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Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD

Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com

5 Twenty Seventeen Forty under Forty Top Four 6 Geneva West 8 Clifton Bush 11 Melissa O. Edwards 13 David Mixon

14 Forty under Forty Features 19 Making A Difference Spotlight: Madya N. Knighton

12 Five secrets of success: Traits to help you live without fear and reach your full potential

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Greetings! Editor’s Note

As editor, I am pleased to present to you the 2017 Rural Leader Forty under Forty Honorees. The judges, once more, had the difficult task to select forty outstanding leaders from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

The leaders represent the rich talent, skill, and vast knowledge that can be found in small town Amer- ica. Again, I was extremely impressed with the lev- el of expertise and accomplishment found among this year's honorees. Their exemplary service to the people in small communities is a testament to their dedication. Without such leaders, who pour daily back into the essence of communities abroad, Small Town America would undoubtedly cease to thrive.

Therefore, I continue to be committed to acknowl- edging the efforts and contributions of leaders in small rural communities. I understand all too well the significance of their efforts. My hope is that the Forty under 40 Honors encourage young leaders in the knowledge that what they do each day matters.

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and contin- ue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn.

Thanks again for your continual support!

Sincerely,

Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief