Forty under Forty Features

Two Thousand Seventeen Honorees 40 UNDER FORTY

14 RuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 Jason Anthony, 35 Hometown: Albany, GA Profession: Law Enforcement Jason Anthony is a graduate of Monroe High School in Albany GA. He is the only son of Valerie Girdner and the late Andre Anthony. He is the father of three wonderful children: Jernay (17), Jordan (13) and Jardai (7).

Born and raised in Albany Georgia he started his career in law enforcement in 2001, when he became a Corrections Officer at Phillips State Prison in Buford Georgia. In 2003, he became a Police Officer/Firefighter with the Albany Police Department and Southwest Georgia Regional Airport.

In 2005, Jason became a Police Officer with the City of Leesburg Georgia Police Department. There, he moved up the ranks and became a Lieutenant, a position he currently holds. He received several certificates and accomplished several goals throughout his career.

He is a member of the Leesburg Special Response Team (SRT) and is the Gang Investigator, which through his hard work, dedication, and knowledge became the department G.R.E.A.T Instructor (Gang Resistance Education and Training). In this position, he teaches elementary and middle schools kids about gangs, peer pressure, and saying no to drugs; and he teaches modules about making better decisions to become great citizens.

Jason is also the lead school resource officer for the Lee County School System. He also co-founded the Leesburg Public Safety Christmas Program; members of the local police department, fire services, and EMS services deliver meals and toys to the underprivileged kids of Leesburg during Christmas.

Jason is also a member of the Prince Hall Masons and is a Nationally Certified Firefighter (NPQl). He attends church at the Kingdom of God Inc. under the leadership of Pastor Gussie Whitlow. Jason is a very hard working and dedicated person who is always looking for ways to make the streets of Leesburg, Georgia safer.— What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag

Kiamber Anthony, 27 Hometown: Albany, GA Profession: Criminal Justice Kiamber is a graduate of Albany High School in Albany, Georgia. She is the daughter of the late Mr. Andre Anthony and Ms. Valerie Girdner. Kiamber is a graduate of Darton State College with an Associates degree in Criminal Justice and an Associates degree in Criminal Justice Supervision and Management.

Kiamber continued her education at Albany State University, where she received a degree in Criminal Justice. Kiamber is now attending Walden University to earn a Masters degree in Human and Social Service.

She started her career in law enforcement at a young age as a Juvenile Corrections Officer with

the Department of Juvenile Justice. She currently holds the position as an Investigator with the Department of Family and children services, where she serves on the team for Child maltreatment, Child Sexual abuse, and Child death.

She has several certificates and held positions throughout her career, such as being a part of the Multi-disciplinary team for the community of Worth County. She also received certificates for Child Fatality in Georgia.

She is a community partner, where she speaks to local organizations in the Worth county area to educate them on the signs of Child Maltreatment.

Kiamber attends church at the Kingdom of God, Inc. under the leadership of Pastor Gussie Whitlow. Kiamber is an all-around hard working and dedicated person, who is changing children and family lives one child at a time.—

LaKisha Barnum, 35 Hometown: Sylvester, GA Profession: Counselor/ Life Coach Lakisha Dawson-Barnum is the CEO of True Colors Life Solutions Services in Valdosta, GA. She has devoted her practice to helping individuals and groups find their purpose in life and identifying with their true selves through GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 15 Angela Blackmon, 38 Hometown: Shellman, GA Profession: Social Services Angela is a 1997 graduate of Randolph Clay High School. She played basketball (1996 State Champions) and played on the softball team.

She is the proud mother of one daughter, December Latimore. Angela was employed with the Dawson Police Department (GA) as a Lieutenant for 13 years.

Angela is the founder of Shellman's JuneFest, which is community-wide fun day. In her spare time, she volunteers in her spare time with Shellman youth. She is also a volunteer softball and baseball coach.

Currently, Angela works with the Pataula Center for Children in Blakely, Georgia as a Forensic Interview. She interviews children who are victims of crimes and/or who witness crime(s). — established goals and other life projects.

Through True Colors Life Solution Services, Lakisha Barnum, has helped transformed the lives of many individuals over the last few months. She has the ability to make others feel comfortable enough to embrace their true identity.

She has successfully worked in the capacity of Life Coach, Motivational Coach, Relationship Coach, Career Coach, and Self-Esteem Coach. She is a leading expert in family development and growth in impoverished families also. Lakisha serves as an advocate for family and individuals who are not heard.

She is a graduate of Albany State University (GA) with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s of Education in School Counseling.

She is also currently a certified School Counselor for the Lowndes County School System in Valdosta, GA. As a school counselor, she helps students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/ social development and career development. She strives to ensure students become productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. Lakisha studied different levels of diversity, society, and social issues, including behaviorism, issues dealing with the family, and the environment. Her mission in life is to continue to develop an understanding of human behavior as it relates to herself and others. Lakisha is a member of American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and serves as a member of the Social Justice Committee. In addition, she is a member of Georgia Association of Educators (GAE). She is also a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

Lakisha has served in leadership positions that include President of the Sociology Club and President of Council for Exceptional Children, while attending Albany State University.

Lakisha plans to continue her charitable work in the community and hopes to grow as a new business owner in her practice. —

Jacob D. Brimm, 32 Hometown: Byromville, GA Profession: Ministry Pastor Jacob Brimm was born in Fort Still, Oklahoma and raised in Henderson, Tennessee.

Jacob a licensed Practical Nurse, who served the United States Army (2010-2012). He was also a Combat Medic for the United States Army (2005-2009). He was also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

While in the Army, Jacob dedicated his life to Christ and answered the call to ministry. In February 2015, he became pastor of Byromville Baptist Church (GA).

Pastor Brimm earned his Bachelors of Science in Religion from Liberty University, and completed a Masters of Divinity from Liberty University December 2015.

Jacob is married to Jeanie and have two children, Clayton and Rhett Samuel.— Jeanie Brimm, 31 Hometown: Byromville, GA Profession: Counseling/Ministry Jeanie is married to Pastor Jacob Brimm. She is currently the executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center-Crisp, Dooly, Wilcox in Cordele, Georgia. The mission of the Pregnancy Care Center is to share the hope of Christ through Biblical counseling, resources, and education in the areas of crisis pregnancy, post-abortion trauma, and sexual purity.

She is married to Pastor Jacob Brimm and is the proud mother of two children: Clayton and Rhett Samuel. –Ava Calhoun, 35 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA Profession: Education Ava is a first grade teacher at Sand Hill Elementary, in Carrollton, Georgia. She is the leader of her first grade team as well as the chair of the Sunshine committee at her school. Ava hopes to one day move into a leadership role within education.

She graduated from Randolph Clay High School in 2000. Ava earned an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education at Andrew College, a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of West Georgia, a master's degree in early childhood education at the University of Phoenix and an Educational Specialist certification in teacher leadership at Walden University.

Ava is married to Preston Calhoun, and they have two sons, Amir, 12 and Malik, 6.— 40 UNDER FORTY

What you do matters.

the J.W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia. Currently, Mr. Clark is employed with Dooly County Schools' Special Education Department, where he serves as the Parent Mentor for the district.

His daily mantra is “If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer someone with a word or a song, then my living will not be in vain.”— ly to connect with other cultures. Dr. Davis encourages everyone to never give up on their dreams and to read Romans 8:28 daily, which states: "...and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Dr. Davis currently resides in Washington, D.C.—

Earl Clark, Jr., 38 Hometown: Vienna, GA Profession: Education Earl Clark, Jr. is the fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Clark, Sr. He is involved in a number of organizations and community activities. Earl is a member of the chamber of commerce, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Vienna Historic Preservation Committee, and Family Connection in Crisp and Dooly counties. Earl is also a volunteer for the Reginald Barry Senior Citizens Center, Pinehill Nursing Home, and Crisp County Pre-K. He is an active member of the Forest Chapel Baptist Church, where he serves as deacon, church clerk, choir president, Forest Chapel Male choir's vice president, and youth department advisor.

He attended Valdosta State University and majored in Special Education. Being blessed with extraordinary devotion and compassion for individuals with disabilities, Earl was employed with Easter Seals as a case manager, and at Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare as a program manager. He also taught for LEARNetwork/YouthBuild USA, which is an organization that helps individuals obtain their GED. Since 2001, he has been employed with GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 17 Dr. LaReta A. Davis, 32 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA Profession: Leadership/Management LaReta earned a Master’s degree in social work at Howard University in 2009 and a Doctorate of Management degree from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in May 2017.

Dr. Antrell is a program trainer for the United States Department of Defense and she trains social workers in the areas of suicide prevention, technology, mandated reporting, and clinical protocols. She is an expert on engagement practices.

Dr. Davis' passion is to serve others. She enjoys volunteering and mentoring young people who desire to improve their lives. She also admires her family and friends because they continually support her endeavors. She enjoys traveling, especially internationalTocarro P. Davis, 35 Hometown: Macon, GA Profession: Entrepreneur/ Marketing/Music Industry Tocarro is the Founder/CEO of Treasure Marketing LLC, & Chief Marketing Officer for Big G Media. She works diligently with several businesses, media outlets, bloggers, and entertainers.

Treasure Marketing, LLC has received endorsements from Benzino of Source Magazine/ Love & Hip Hop, Super Producer Zaytoven, G-Unit’s Jack Thriller, and the legendary OG Bigga Rankin of Cool Running DJs.

As a marketing professional and industry leader, Tocarro has worked alongside various notable brands, such as The Dungeon Family, Industries Most Wanted, and Mystics Entertainment. Most recently, she received the Publicist of the Year from the Atlanta Music Producer Awards and the Team

18 RuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 Bigga Rankin Diamond Awards. Tocarro provides personal insight into brand development for many prominent industry leaders. Currently, Mrs. Davis has centralized her focus to marketing management for startup/small businesses and the entertainment industry. As the former management team for Celebrity DJ Tampa Mystic, Tocarro delivered innovative strategies for booking and exposure. She successfully collaborated with several DJ coalitions and has official media membership for Coast 2 Coast DJs, Cool Running DJs, and Fleet DJs.

As the CMO for BIG G Media, she has interviewed well known industry professionals such as The Late Shawty Lo and Bobby V. She also provided project management for Good Life Music Group, Team Bigga Rankin, Grown Money Entertainment, Mystics Entertainment, Perfect Music Records, The Albany Battle of the Bands, and several other music industry clients.

Tocarro has extensive experience in public and interpersonal relations beyond the music industry. She is very adept at identifying emerging trends and opportunities. As a passionate business development specialist she was awarded the winner of Albany Herald’s Southwest Georgia 40 under 40 Award. Sponsored by the Albany Herald, the SWGA 40 under 40 Award is given annually to the top business professionals in Georgia.

Tocarro has been in higher education for several years and has presented at several conferences, such as the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (GACRAO).

Tocarro has also served as a panelist with the Honorable Judge Hatchett of the popularly televised Judge Hatchett Show. As the former Vocational Services Officer for Rotary Club International of Cuthbert, GA, Tocarro presented to Brian Kemp the Secretary of State for the State of Georgia. During her service in Rotary, she received the President’s Award.

Tocarro’s earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing from Albany State University (GA) and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from LaGrange College (GA).

She is a trend setter for generations to come. Tocarro is married to Garren Davis, the award winning published photographer and owner of Big G Media. Together, they have a son Bryson who participates in the family business as a published brand representative.— Douglas H. Dean, 31 Hometown: Cordele, GA Profession: Law Douglas Dean is a litigation attorney serving injured people in Southwest Georgia and other parts of the state. He aggressively advocates for his clients and navigates the complicated web of adjusters, insurance companies, doctors, medical records, and the court system to achieve the best result for his clients.

He frequently practices in auto accidents, slip and falls, and workers' compensation cases. He also Courtney Douglas, 36 Hometown: Sylvester, GA Profession: Criminal Justice/ Law Enforcement Courtney received her Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Corrections from Albany State University (GA) in 2008. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Albany State University in 2003.

She began her career with GDC in 2006 as a counselor at Autry State Prison in Pelham, Georgia. In 2012, Courtney was promoted to Chief Counselor at Rutledge State Prison in Columbus, Georgia. She is a Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment with the Georgia Department of Corrections, since 2014.

Also in 2014, Courtney was selected as one of Albany State University’s 50 Under 50.

Courtney believes in helping Cont'd on page 22 litigates business and commercial disputes in state and federal courts throughout Georgia.

Doug is a member of the Cordele Lions Club, the Board of Directors for the Crisp Area Habitat for Humanity, the Board of Directors for the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.—