My name is Skyler Alexander, I have lived in Dahlonega since 2004 and have worked for the City of Dahlonega since 2018. I attended the University of North Georgia to study Political Science. As the Main Street Manager, my focus lies in developing and promoting vibrant businesses and commerce downtown through interactive programs, facilitating the incentives programs for small business development and historic preservation, and working with other community partners for all festivals and events. 

A native of Mississippi, Q moved to North Georgia as a teenager. The 1st African American Woman Business owner in Lumpkin  County, Q owns and operates Xclusiv Boutique. She is also the Founder of Xclusiv Legacy Builders, a Non-Profit that mentors youth. Extremely active in the community, Q serves as a Board Member and Advocate for Casa, she is a Board Member and mentor for the Lumpkin County Rainbow Children's Home for Girls, A Board Member for Mental Fitness America and Vice Chair of The Dahlonega Cemetery Committee. She is also a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club and The Dahlonega Chamber of Commerce. Q is passionate about serving the community and uniting all!

John has been thrilled to call Dahlonega home for two decades.  He has been with The Dahlonega Nugget / Community Newspapers Inc. for nearly 15 years.  He is a 2007 graduate of the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor’s in English.  As a part of the local newspaper he has enjoyed many aspects of community coverage, including sports, local interest, and school news. He is also responsible for planning, budgeting, and editing.  He has helped The Nugget team earn several Georgia Press awards for writing, design, and general excellence.  Seeing Lumpkin County prosper is very rewarding for him, as the area becomes a more beautiful community year after year.  John enjoys being outside, and loves bringing along his camera to capture good sunrises and sunsets.  His wife Melissa has been an elementary school teacher for 20 years for the Lumpkin County School System.  They live in Dahlonega with their two boys.

Hello I'm Erika Collins! I was born in Denver, Colorado and traveled around to live many different lives, though I eventually found my home in the North Georgia Mountains. I have always had a camera in my hand but it wasn’t until becoming a mother to three beautiful boys that I became diligent in educating myself in the art of photography. I started Lane Collins Photography a couple years ago working primarily with maternity and newborn photography, and in the last couple months have opened my new studio, Loft 33 Studios, just off the square. I opened Loft 33 as a collaborative photography space for myself and other photographers in the North Georgia area. I am so excited to be a part of Leadership Lumpkin and learn more about our community.

Hey there, my name is Sam Edwards. I was raised in Buford, GA and then moved to Dahlonega originally to attend UNG. 
I love Dahlonega and Lumpkin County...it's a great place to be and I'm so thankful to be here. It's such a connected community and I'm looking forward to connecting even more! 
In my spare time, I enjoy leading and mentoring middle and high school boys, and going on mission trips! 

I grew up in Northeast Georgia and worked as a part time electrician, but after graduation, I took a job at Alltel and worked as an installer and trouble-shooter in the Cable TV division. In 2005 and I left Allele tohelp my dad establish a landscape company. I am married to my beautiful wife Kayela. We have three kids, Malachi, Caroline, and Coleman. In 2016, I returned as an installer and trouble shooter in the Cable TV division and I have worked on technology such as Cable Broadband, DLS, Fiber, Mainline and Business Systems.  I became Operations manager of Habersham County in 2019 and in 2021 the Director of Operations. My greatest joy is spending time with my family. Much of my free time is spent at one baseball field or the other with my son, Malachi, who’s 10. Caroline, 8, will be starting soccer, and Coleman, 6, loves the outdoors, camping, and animals. Church is a large part of our lives and serving as a congregation leader is an honor and a blessing.

My name is Nate Gardner and I am the Director of Operations at Satellite Industries overseeing both facilities in Dahlonega. I currently live in Cumming, Ga with my wife and daughter. I also have my MBA from the University of North Georgia. 

Hello, I'm Jason Henderson, and Dahlonega, GA, is where I proudly call home. With a background in marketing, I've honed my skills in connecting with people and making a positive impact. Currently, I'm loving my role at Farm Bureau Insurance, where I get to use my expertise to help others secure their futures.

Life isn't just about work for me. I enjoy giving back to the community that has treated me so well. Whether it's rolling up my sleeves for local events or finding ways to lend a hand, community service is a big part of who I am.

When I'm not busy with work or volunteering, you'll often find me outdoors. Hiking, fishing, and photography are my passions. There's something incredibly refreshing about exploring this area's beauty and framing its treasures through the lens of a camera. It's all part of the balanced and fulfilling life I strive to lead here in Dahlonega.

Hi. My name is Kerri Johnson. I am the executive director of North Ga. Interfaith Ministries / Jeremiah's Place. We are a transitional program for those who are housing compromised in Lumpkin County. After 25 years working with and leading nonprofits and for-profits locally/internationally, it is a privilege to be part of a ministry that serves our beautiful community of Dahlonega. In 2015, I chose to stay home with my youngest and write. Four books later (nine more in edit), I was ready to jump back into the public forum of helps. Jeremiah's Place was the perfect fit to serve and join in this catalyst of change for people in a difficult season in their lives. My empty-nesting husband and I live on a beautiful little farm with a spoiled "ponydoodle" named Beauregard. We have 3 adult children and 2 very colorful grands. I enjoy painting, kayaking, skiing and being outdoors. I am excited and look forward to this adventure called Leadership Lumpkin.

Hi, I'm Suzy Kelly and from the time we moved to Dahlonega, I have been so interested in LLC. We love this town and the special people that live and visit here. My husband Joel and I have just opened the Bear Necessities Cafe. Before that, I worked in the private sector most recently as Director of Marketing and Communications. I also have a marketing design business and work with several clients in the Atlanta area. We are excited to be a part of this community.
 
If you're home is too quiet OR clean for you, I also work with the National Newfoundland Rescue and can hook you up with a new furry friend. We have three and life is never boring. We also have two adult children, the youngest attending UNG.
 

I am a licensed Esthetician and owner of Drift Away Skin Boutique located inside Oak Grove Salon Suites.  I've been a resident of Dahlonega for 6 years.   I have a passion to help people look and feel their best by customizing skin care treatments and providing a home skincare regimen.  I enjoy lhiking, bicycling, kayaking, yoga, boating and pretty much anything that involves water or the outdoors.  I am honored to be selected for Leadership Lumpkin class of 2024 and look forward to helping make a difference in our community.

My name is Justin McCarty and I am currently serving as the HHC Company First Sergeant at Camp Frank D. Merrill. I have been proudly serving in the United States Army for almost 19 years, holding various leadership positions from Fire Team Leader to Company First Sergeant. I have deployed multiple times in support of U.S. interests around the world. Prior to joining the Army, I was a union ironworker with Ironworkers Local 843. I plan to retire here in Dahlonega, but I am originally from Statesville, NC. I am married to Jennifer McCarty, and we have three beautiful daughters who are 12, 16, and 21. When I'm not working, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and watching my daughter play softball, which takes up most of my time. I'm also finishing up my degree in sports management, and once I retire, I would like to work in youth sports.

Hi there! I'm Teresa Moore. My family and I made the move to Dahlonega in 2005 and decided to put down roots.  Currently, I serve as the Associate Director for Professional and Continuing Education at UNG, a position that fuels my passion for lifelong learning. In my downtime, I love exploring new places, getting lost in a book, and feeding people.

My name is Ashley Peck and I am a native of Lumpkin County. After graduating from North Georgia College I worked with the State of Georgia as a foster care case worker. In 2012 I was offered the position of Elections Supervisor for Lumpkin County. Elections was always been a passion of mine and I found my place serving the citizens of Lumpkin County. In 2021 I became the Special Projects Director for Lumpkin County overseeing Elections, Public Buildings, IT, Wimpy Airport, and Capital Projects. It has been a honor to work and serve in my home town and I look forward to continuing and finding new ways to be involved and serve this community.

Hi! My name is Amanda Rosso, and I grew up in Columbus, GA but I have lived in Dahlonega for eight years.  I work for Pinnacle Bank here in Dahlonega as a Universal Banker and have for two years now.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, crafting and painting and being in the outdoors. 

I'm Billy Sachse, a tech-savvy entrepreneur and engineer with an eye for promising opportunities. My journey started as a software developer, fueled by a strong background in computer engineering and a natural skill in problem-solving. Seeing the increasing need for enterprise-level cloud-based software, I founded Smart Group Software.

My wife, Cindy Sachse, and I recently purchased the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm and have been doing some great things there!

On my free time, I love spending time with my wife, my dog Sadie, and our kittens (and our adult children when they're available). We enjoy traveling, hiking, and boating.

Hi! I'm Dr. Jan Richardson Singletary.  We moved to Dahlonega when I was three so I consider myself an almost Nugget!  I served as a teacher and administrator for 25 years in Hall and Lumpkin County Schools.   After retiring I began working with my husband in our small business, ATL Plumbers.  

Our daughter and son in law live in Wyoming and we travel there as often as possible.  We are blessed to live in the Nimblewill community with our three fur babies.  My husband, David, and I are active members of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.

GO DAWGS!!!!

I have been in Lumpkin County my whole life. I was born in Macon Ga but moved to Lumpkin when I was only a few weeks old. I am happily married to my fantastic husband, Juan. We have four children and one on the way. We have an 8th grader, a 9th grader, a 10th grader, and a Senior. I have worked with NGPG for 17 years. I have grown up with NGPG starting at the front desk, and now I am the Administrative Director for Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine.
I am looking forward to my time with Leadership Lumpkin. 

A strategic & operational leader experienced building, implementing, and operating high-tech business solutions. Nationally recognized as an expert in establishing a DoD IT Procurement system and CCBs. Architected the 1st cloud network in the military, and as Dpty CIO, the 1st data center consolidation for the Army. Provided acquisition oversight for multi-million-dollar programs: HMMWV, night vision googles, tactical radios, laser training system, mortars, helicopter, and multiple DoD IT systems. Vertical & lateral experience in the Army, Navy, & Air Force, HLS leading joint teams. Written policies and holds certifications in PMP, APMP, ISO, CMMI, Six-Sigma, Balanced Scorecard and TQM. Working for 6+ yrs as a Sr Federal Account Exec at Chameleon, and started Kolibri Strategy, offering business process improvement, capture management and technical writing. Married to LTC(R) Dan Swacina; they have 2 daughters, son-in-law, & 3 grandchildren

Hi, my name is Amber Taylor and my husband and I, along with our three children, moved to Dahlonega in February of 2022. Originally a Georgian, we have lived all over the United States before deciding to move back home and start a business. We own Grace Valley Pest Control. I am a homeschooling mom of 15 years, and in my spare time I write for a local magazine, work with Lane Collins Photography, and teach voice and piano lessons. 

My name is Austin Taylor, I am proud to be a Lumpkin County resident and I own a Connie’s on the square in downtown Dahlonega. I am about to start my last semester at the University of South Carolina, I am a fully online student and I am super excited about graduating in December. My grandparents started Connie’s in 2001 and they have since let me take over the family business and allowed me to continue carrying on the amazing legacy that they created. I am looking forward to being in this class and serving in the community with these incredible people. 

I am Vanessa Tedder, the owner Cutting Cave Haircuts, specializing in men's and boys' hair, located within Oak Grove Salon Suites. Fifteen years in the industry, I still have an artistic passion for hair and crave the opportunity to learn more. When I'm not standing behind the chair, I enjoy hiking, taking photos of nature and traveling. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and better serve our community with the Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2024. 

My husband, Dr. Tolbert, and I own Gold City Chiropractic. I am a graduate of Western Carolina University and received my MBA from the University of Florida. I was a Senior Financial Analyst with The Vanguard Group for 8 years before trading in my suit for scrubs! I love working in my husband’s office – getting to know our patients and watching him help those who thought pain was just a part of life. I also teach natural childbirth classes and am a big advocate of toxin-free living.  

Together, Dr. Tolbert and I have two sons, Barrett and Boone, and a daughter, Aaryn Grace. We are members of the Dahlonega Methodist Church. I am also a member of the Sheriff’s Volunteer Organization, serve on the Board of CHP, and am the Treasurer for Bear on the Square. I don’t have much spare time as a mom of 3 littles, but when I do, I enjoy CrossFit and quilting.

Dr. Jennifer Wade is a career educator in the Lumpkin County School System. Jennifer began her career as a 1st grade educator at Lumpkin County Elementary School.  During her career she has taught gifted and inclusion at the elementary level, taught ELA/special education at Lumpkin County Middle School.  Later, she moved into administration and as of the 2023-2024 school year she is now serving as an Assistant Principal at LCHS.  Jennifer graduated with her undergraduate and Master's Degree in Education from UNG and continued her graduate studies at Lincoln Memorial University having completed her Specialist Degree and Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. Faith and family are the center of Dr. Wade's focus. This guides her passion to serve students, educators and the community. She resides in Dawson County with her husband, William, and their children Jenna and Walker.

Kerri Whitmire grew up in Dawson County and began her teaching career there. She wanted to give back to the community that helped shape her into the person she became. Mrs. Whitmire earned her teaching degree in Early Childhood Education from North Georgia College. Throughout her teaching career, she attended Piedmont College and North Georgia College and State University receiving both her Master's Degree in Early Education and an Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction and Leadership. Mrs. Whitmire joined the Lumpkin County Tribe in 2017. She loves that she gets to work and live in such a wonderful community.

I am the Budget and Procurement Manager for Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office. I have been with the LCSO for a little over a year. Before that I was owner operator of a small business here in Lumpkin County and I have also held a few positions on the square and loved being part of the everyday square life. I am a wife and mother of 5 and we have loved raising our kids here. I moved from Florida 12 years ago and have enjoyed getting to know all about the area.