizations at a low cost — or in some cases, no cost to them. We also have provided opportunities for young adults to learn about the business with actual hands-on experience.

LEISURE TIME: I love to golf, even though I do not get to play as often as I like. Playing in charity golf events allows me to blend in some work and leisure at the same time. My real passion is spending time with friends and family. I love to entertain at home.

BEST ADVICE: I would say stay focused on your goals. I stepped out on faith when going into business for myself, and I am committed to our success. Do not get discouraged if things are not moving as quickly as you would like, adjust but stay the course.

WHAT’S NEXT? I have been focused on three goals all year: Run a 5K, complete my second book, and double the revenue at SpeedPro Marietta. I will celebrate my success on my 65th birthday, Dec. 8, 2020.

Jim Hickey Candidate for Georgia House of Rep., District 39

THE STORY: I was born in Chattahoochee, Florida, and attended high school in Lake City, Florida. While attending the University of Florida, I re-focused my life to service of others in the military. I graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and pursued an exciting adventure and career as an Engineer officer. While living and working at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, I met my future wife, Barbara. We were married exactly one year to the day of our first meeting.

WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: We chose Cobb County for the quality of life. While attending Georgia Tech for a graduate degree before my assignment as assistant professor at the U.S. Military Academy, Barbara and I lived in Cobb County. We decided then that someday we would return to Georgia and to Cobb County. In 2000, after a career in the Army — and 13 moves in 27 years with Barbara and four children — we finally returned to Cobb County for good.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love that my life is an exciting adventure of enterprise and enthusiasm to make things better for other people. Using my experience as a battalion commander and brigade commander, I first seek to know the people involved, then to create a climate of collaboration, cooperation, and consensus with the people of varying backgrounds and beliefs. Working as a team, we define the issues, develop courses of action to address the issues, and implement solutions. Focusing upon our areas of agreement, we set our differences aside to cooperate with one another to accomplish our goals. Why do I love my life? Because it is thrilling and exhilarating to know the people, not just the challenges to be solved, to be a part of a team of empowered people making a difference.

LEISURE TIME: I am a coach/mentor for veterans in the Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court under the leadership of Judge Reuben Green. I am a member of the “Grave Yard Shift” for American Legion Post 29, maintaining cemeteries. I belong to the South Cobb Lions and Georgia Online Kiwanis. I enjoy listening to music, including Gregorian chant and Baroque classical compositions, especially organ. Physical fitness also is important to me, particularly cardio and body-weight training.

BEST ADVICE: English writer John Bunyan once wrote: “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” Get involved in our community with a spirit and attitude of unconditional giving.

WHAT’S NEXT? I want to hear from you so I can do everything I can for the common good of the people of House District 39.

Nicole Long Owner, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency West Cobb

THE STORY: I am an Atlanta native. I attended Florida A&M University where I earned a bachelor’s in Accounting and a master’s in Finance. Upon graduation, I began my career in finance and spent more than 20 years at Fortune 500 companies. In 2018, I became a mom through adoption, and everything I thought was important changed. I wanted to find work that would provide me flexibility to spend time with my daughter. I was a customer of Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency first, having found an amazing nanny. A year later, the business was up for sale and I realized it was the perfect time to take the leap and become an entrepreneur.

WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: Growing up in SW Atlanta, we came to Cobb frequently for shopping and entertainment. When I moved back to the area, I knew Cobb County was where I wanted to settle down. I have lived and owned homes in Marietta, Smyrna, and now Mableton. Since I spend most of my time in the Smyrna/Mableton area, it was only fitting that my business is here as well. Cobb County is filled with growing families who we connect with and serve daily.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT

YOUR JOB? My job is incredible. It allows me to connect with families throughout the area while giving me the flexibility to spend time with my own daughter. Our goal at Twinkle Toes is to provide families with childcare providers that are “second to Mom!” I know what it is like to be a busy working parent and I make it my mission to help ease the stress by providing quality childcare. During the current pandemic, our team has pivoted to add childcare providers who can assist parents with virtual learning. Our clients are pleased and tell us our process made the transition a smooth one for them and their children.

LEISURE TIME: As an entrepreneur and a single mom, downtime is limited. When I do have leisure time, I enjoy meeting friends at The Battery Atlanta or shopping at the Avenues. I am also a big Atlanta sports fan, so you will often find me in attendance at a game. My daughter and I enjoy finding all the cool playgrounds and splash pads around town and walking the Silver Comet Trail.

BEST ADVICE: I know it’s a cliché, but “Carpe Diem,” (Seize the Day). I have learned it is important to figure out what you want in life. Once that is determined, stay focused on your ultimate goals and be open to the opportunities that come your way.

WHAT’S NEXT? Being the best mom and business owner I can be. As an entrepreneur, I will continue growing Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency to serve wonderful families in Cobb. And I will keep my eyes open to new opportunities. You never know what’s around the corner.

THE STORY: I grew up on the border of Cobb County and the city of Atlanta to a military family. My parents instilled in me a passion for service to others and the importance of having a strong moral compass.

After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army. Four years later, I transitioned to the Army Reserves and became a full-time Cobb County police officer.

While working to support our growing family, I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s of public administration. I also received military training, including from the FBI and the Joint Forces Staff College at our nation’s capital.

Earlier this year, I retired as a command sergeant major, the highest rank possible for an enlisted soldier, after more than 30 years in the Army Reserves.

I am a proud husband, happily married to my high school sweetheart; a father, and grandfather.

WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: Except for the time I spent abroad serving in the Reserves, I’ve spent my entire adult life in Cobb County. It’s where my wife, Sharon, and I raised our children. It’s where I work, worship, and have found community.

Living and working in Cobb County has been an absolute privilege and blessing for my family and me.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Each day is different. When I put on my police uniform, I ask myself how will I protect and serve the public today? As the commander of the largest, busiest police precinct in the county, I am dedicated to being an example of thoughtful, communityoriented policing. I started as a beat cop, walking the streets and getting to know the folks who call Cobb home. Along the way, I’ve seen our county and its people grow and thrive

Craig Owens Candidate for Sheriff of Cobb County

together. I’ve worked with community leaders, come to the rescue of those in need, mentored the next generation, and have protected the public from bad actors. It’s tough, fulfilling work.

LEISURE TIME: I’ve always found it hard to sit still, but when I do get a break, I spend time with my family at home or with the guys on the golf course. Of course, there’s always time to cheer on the Atlanta Falcons.

BEST ADVICE: I have two pieces of advice that I live by: The easy way out always costs more in the end, and integrity matters.

My work impacts others. That’s why I am so passionate about leading with integrity, especially when it hurts. The race is not given to the swift or the strong but to those who endure to the end.

WHAT’S NEXT? I am a first-time candidate running to be sheriff of Cobb County. This election is an important opportunity to restore truth, trust, and transparency in the sheriff’s office and to ensure good stewardship of the public’s dollars.