Leadership Lumpkin County Class of 2026

Originally from South Florida, I bring a background in private security and property management. About a year and a half ago, my wife and I relocated to Dahlonega to enjoy the mountain lifestyle and more quality time together. I currently serve as the Director of R-Ranch in the Mountains, a private resort offering RV sites, cabins, horseback riding, and a scenic venue space. I'm looking forward to connecting with other local professionals and learning more about Dahlonega and Lumpkin County.

      Hello my name is Deven Amborski, I am currently serving in the United States Army at the 5th ranger training battalion. I grew up in northern Michigan but now my wife and I are settling down here in north Georgia. 

Katz Bagley is co-owner of Crown & Bear British Foods and Gifts, as well as Waffle's English Tea Room on the Dahlonega square. She is the mom of Waffle the famous corgi and winner of the Cutest Pet in Dahlonega contest.  She attended the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University where she studied Culinary Arts. She holds certifications in food handling and ServSafe. She is a member of the ConnectAbility board of directors and is a Community Connections Leadership Team member (after serving for several years as a ConnectAbility intern). 

Hi, I'm Stephanie. I have a background in graphics and visual art. I work at APP Studios, collaborating with new and established small business owners to develop websites, graphics and digital strategy. I like helping thinkers, dreamers, and doers bring ideas to life. 

I am a summa cum laude graduate of UNG (then NGCSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Art Marketing. I have remained a transient nugget, escaping Gainesville for the mountains of Lumpkin County. My hobbies include photography, volunteering, hiking and travel, usually for new photography challenges. 

Hi, I’m Kendle Blacksher, the Member Engagement and Marketing Manager at the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce. My role focuses on connecting with local businesses, fostering relationships, and showcasing our community’s unique qualities. Originally from Missouri, I’ve spent over 21 years as an Army spouse alongside my husband, Joey. This journey has taught me resilience and the importance of community. We have two daughters, Tavie (17) and Pyper (13). 
Outside of work, I enjoy camping and photography, capturing moments from sunsets to family adventures. Dahlonega has truly become my home, and I'm passionate about sharing its beauty and opportunities.

Hi,
My name is Marc Bottoms.  I have the privilege of managing the Lumpkin County Senior Center in Dahlonega.  Prior to joining Lumpkin County I worked in education for fifteen years as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal.  I also previously spent over twenty years working for Chick-fil-A.  I enjoy spending time with my family.  I am also an ordained Baptist minister.  

Abigail Camilleri is the owner of Local Pup, a small business in Dahlonega built on creativity, community, and canine joy. Originally from Clover, South Carolina, she moved to Dahlonega in 2021 and quickly fell in love with the town’s charm and strong sense of community. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2023. Since opening Local Pup in 2022, Abigail has become passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs and contributing to the growth and future of Lumpkin County. She is honored to be part of the Lumpkin Leadership Class and looks forward to continuing her involvement in the community.

My name is Marsha Cornelius (formerly Dickerson), and I’m proud to be born and raised in Dahlonega. After graduating from Lumpkin County High School, I served 10 years in the U.S. Army as an intelligence manager and interrogator. Following my military service, I spent seven years working in the nonprofit sector before shifting into the culinary world in 2024. I’m currently studying to become a pastry chef and co-own two local businesses with my husband, Greg Cornelius: Roundabout Deli and Mosaic Bakery & Pizzeria. Roundabout Deli features gourmet sandwiches and sweet treats, while Mosaic Bakery operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to create job opportunities for individuals who are neurodivergent or living with other disabilities. I'm honored to be part of Leadership Lumpkin and excited to continue serving our community in meaningful ways.

I'm a business consultant with 24 years of experience, including roles as a licensed real estate agent in Alabama and Georgia, former director of operations for a billion-dollar company, and a congressional intern. I specialize in helping companies grow through operational improvements, team development, and strategic turnarounds across HVAC, distribution, and service industries.

Giving back is a core value—I've volunteered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Special Olympics, Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots. I’ve also run for public office twice, aiming to lead with integrity and make a difference.

I'm happily married to my dream girl Svitlana for 15 years, and we’re raising our son Alex in beautiful Lumpkin County. We love this community and are proud to call it home.

Originally from Bethlehem, Georgia, Trent Futch has spent the last five years building a life in Lumpkin County. With a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Trent spent four years teaching band and chorus before making a career change inspired by his passion for serving others.
 
After meeting his wife, Kristin LaCount, whom he has been married to for three years, Trent moved to Lumpkin County and began his career with WoodmenLife. Over the past three years, he has helped families across the community with life insurance, investments, and retirement planning. His dedication and service were recognized when he was honored as Fraternalist of the Year in North Georgia last year.
 
Trent takes pride in helping families prepare for the future while also giving back to the community he loves. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, making and listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Brad is a 2005 graduate of Lumpkin County High School and earned honors upon graduating from North Georgia Technical College in 2007. Beginning a career in the HVAC industry as a Service Technician at Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. Brad obtained a State of Georgia Contractors License in 2011 and transitioned into sales and management in 2012. Today Brad manages the Residential & Light Commercial HVAC Install Division, while maintaining EPA, NATE, and BPI certifications. He is graduate of Leadership Hall County (2013-2014), Silver Shovel recipient (2016) and was also recognized by the ACHR News’ 40 under 40 in 2024. Brad is also an active member of Ducks Unlimited Gainesville Chapter. He is a loving husband to Heather and a proud father of two. 

I'm Jayleen Harrier, the Assistant Nurse Manager of the Medical Surgical unit at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Lumpkin.  I have been a nurse for almost 20 years.  I moved to Lumpkin County with my family in 2016 and have worked for NGHS since.  I have a background in bedside nursing, Quality Management, Neuroscience and Stroke Care, and Leadership.  I have completed two previous leadership programs, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of Leadership Lumpkin County and learn of the many moving parts that make our community so great. 

I’m a military veteran with over a decade of leadership experience, having led teams ranging in size from a few individuals to over 60 personnel. I’ve overseen training programs for hundreds of soldiers and guided teams through high-pressure, mission-critical environments that required adaptability, accountability, and clear communication. I’ve spent over 13 years of my career in Georgia, with eight of those years in Dahlonega by the time I retire. I have a strong personal and professional interest in aviation and engineering, which drives much of my continued learning and project work. In addition, I enjoy woodworking, theatre, and creating music—all of which provide balance and creativity in my daily life.

Charles has been serving as Pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Dahlonega since June 2023. Hailing from northern NJ, he was a computer specialist in IBM mainframe systems admin, capacity & performance, and project mgmt. He met his wife-to-be, Kimberly, in Fort Worth, TX, and God blessed them with four sons: James, Theo, Nathaniel, and Jakob. In 2003, they relocated to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis where he earned a Master of Divinity and in 2007 was called to serve as Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, in Cape Coral, FL. He has served as a Boy Scout leader, Asst Director of the Essex NJ chapter of the Harley Owners Group, a DAT Team Leader for the Red Cross, and as a Guardian ad Litem in SW Florida.  Charles, Kim and their three youngest sons reside in Dawsonville. He enjoys creating barbecue in his smoker and is a tireless advocate for authentic New York pizza and Jersey hot dogs.

I'm the co-owner of Sozo Bear Films, a video production company based in Dahlonega. We specialize in documentary-style brand films, narrative commercials, and social media content. I've lived in the area for over a decade and have grown deeply connected to this community. I'm passionate about business leadership, storytelling, and creating memorable marketing pieces that truly reflect each company's brand. Through Sozo Bear, I've had the chance to work with organizations like UNG, Lake Lanier Islands, Discover Dahlonega, Pick Ellijay, Netflix, and LG. I'm excited to be part of Leadership Lumpkin and to connect with others who are committed to the future of our community.

After proudly referring to myself as an Army spouse for 27 years, my husband, Bryan, retired from active-duty service in September of 2024, and we now call Dahlonega home.  Throughout his Army career, I volunteered in leadership positions for Family Readiness Groups in various Special Forces units, worked as a preschool teacher or assistant and continue to serve in children and youth ministries in churches.  However, being a home educator to our two adult daughters and teenage son over the last 18 years brings me the most pride. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with our new granddaughter, Annie. Bryan has shifted from calling me “Household 6” to his “Household CEO”.

I am a Physician Practice Manager for Northside Hospital Forsyth and resident of Dahlonega. I have worked for 8 years with Northside as a registered nurse and leader. I came to Northside after 25 years as a healthcare executive with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Northeast Georgia Health System. I love being a nurse and a leader as it allows me to help others grow their talents, skills and abilities. 

Carol Lucker is a jewelry store owner, pizza chain operator, and devoted mother. After their son Harrison was born, she and her husband Bill moved from Silicon Valley to Braselton, Georgia, to help launch Stevi B’s Pizza. On impulse, Carol purchased a jewelry store that opened on August 1, 2023. The Lucker's have embraced the local community, and Carol hopes to get involved with charities, seeing Leadership Lumpkin as a great opportunity to start.

I’m Erika Moore, Curator of Member Experiences at Legendary, where our mission is to help leaders realize their full potential and connect with other ambitious visionaries pursuing excellence. People are my passion. I design experiences that ignite growth, build lasting relationships, and spark transformation. Legendary is rooted in authentic connection—leading with love, listening deeply, and empowering others to embrace their brilliance.

As a native of Dahlonega, being part of LLC is especially meaningful, allowing me to contribute to my community while strengthening ties with the people who make it extraordinary.

I’m a lifelong learner and nature enthusiast who also loves cooking, art, and traveling the world to experience new cultures. For me, leadership is about creating moments where people feel seen, understood, and celebrated—leaving behind a ripple of impact that inspires others to shine even brighter.

I’m a retired Army veteran, former educator, current County Commissioner, and active Realtor®. With over 25 years of military service, I’ve built a reputation for dependability, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.

I began my career at 18 as an Airborne Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment, later becoming a top-performing Recruiter and earning a direct commission as an Infantry Officer. I served in Iraq and Afghanistan, finishing as an Inspector General.

After retiring, I led the JROTC program at Lumpkin County High School for over 10 years and I am currently serving in my second term as County Commissioner.

Today, my mission is helping others through real estate. My wife and I enjoy life on our Chestatee River homestead, and I’d be honored to help you find your dream home.

I have been a resident of Lumpkin County for 32 years, raising my three children in this community and school system. I moved from San Diego, California, in 1993, where I was a municipal police officer. After five years at the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol supervisor, I worked with several law enforcement agencies before returning to the Sheriff’s Office three and a half years ago. My experience includes patrol, investigations, training, Internal Affairs, and SWAT. Currently, I serve as the Commander of the Detention Division, overseeing the jail, warrant service, and prisoner transport. I feel blessed to live, work, and engage with our community, and I look forward to connecting with others in Leadership Lumpkin. Thank you, Sheriff Stacy Jarrard, for this opportunity.

My name is Katie Parr and I serve as an Assistant Principal at Lumpkin County High School. I am in my 12th year in education with the Lumpkin County School System and strive to continue to provide the best opportunities for our staff and students to connect with our incredible community. 

I'm proud to say I am a Nugget - a Lumpkin County native. I grew up in the Cavender Creek area and near Lumpkin County park, and my family has been in Lumpkin County for generations. My professional background is healthcare, and I currently work as a trainer in Information Technology for Northeast Georgia Health System serving the Emergency Departments/Observation Units, Inpatient Respiratory Therapy, and Long-Term Care. One of my favorite hobbies is freshwater fishkeeping and I have two aquariums with a variety of tropical fish. I also have a German Shephard Dog who is still relatively energetic and playful at the age of 11.

I look forward to the opportunities to meet others who live and work in Dahlonega/Lumpkin County, and to learn more about the inner workings of our city and surrounding area.

My name is Carrie Dawn Roy.  I live in Yahoola Valley with my amazing husband Matthew. My two boys: Bishop and Nicholas Bryant are graduates from Lumpkin County. I have been a photographer for over thirty years and also work for the Lumpkin County school system.  For the past three years I have worked for Straight Street Ministries in Flowery Branch.  This is a program where we help women that come from human trafficking and prostitution. I love Dahlonega and the people that live here.

Hi, I’m Cindy—farmer, butterfly wrangler, wine pourer, and the founder of the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm. I’ve been an entrepreneur most of my life, starting with a swim school and eventually trading swim caps for sunhats when I opened the butterfly farm and later, the Buford Corn Maze.

I love creating spaces where people can connect with nature, learn something new, and maybe sip a little wine while they’re at it. Whether you're wandering through our butterfly house in Dahlonega or getting lost in the cornfields of Buford, my goal is to bring joy, curiosity, and a little magic to your day.

I may wear a lot of hats (farmer, business owner, gnome coordinator…), but they all have one thing in common—making people smile.

My name is Tom Shandy, a leadership development professional with a background in military service and strategic planning. I specialize in helping organizations and individuals grow through focused leadership programs and clear, actionable strategy. My wife and I are proud to be raising our two daughters here in Lumpkin County, and I’m excited to connect with the Chamber and support the continued success of our local community.

With over 20 years of deep roots in Lumpkin County, I am proud to serve our community as a successful Realtor with United Country Premier Properties. In addition to my career in real estate, I homeschool my three teenage sons (one just graduated!), and I value the flexibility and connection that comes with both roles. My family and I enjoy making the most of North Georgia’s natural beauty through outdoor activities such as backpacking, camping, trail running, and road trips. I love helping people connect - whether to others or to local resources and community. 

I moved to Lumpkin County in 2001 from a small town in middle Ga called Gray. I am a retired Law Enforcement Officer having worked for the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. I am an also Veteran of the US Army National Guard. After I retired from Law Enforcement, I started working as a Loss Control Representative for Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company. I have been married to my wife Tammy for 22 years and we have 3 sons. Our oldest is stationed at Ft. Bragg as a Paratrooper, our middle son is a Jr in High School and our youngest is a 1st grader. You can always find us at an Indians Football game on Friday nights, a Jr Indians game on Saturday mornings, or in front of the TV watching the Bulldogs and Falcons. If it’s not football season we are traveling around North Ga wrestling in the winter, playing baseball in the spring and lounging by our pool any chance we get. 

Hi, I'm Rebecca, a CPA and current VP of Finance for a very successful startup that sold for over $200M just two years into operations. I'm passionate about growing businesses through smart financial leadership while understanding the need for the agility and flexibility needed to operate. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and kayaking, which help me unwind and stay balanced. I hail from southern West Virginia but have proudly been a resident of Georgia for over 30 years, with the past two decades in Dahlonega. I love this area and I'm looking forward to learning all the ways I can serve our community.

Operations Manager, Satellite Industries Vacuum Trucks Division.  I have held the position since September 23, 2025. Before moving to Dahlonega, Georgia for work at Satellite I worked for Mack Trucks in Macungie, Pennsylvania for 27 years. Over the years at Mack I have held various positions at Mack. I am a father of 4 great human beings, 2 boy and 2 girls.  My interests are history, mountain biking, and motorcycle riding outside of work. 

I’m Mandy Williams, founder and Executive Director of Northern Star’s Independent Living Program. After graduating from Northern Georgia College and State University (now UNG), my husband and I moved back to Dahlonega. During college, I discovered my passion for working with young people through volunteer work at a foster group home. Earning a master’s degree in counseling allowed me to continue supporting these youth in our community. My husband and I became foster parents, and the journey, though challenging, aligned perfectly with God’s plan for Northern Star. After years of fostering and research, Northern Star was officially established and contracted with the state to serve youth aging out of foster care. I’m mom to 5 amazing kids and “Mama Manday” to many more. I’m excited to engage with our community through Leadership Lumpkin and explore ways to help Lumpkin County thrive.