Hi, I am Cheri Austin. I am a widow and have one daughter and two grandkids, living in San Antonio, TX.  I've always wanted to live near the mountains and my dream came through after starting my search in August 2025.  God lead me to Dahlonega, GA and I love living here since November 2025. I've become involved at The Torch and met new friends and am hoping to become involved in the community as well.  I am retired from banking as a Credit Card manager in Covington, Louisiana. 
I am looking forward to learning more about Dahlonega and Lumpkin County through Leadership Lumpkin. I think this will be a fun way to meet more people from this lovely town of Dahlonega.  I hope to learn interesting things from my training, get involved and have opportunities to develop friendships along the way.

Leah Bruno is a former special education teacher, small business owner, wife, and mom of four who loves serving the Lumpkin County community. She currently serves as the Community Liaison for the Lumpkin County Education Foundation, where she works to connect local businesses, community members, and schools to create opportunities for students and support teachers.

Before moving to Lumpkin County, Leah served as a Navy Command Ombudsman during her husband’s 21-year Navy career, helping military families through deployments and other challenges.

Leah believes the best way to make a difference is by building relationships and helping where there’s a need. She is honored to be part of the Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2027 and looks forward to learning from other local leaders while finding new ways to serve the community she calls home. 

Hi! My name is Renan Davidson, I work for Northside Hospital as a Physician Practice Coordinator for Chattahoochee Surgical Group. I've been with the practice for almost 20 years. This year my husband and I will celebrate 32 years of marriage in November. We have three beautiful children. But by far the best title I have is being a Nan-Nan to my eight Grands! My favorite things are spending time with my family and traveling. I have lived in Dahlonega for 22 years. It has been a joy to raise my family here and now see my Grands being raised here as well. 

Originally from South Georgia, Rex relocated to Dahlonega in 2024, trading the Coastal Plain for the foothills of North Georgia wine country. A Valdosta State University graduate in Business Management, Rex's career path wound through non-profits and sales before nearly a decade in banking, focused on commercial lending, SBA loans, and mortgages.

In 2022, a family opportunity to enter the wine industry led Rex to help form Familia Vineyards, LLC, now a multi-location business spanning South and North Georgia. Rex serves as Director of Retail Operations for Familia Vineyards and as General Manager of Doghobble Wine Farm in Dahlonega, the company's flagship property. The Familia Vineyards family of brands has grown to include Doghobble Cellars in Blue Ridge and Horse Creek Winery in Sparks, with Doghobble at Dillard set to open August 2026.

Victoria graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2017 with a psychology degree. She has work in non-profit and victim advocacy since 2018 and joined South Enotah CAC as the executive director in June of 2026. She loves living in Dahlonega with her husband, two children, and their beloved dogs and cat.

After a career leading organizations and coaching business leaders across the country, I chose Dahlonega as my home because I was looking for more than a beautiful place to live—I was looking for a community to invest in.

My career includes executive leadership with AutoNation and nearly a decade as a Vistage Chair, coaching CEOs and business owners through leadership, growth, and organizational challenges. Today, as an Executive Coach and Leadership Performance Partner, I help leaders strengthen their leadership, build high-performing teams, and unlock organizational potential.

I believe every organization has untapped potential, and unlocking it begins by helping leaders see what they cannot see in themselves.

I joined Leadership Lumpkin County because I believe strong communities are built by strong leaders. I look forward to building meaningful relationships, contributing my experience, and helping our community continue to thrive.

I am a proud Dahlonega, Georgia, native and local business owner. I own co/own Highland Class Photo Booth & Events LLC with my daughter Brooklyn Gravitt as well as Truly Southern Realty LLC with my sister Rhonda Hayes, serving my community with passion and dedication. I am happily married to my wonderful husband, Daniel Fuller, and together they have four children and five grandchildren. Family, community, and building meaningful connections are at the heart of everything I do.

Roger Halstead, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, moved to Lumpkin County in 2006 after college when his parents started a business. What began as a move to be closer to family soon became home. Roger started at the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office in 2009. He worked briefly in Florida, where he met his wife, Nickole, before returning in 2024. He is now Assistant Commander of the Detention Division. Roger and Nickole, married three years, have three daughters. Family is central to Roger’s life. After nearly two decades in Lumpkin County, he is proud to serve the community he calls home.

Hi, my name is Rick Harris. I have lived full-time in Dahlonega since 2019, but my family legacy began in Lumpkin County during the 1828 Gold Rush. My family contributed to Dahlonega’s early development and flourished here until the 1920s. I was raised in North Alabama, where grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins entertained us with tales of “Ol’ Dahlonegy.” After 30 years in law enforcement, I felt a strong desire to follow my roots to the land I had heard so much about. Since arriving, I have enjoyed connecting with my “genetical-past.” I currently supervise the Veterans Memorial Marker Program, participate in the Blue Ridge Masonic Lodge, work toward establishing a military museum in Dahlonega, and care for my younger brother Jeff. My goal in this class is to gain insight and sharpen my skills so I can better serve the city, county, and region my ancestors loved.

Brent Kieran serves as the Assistant Director of Operations and Cadet Leader Development for the University of North Georgia Corps of Cadets. He coordinates training, logistics, facilities, and major events that support cadet development and the Corps’ mission.

Before joining UNG, Brent served 22 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a First Sergeant. His career included service as a Ranger Instructor and senior enlisted leader, where he trained and mentored Soldiers, led teams in demanding environments, and planned complex training and operational missions. His experience spans leader development, risk management, logistics, personnel management, and organizational planning.

Brent lives in Dahlonega with his family and remains committed to serving the university and local community.

My name is Amanda Mayfield. I have been with Northeast Georgia Health System for almost 10 years, and have worked as a pharmacist for 20 years. In July 2019, I opened the hospital pharmacy at the Lumpkin campus and have loved serving this community ever since. My experience spans a wide range of pharmacy settings including retail, hospital, pain management, infusion, and long-term care. I am honored to have the opportunity to be part of Leadership Lumpkin County, and I look forward to learning more about our community while continuing to grow my leadership skills.

My name is Adam McAfee and I am the Head Chef at Spirits Tavern. I began working in restaurants when I was 16 years old and have been cooking in Dahlonega since my college years where I started as a dishwasher. A few years ago my wife and I moved to South Carolina where I learned from some incredible Chefs but our hearts were always in Lumpkin County and we’ve been so happy to be home.

A lifelong Georgian, Emily McEntyre serves as the administrative manager for McEntyre Construction Group, the residential construction company she owns alongside her husband, Bradley.  After meeting in Dahlonega during college, Emily & Bradley have called the North GA mountains home for 29 years. Emily studied education at UGA and NGCSU then taught middle school for a few years before stepping away from the classroom to raise their four children. Today she works to facilitate a family business with strong connections to the community.

I am the Community Development Director for the Lumpkin County.  That means all subdivision, building permits, business licenses and a lot of the code enforcement issues go through our office. I have been in this job since August of 2025.  I have been in some sort of this profession for over 25 years.  I have a civil engineering degree from the University of Alabama.  I have had the privilege of being LTC (Ret.) John McGrath wife for the last 30 years and we have been blessed with our children Sean and Kate. 

Aaron Sizemore owns Camp Oaks RV in Dahlonega with his wife, Kimberly. He began his RV career more than 20 years ago and dreamed of opening his own dealership in Lumpkin County, where they moved after marrying in 2006. Today, Camp Oaks RV is one of Georgia’s fastest-growing RV dealers and was recently named a Top 20 North American dealer for the Coachmen Catalina brand.

Camp Oaks RV specializes in towable RVs, offering sales, service and parts. The Sizemores enjoy camping as a family and helping others create lasting memories.

Originally from North Carolina, Aaron is proud to call Lumpkin County home. He and Kimberly are grateful to work and raise their three children here. Their children attend Lumpkin County schools, and the family stays active in sports as proud Lumpkin County Indians. They are active in their church and committed to honoring God in their business and lives.

Hello! My name is Ella Sweatt, and I am the Marketing Coordinator for the Discover Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Bureau. I am a recent graduate of the University of North Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Digital Marketing. During my time at UNG, I was involved in several organizations, including UNG Miracle, where I worked directly with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Phi Mu Kappa Upsilon Chapter at UNG. I grew up in Bremen, Georgia, and now proudly call Dahlonega home. I love this community and look forward to continuing to grow both personally and professionally here!

I’m originally from Norman, Oklahoma, but I’ve been in Dahlonega since 2002. I’m married to Jon Utterback and a Cha Cha to Olivia, Lily and Henry.
I’m celebrating 12 years at The Dahlonega Nugget this August. I started out as the office manager, moved into sales, and now I’m the General Manager. I’m also looking forward to being part of Leadership Lumpkin and getting to know even more about our community.
Outside of work, I’m a Sooner through and through and love all things OU. I’m also a huge dog person—so if there’s a dog around, chances are I’m going to say hi!

Frank Vetrano is the Market President for United Community in Dahlonega and has been with the bank for more than 10 years. His career started in the Dahlonega branch as a part-time teller while finishing his degree at the University of North Georgia. From there, he built a career in commercial credit and lending, before returning to serve the community he calls home.

Frank’s favorite part of banking is getting to know the people and businesses that make up the community. He enjoys sitting down with people, hearing their stories, and helping them navigate opportunities and challenges along the way.

Frank and his wife are proud to call Lumpkin County home, where they’re raising their two daughters.
 

Hello,

My name is Christopher Weeks, and I have lived in Lumpkin County for 10 years now. I was born and raised in Broward County, FL and moved to Gwinnett County, GA with my parents in 2007. In 2013 I met my wife Jordan and together we have two beautiful daughters. My father-in-law informed me that the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office was hiring for jailers and I applied for the job because law enforcement was something I've always wanted to do. I eventually got hired in 2016, and worked as a jailer, commuting to work from Gwinnett County before moving to Lumpkin County later that year. I spent 5 and a half years at Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office where I worked my way up to a patrol sergeant on night shift. I later applied to work for the Dahlonega Police Department in 2021 and am currently a patrol officer with a goal to be in a supervision role within my department.

Hello team,
I am a lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. I have been fortunate enough to have worked my entire career inside of the county. My background is in manufacturing and distribution operations with over 26 years' experience. As the Operations Manager for Satellite Industries, I am excited to see how the County i grew up in works internally and how I can leverage my skills and experience to help my community.
 

I have lived in Lumpkin County for the past four years and, although I am originally from White County, I have always felt the connection to this wonderful community. 

I have been with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group for 13 years, along the way I have earned my LPN at North GA Technical College, my associate degree in business management from Lanier Technical College and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Arizona Global Campus. I currently serve as Practice Manager for Urgent Care Dahlonega and Urgent Care Cleveland.

My name is Ethan. I grew up in Dahlonega for the first 25 years of my life. I attended Lumpkin County schools and the University of North Georgia where I obtained my commission as an Officer in the Georgia Army National Guard. Though I do not reside in Dahlonega at this time it will always be my true home. I am grateful to say that the company that I work for as my civilian side job (Comfort Keepers) allows me the opportunity to help the people of the Dahlonega Community.

I am a Lumpkin county Legacy land owner, back to Ga land Lottery of 1832  My Family has had a cabin off Long Branch since the early 1960s where i would vacation as a child. I raised my two now adult sons in Metro Atlanta but we would spend every available weekend up here taking care of our family property   About 2015, I began the process of building our retirement home on a Ridge top Looking over the Chestatee River and Dahlonega    
I am fierce preservationist that appreciates our RICH history and culture of Lumpkin county.   I also recognize and respect property rights, but have no interest in selling or developing our Family property  
I’m a retired IT executive that managed global shared services agreements with multi national delivery teams.  I have been a member of the Lumpkin County Planning commision since 2022 and chair since 2024.    

As an Army spouse, I have followed my husband, now Commander of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion at Camp Merrill, across the country and beyond. Dahlonega marks my 13th move, but don’t let that number fool you; I bring roots wherever I go. Over 20 years, I have built a career as a publicist and producer, working with world-class platforms like the National Basketball Association and American Broadcasting Company. I later founded my own company, collaborating worldwide with celebrities, corporations, and philanthropists, with one driving purpose: ensuring visibility serves something greater and every opportunity is a chance to give back with intention. My family and I are more than stationed here; we are committed to serving Dahlonega in every way we can.