Emerging Leaders Lumpkin Class Of 2027

Sam McDuffie is the Executive Director of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Bureau. He was born in Macon, Georgia, and graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Natural and Cultural Resource Management. After graduation, Sam started his career with Georgia State Parks and has had the opportunity to work and manage some of Georgia's most beautiful State Parks. In June 2019, he left Georgia State Parks to pursue a career change that would keep him in Dahlonega and Lumpkin County. Sam and his wife have always looked for a place to call home, and they, with their two sons, Grayson and Sawyer, have set their permanent roots in Lumpkin County. 

Hello - my name is Dr. Jess Place, and I am the owner of Bluebird Yoga House, LLC. Bluebird Yoga House is a community-focused yoga and wellness studio located in Dahlonega, Georgia, serving local residents, university students, and the area’s growing tourism market. The business will offer a range of services including group yoga classes, private sessions, workshops, retreats, and retail products, all designed to support physical health, mental wellness, and personal growth. We will also have a massage therapist on site as well as an esthetician. 

I have been teaching yoga since 2019 and meditation since 2017. My certifications are Yoga Alliance E-RYT 200, RYT 500, YACEP, and The Mindfulness Center CMT (certified meditation teacher). 

My name is Amanda Walker, and I currently serve as the Assistant Finance Director for the Lumpkin County School System. I am passionate about supporting public education through sound financial stewardship, compliance, and strategic leadership. I oversee payroll, budgeting, accounting, and financial operations, working to ensure accuracy, transparency, and responsible use of public funds. I am currently pursuing my MBA with a specialization in Compliance and Ethics and am committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two children and dog, outdoor adventures, playing tennis, and staying involved with my local community. I value integrity, collaboration, and building strong relationships that make a positive impact.

Hello, my name is Katelynn Bryan, but most people call me Kate! I work at Striker Marketing in project fulfillment and customer service. I am currently an UNG alumni with a Bachelor's and Masters Degree in Kinesiology. I am taking classes again to return to nursing school to get another degree under the belt. Outside of work, I love to hike and be in the outdoors and spend time with my family. I look forward to learning true leadership skills that will help me wherever I go in life! 

Hello!
My name is Erynn Byrom, I am a senior Psychology student at the University of North Georgia, a part-time employee at Jeremiah's Place, and the co-president of UNG's BCM for the 26/27 school year!
I am so thankful for the all the opportunities the Lord has allowed me to have while being in Dahlonega, it's been such a sweet few years! I cannot wait to see the doors the Lord continues to open, here and wherever He leads me next!

Terri Chastain is the Shelter Manager and Community Awareness Advocate at No One Alone, a domestic violence shelter serving individuals and families in North Georgia. With a background in advocacy, case management, community outreach, and coaching, Terri is passionate about helping people overcome barriers, recognize their strengths, and create meaningful change in their lives. She is committed to serving her community, building strong partnerships, and continuing to grow as a leader while making a positive impact on those around her.

I’m a luxury private chef and founder of The Authentic Food Snob, where I provide beautifully curated private chef tables and events throughout Dahlonega and the surrounding North Georgia area.

People, food, and hospitality have always been my jam—pun intended! I love connecting with others and bringing people together through food and shared experiences. On weekday mornings, I also run the hot biscuit stand at Dahlonega’s favorite local eatery, Public House. I love that it keeps me focused on meeting and serving my community while enjoying a beautiful North Georgia sunrise.

Each month, I strive to give back through food donations and volunteer work. My heart has always belonged in the mountains, and when I’m not in the kitchen, you can usually find me camping, hiking, or exploring the beautiful place I’m proud to call home.

I am the Branch manager at the Lumpkin County Library where I have served in many roles over the last three years. Prior to that, I was a Compliance Manager for a billion dollar vacation property management company, handling new process development and owner relations. I am also an award-winning author of 15 books, a certified editor, and a publisher. Needless to say, I don't have much free time! However, when I do, I love rollerskating and hiking. I have a passion for fostering community and making sure my team feels supported and appreciated.

I work in operations at our family-run commercial fabrication shop in North Georgia, where we build Corian and solid surface countertops and sills for commercial projects, along with felt and PET acoustic wall and ceiling solutions. Most of what I do lives in the details: writing the SOPs, tightening the path from CNC to final QC, and making sure what leaves the shop is right the first time. Faith and family come first for me — I'm a Christian, a husband, and a father to two boys. When I'm not at the shop I'm usually under a truck or up a mountain. I have spent the last year bringing an old 4Runner back to life so we have a good excuse to load up the boys and disappear down a Forest Service road for a weekend. I like building things that have to actually work.