District Governor and Trainer
Mary Ligon
District Governor, district 6900
Mary Ligon joined the Rotary Club of Dougherty County in 2002 serving in several capacities before becoming President in 2009-2010. At the district level, Mary served as an Assistant Governor for 4 years and as AG Trainer/Coordinator, helping AGs support their clubs and the district. In June of 2020, she will conclude 5 years as district grants chair, 2019-2020. Mary enjoys seeing Rotarians work combined with Foundation funds impacting communities throughout the district.
Mary is committed to empowering Rotarians for service as people of action through her support of the Foundation and training. She is a Paul Harris Fellow +5 and was recognized as the District Rotarian of the Year in 2017 and with the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service in 2018. A graduate of RLI, Mary has been perennial PETS facilitator working with incoming Presidents to plan their year.
Mike Berg
District Governor, district 6910
Mike Berg is a 38 year Rotarian starting with the South Gwinnett Club and President (1992-1993) of the Snellville Club currently the Gwinnett Sunrise Club. He is a Paul Harris fellow +4, a GRSP Will Watt fellow, a benefactor, a Paul Harris Society member, an RLI graduate and currently an Area Four Assistant Governor (2017-2020).
Mike grew up in South Atlanta. He graduated from Sylvan Hills High School and was a multi-sport varsity athlete. His first job was selling vegetables to neighbors at the age of 10. During his High School years, he worked at Rich’s downtown after hours filing transcripts. He Graduated from Georgia State University with a BBA in Management, Served in the Army and retiring as a Manager with the Georgia Power Company. He now is the principal for Mike Berg and Associates, Inc.; a government and business strategic planning company. He is also CFO for Marketing Incentives, his Wife’s company that sells promotional marketing incentives.
In addition to his Rotary life, he is Vice President of the Lake Lanier Association, Vice President of Keep Dawson County Beautiful, Board Member of the Coosa N. Ga. State Water Planning Commission and Board Member of the Civic Foundation for the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.
Mike is a former President of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (2013-2014), Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Dawson County (2005-2017), District 3 Gwinnett County Commissioner (1985-1989), Institute for Georgia environmental leadership board (IGEL), Chairman of the Georgia State Public Defender Council, Board member of the State Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Founder and past Chairman of the Gwinnett United in Drug Education (GUIDE)
Mike is married to and works for his wife, Jane Berg. They have two adult children and three Grandchildren. They live on Lake Lanier in Dawson County.
In addition to his Rotary life, he is Vice President of the Lake Lanier Association, Vice President of Keep Dawson County Beautiful, Board Member of the Coosa N. Ga. State Water Planning Commission and Board Member of the Civic Foundation for the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.
Mike is a former President of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (2013-2014), Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Dawson County (2005-2017), District 3 Gwinnett County Commissioner (1985-1989), Institute for Georgia environmental leadership board (IGEL), Chairman of the Georgia State Public Defender Council, Board member of the State Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Founder and past Chairman of the Gwinnett United in Drug Education (GUIDE)
Mike is married to and works for his wife, Jane Berg. They have two adult children and three Grandchildren. They live on Lake Lanier in Dawson County.
Ed Presnell
District Governor, district 6920
Ed Presnell has been a member of The Rotary Club of Augusta since January 13, 2003. He served as the 2017-18 President, is a multiple PHF (+4), and a member of the Paul Harris Bequest Society. He is currently serving as a Trustee for the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP).
Ed has been a Regional Business Executive for Peach State Federal Credit Union since June 18, 2018. He is responsible for business development and MSA market presence in the Augusta, Georgia and Aiken, South Carolina areas. He has been an executive within the credit union industry since 2005, having served as Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer with his previous credit union. Prior to joining the credit union industry, Ed was the President/CEO with the Augusta Chamber of Commerce for 3 years. That role was preceded by 15 years in the telecommunications industry in the Augusta area, including positions as General Manager with CellularOne of Augusta Regional Vice President with KMC Telecom. A native of Asheboro, NC, he graduated from Clemson University in 1971 with a B.A. in Economics. As a community servant, including his proudest role as President of the Rotary Club of Augusta, he has held eighteen (18) Chairman/President roles in various civic organizations in Augusta. Among these organizations are The Augusta Sports Council, The Imperial Theatre, The Ronald McDonald House of Augusta, and The Augusta Clemson Club. From 2000-2003, Ed was a member of the Clemson University Board of Visitors. Among his honors, in 2003 he was an Inaugural Laureate in the Junior Achievement CSRA Business Hall of Fame. He was the recipient of the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2014 Unity Award from the Alpha Phi Alpha, Augusta Chapter. Receiving his highest professional honor, he was inducted into the African American Credit Union Coalition Hall of Fame (AACUC) on August 7, 2019. He is married to Deb, and has two daughters, and four grandchildren. An avid golfer, Ed’s hobbies include baseball, football, U.S. history, WWII (his father’s journey), travel, and essentially anything sports related! He is a member of Trinity-on-the-Hill UMC in Augusta (since 1977). He is also a member of Palmetto Golf Club and The Pinnacle Club.
Anthony Slaughter
Trainer, 6900
President of Engineering at Moon, Meeks, Mason & Vinson, Inc.
Degree: Bachelor of Civil Engineering 1993, Auburn University
Licensed Professional Engineer Georgia & Alabama
Moon Meeks Mason & Vinson, Inc. is a Southwest Georgia Civil Engineering and Land Surveying Firm established in Columbus Georgia in 1946. It has been our pleasure to preparedconstruction plans and surveys for numerous projects throughout the region. Our engineering services range from floodplain studies, storm water hydrology calculations and designs, street patterns, grades and profiles, storm and sanitary sewer designs, parking lots, driveways, intersections, water main extensions, and erosion control plans. Our surveying services include ALTA surveys, property boundary surveys, easement surveys, topographic surveys, legal descriptions, floodplain surveys and construction staking.
Professional Affiliations:
Life Member National Eagle Scout Association,
Alumnus of the Harris County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program,
Life Member Auburn Alumni Association
ROTARY BACKGROUND:
President of the Harris County Club 2004-2005 and miscellaneous club positions
Rotary District 6900 Assistant Governor – 2009-2012 ( 3 years)
Rotary District 6900 Service Project Chair – 2012-2014 (2 years)
Rotary District 6900 Assistant Trainer – 2014-2015
Rotary District 6900 Administration Chair – 2015-2016
Rotary District 6900 Chief of Staff/Assistant Trainer – 2016-2017
Rotary District 6900 Trainer – 2018-2019
P.E.T.S. Training Team Miscellaneous Rolls – 2010 – present
AWARDS:
District Assistant Governor of the year
District Rotarian of the Year
Professional Affiliations:
Life Member National Eagle Scout Association,
Alumnus of the Harris County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program,
Life Member Auburn Alumni Association
ROTARY BACKGROUND:
President of the Harris County Club 2004-2005 and miscellaneous club positions
Rotary District 6900 Assistant Governor – 2009-2012 ( 3 years)
Rotary District 6900 Service Project Chair – 2012-2014 (2 years)
Rotary District 6900 Assistant Trainer – 2014-2015
Rotary District 6900 Administration Chair – 2015-2016
Rotary District 6900 Chief of Staff/Assistant Trainer – 2016-2017
Rotary District 6900 Trainer – 2018-2019
P.E.T.S. Training Team Miscellaneous Rolls – 2010 – present
AWARDS:
District Assistant Governor of the year
District Rotarian of the Year
Hans Meier
Trainer, 6910
Hans Meier is a member of the Rotary Club of Lainer Forsyth. He is currently on his third year as Assistant Governor in District 6910. He was AG of the Year for 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, Foundation Benefactor, Hue Thomas Fellow and Will Watt Fellow. His hobby is woodworking. He is chairman of a Scroll Group and Turning Group and has taught a number of different classes. He also has a number of wood working You Tubes to his credit.
Frank Seaton
Trainer, 6920
Frank is a Certified Public Accountant who has retired from practice as a shareholder in the firm Thigpen, Jones, Seaton and Co., PC., Dublin, Georgia. Frank joined the Dublin Rotary Club in 1981. He is Past President of the Dublin Rotary Club, served as D6920 Assistant Governor 2011-2013, District Director 2013-2014 and District Trainer 2014-2016 and 2017-2018. He will be serving as District Trainer again for 2020-2021. He is married to Debra and has two grown sons and two grandsons.
Joanne Tolleson
Trainer, 6910
District Governor Elect and Trainer
George Granade
District Governor Elect, District 6900
George began his Rotary journey in August 2003 with the Rotary Club of Griffin. As a member of that club he served as president for the Rotary year 2012-2013. Before serving as president, he served on the club’s board and as chairman of several different club committees over the years. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Georgia Rotary Student Program Will Watt Fellow and Hue Thomas Fellow. On the district level, George served six years on the Georgia Rotary Districts Character Education Program with four of those years as secretary. George currently is an Assistant Governor and is a graduate of Rotary Leadership Institute and has completed three graduate courses.
George resides in Williamson, Ga. with his wife, Jill. They have two sons, George II and Nicholas and are grandparents to three boys. George has been employed by University of Georgia Griffin Campus as the research station superintendent for the Field Research Services unit since April 1990. He is a member and past president of the Research Center Administrators Society. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2014 from the Research Center Administrator Society in 2014.
George received an Associate Degree from Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC) in 1974. He transferred to the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1976 and then a Master of Science in Agronomy in 1978. After graduation, George worked for Auburn University for six years. He than moved to Parsons, KS to work for Kansas State University as Agronomist Instructor until March 1990 performing research with soybeans. George has been active in the community by serving on the Griffin Youth Soccer Association as a board member and president as well as a coach and referee. He served as board member and president of the Griffin High School Soccer Booster Club. He is a 1995 graduate of Leadership Griffin-Spalding County. He served as an assistant scout master for Troop 1. He served on the Pike County Planning Commission. George and Jill are members of the First Methodist Church of Griffin. As an alumnus of ABAC, he has served on the alumni board and as president.
George resides in Williamson, Ga. with his wife, Jill. They have two sons, George II and Nicholas and are grandparents to three boys. George has been employed by University of Georgia Griffin Campus as the research station superintendent for the Field Research Services unit since April 1990. He is a member and past president of the Research Center Administrators Society. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2014 from the Research Center Administrator Society in 2014.
George received an Associate Degree from Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC) in 1974. He transferred to the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1976 and then a Master of Science in Agronomy in 1978. After graduation, George worked for Auburn University for six years. He than moved to Parsons, KS to work for Kansas State University as Agronomist Instructor until March 1990 performing research with soybeans. George has been active in the community by serving on the Griffin Youth Soccer Association as a board member and president as well as a coach and referee. He served as board member and president of the Griffin High School Soccer Booster Club. He is a 1995 graduate of Leadership Griffin-Spalding County. He served as an assistant scout master for Troop 1. He served on the Pike County Planning Commission. George and Jill are members of the First Methodist Church of Griffin. As an alumnus of ABAC, he has served on the alumni board and as president.
Gerry Taylor
District Governor Elect, District 6910
Gerry Taylor is a retired Vice President of Resource Development, United Way of Northeast Georgia. He has served United Ways for over 30 years beginning in Lexington, KY as Assistant Campaign Director, and then moving to Racine Wisconsin as Campaign Director before relocating to Birmingham Alabama as Senior Vice President of Resource Development. He began his position with United Way of Northeast Georgia in January of 2007. Prior to his career with United Way, he spent over eight years in sales and sales management, primarily with office product companies. He is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota and has completed various campaign and management courses from the National Academy of Volunteerism at United Way of America, including the 4 year Management Course.
Gerry was responsible for United Way of Northeast Georgia’s Annual Campaign and the Planned Giving program. During his United Way career, he has been responsible for raising more than ¼ billion dollars in annual campaigns and over 15 million in Planned Giving assets.
Gerry decided to become a United Way professional to help improve the quality of life for others after experiencing assistance in his young life from a couple of United Way agencies that taught him lifelong lessons and provided him opportunities to succeed.
He is a Past President of the Classic City Rotary Club in Athens Georgia, Past Assistant Governor of District 6910, current District 6910 Training Vice Chair, current District 6910 Awards and Recognition Chair, a member of the District 6910 Conference Committee, past District 6910 Board Member, Past President of Sales and Marketing Executives of the Birmingham Alabama Chapter and the Past President and founder of Professional Sales Association of Birmingham. He has spent many years coaching youth baseball.
Gerry serves his church-Watkinsville First United Methodist as an Usher, a member of the Nominations Committee and a Collections Processor. Gerry is married to Lisa Landers Taylor, a retired special education teacher. They have two sons, Christopher (daughter in law Ashley) and Ryan. His favorite pastimes are outdoor sports, model railroading and spending time with his family, including his Black Labrador Retriever, Hannah.
Gerry was responsible for United Way of Northeast Georgia’s Annual Campaign and the Planned Giving program. During his United Way career, he has been responsible for raising more than ¼ billion dollars in annual campaigns and over 15 million in Planned Giving assets.
Gerry decided to become a United Way professional to help improve the quality of life for others after experiencing assistance in his young life from a couple of United Way agencies that taught him lifelong lessons and provided him opportunities to succeed.
He is a Past President of the Classic City Rotary Club in Athens Georgia, Past Assistant Governor of District 6910, current District 6910 Training Vice Chair, current District 6910 Awards and Recognition Chair, a member of the District 6910 Conference Committee, past District 6910 Board Member, Past President of Sales and Marketing Executives of the Birmingham Alabama Chapter and the Past President and founder of Professional Sales Association of Birmingham. He has spent many years coaching youth baseball.
Gerry serves his church-Watkinsville First United Methodist as an Usher, a member of the Nominations Committee and a Collections Processor. Gerry is married to Lisa Landers Taylor, a retired special education teacher. They have two sons, Christopher (daughter in law Ashley) and Ryan. His favorite pastimes are outdoor sports, model railroading and spending time with his family, including his Black Labrador Retriever, Hannah.
Heather Kellen
District Governor Elect, District 6920
Heather holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has practiced for 17 years holding positions of area director and vice president of operations for outpatient and rehab organizations. She also works as an adjunct professor teaching physical therapy assistants at Central Georgia Technical College. Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Journalism and has worked in Alaska and Washington as a new reporter for newspaper, radio, and television. She joined the Perry Rotary Club in 2008 and served as Perry Club president in 2014-2015. She has served in club leadership as Community Service Chair & Youth Services Chair. Heather has served District 6920 as Disaster Response Chair, End Polio Ambassador and a Rotary Leadership Institute Facilitator. She has represented Rotary Internationally administering polio vaccines in India, as a member of a Vocational Training Team to Myanmar, and as a participant in Rotary Day at The United Nations.Heather also commits time and energy to her local community while serving as a member of Toastmasters International, Perry Chamber of Commerce, and Board member of the Perry Convention and Visitors Bureau. Heather has been recognized as Star President and Club of the Year recognition during her term as Club President. Presented with Rotarian of the Year, Governor’s Leadership Award, and Emerging District Leader. She is a Paul Harris Major Donor, Paul Harris Society member, and Will Watt Fellow. Heather was born and raised in Washington State and Alaska. She moved to Florida for graduate school and stayed in the South to practice physical therapy in middle Georgia. Heather is the mother of two daughters; Kayla 33, and Lauren 26 and grandmother to four grandchildren; Alta, Jayden, Gwen, Naomi. Heather loves the outdoors and spends much of her free time travelling, hiking, biking, & scuba diving. She is a huge movie buff and roots for the Seattle Seahawks.
Margie Kersey
Trainer, 6900
Rotary is a huge part of Margie’s life. She joined Rotary as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Lake Spivey on February 16, 1998 and served as President in 1999-2000. She joined the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain July 2006 where she served as President in 2016-17. She is a Major Donor, Bequest Society member and is very honored to have been named District Rotarian of the Year in 2008.
Margie has been active serving at the District level, where she served as District Governor in 2011-12 and as the District Rotary Foundation Chair from 2016-2019. Margie has served as District Trainer for two Governors and as the representative to the Council on Legislation 2016-2019. Outside of the district, Margie served as President of The CART Fund (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) 2015-17. She is a graduate of Rotary Leadership Institute and serves as a Discussion Leader and is the past Curriculum Director. She is honored to serve as the Chairman of RLI Sunshine Division for 2019-2021.
Margie is self-employed with her husband, Ron Kersey, as financial and estate planners. They specialize in working with owners of timberland. Prior to heading out on her own, she spent 20 years in retail including 10 at Toys R Us as an operations Director. Training was a big part of her job and soon after leaving Toys, she went to work with Dale Carnegie Training traveling most of South Georgia. She has also worked as a trainer for the Calvin Center in Hampton, GA providing leadership and teamwork challenges in an “Outward Bound” type program.
Ron and Margie live in Lawrenceville, Georgia where they attend wine tastings whenever they can.
Margie has been active serving at the District level, where she served as District Governor in 2011-12 and as the District Rotary Foundation Chair from 2016-2019. Margie has served as District Trainer for two Governors and as the representative to the Council on Legislation 2016-2019. Outside of the district, Margie served as President of The CART Fund (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) 2015-17. She is a graduate of Rotary Leadership Institute and serves as a Discussion Leader and is the past Curriculum Director. She is honored to serve as the Chairman of RLI Sunshine Division for 2019-2021.
Margie is self-employed with her husband, Ron Kersey, as financial and estate planners. They specialize in working with owners of timberland. Prior to heading out on her own, she spent 20 years in retail including 10 at Toys R Us as an operations Director. Training was a big part of her job and soon after leaving Toys, she went to work with Dale Carnegie Training traveling most of South Georgia. She has also worked as a trainer for the Calvin Center in Hampton, GA providing leadership and teamwork challenges in an “Outward Bound” type program.
Ron and Margie live in Lawrenceville, Georgia where they attend wine tastings whenever they can.
Don Martin
Trainer, 6910
A native of northern New Jersey, Mike graduated with a BS degree in Food Technology from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. He began his career in the food processing industry with a small vegetable processing company in Baltimore, MD and Greenwood, DE. In the remaining career of 35 years he worked with products such as breakfast cereals and other breakfast foods, pet food, Kool Aid, and salad dressings both in quality control and production management positions. The last 25 years of his career was working in the seafood processing business as VP of Operations. He lived in Maryland (2X), Pennsylvania (2X), Illinois (3X), Michigan, Massachusetts, and finally St. Simons Island. After retiring from King & Prince Seafood Corp.in Brunswick, GA, he and his wife opened 2 picture framing stores, one on St. Simons and the other in Brunswick. They closed the business after 11 years to retire once again.
Over the years, he has been involved in many nonprofit organizations. He is past president of the United Way of the Golden Isles, past board member of the Brunswick- Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, past president of Coastal Coalition for Children, past board member of Junior Achievement of greater Boston, and a past SCORE counselor and a member of several other committees in his communities.
Mike joined the Rotary Club of St. Simons Island in 2001 and served on the club’s Board of Directors in 2005 to 2007 and was club President in 2011-2012. He served on the St. Simons Island Rotary Scholarship Fund from 2006 to 2015, 2009 to 2015 as the Chair. Mike and Nancy were a GRSP Host Family in 2013-14 and he served as a Trustee to GRSP from 2013-2017. To support District 6920 activities, he was the 2018 District Conference Chair and an Assistant Governor from 2015 to 2018.
Mike and his wife Nancy have been married for 53 years, live on St. Simons Island and have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Over the years, he has been involved in many nonprofit organizations. He is past president of the United Way of the Golden Isles, past board member of the Brunswick- Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, past president of Coastal Coalition for Children, past board member of Junior Achievement of greater Boston, and a past SCORE counselor and a member of several other committees in his communities.
Mike joined the Rotary Club of St. Simons Island in 2001 and served on the club’s Board of Directors in 2005 to 2007 and was club President in 2011-2012. He served on the St. Simons Island Rotary Scholarship Fund from 2006 to 2015, 2009 to 2015 as the Chair. Mike and Nancy were a GRSP Host Family in 2013-14 and he served as a Trustee to GRSP from 2013-2017. To support District 6920 activities, he was the 2018 District Conference Chair and an Assistant Governor from 2015 to 2018.
Mike and his wife Nancy have been married for 53 years, live on St. Simons Island and have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Ed Davis
Trainer, 6920
Ed is the Principal Agent and Owner of Source One Insurance and Benefits Group, A Private Client, and Commercial Insurance Brokerage Firm, headquartered in Macon, Georgia. Attending North Georgia College and Graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Ed has been a member of several Rotary Clubs during his professional career in multiple states. Joining the Rotary Club of Downtown Macon in 2010. Twice voted the Rotarian of the year by his club, serving as Club President in 2016-2017. He has been a Rotary Leadership Institute Discussion Leader since 2012, District 6920 RLI District Director 2018-2021. Ed is a Paul Harris Fellow (Multiple), A Rotary International Fellow and GRSP Will Watt Fellow.
MEET ED
Cindy Haddon
Trainer, 6910
Cindy is a native of Statham, but she has lived in Watkinsville for the past 35 years. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Georgia in 1983. In 1997 she returned to night school and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Brenau University. She is also a graduate of Leadership Walton, Dale Carnegie and the NRECA Management Internship Program.
District Governor Nominee and Trainer
Andre Marria
District Governor Nominee, district 6900
Andre’ Hadley Marria graduated from The Fort Valley State University in 1973 with a B. S degree in Music, and in 1975 with a M.S. degree in Mental Health Counseling. Mrs. Marria spent thirty–four years of public service with the Georgia Department of Human Resources, retiring as the Director of the Thomas County Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS) November 2008. Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Marria lent her leadership skills to Southwestern State Hospital as a Unit Director and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, assisting in the initial licensure of Rose Haven ICF/MR/SNF, a 110-bed facility. Mrs. Marria went on to work as the Assistant Director for Southwest Georgia Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases Regional board and was instrumental in establishing the first substance abuse prevention programs in fourteen rural counties and revitalized community based mental health services in those same counties. She is a Consultant and serves as Fidelity Manager/Trainer of Trainers for The Morehouse School of Medicine Health Promotion unit, overseeing a research-based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative Scales Grant in Thomas, Grady, and Dougherty Counties. This is a five-year Scales Grant Initiative being implemented in five other north Georgia counties. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and past president of the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia, Inc. (2004), Mrs. Marria continues to serve as an independent contractor and is listed as an EAP Counselor for the City of Thomasville. She is also a Certified Clinical Supervisor of B. S. and Maters level Child and Adolescent counselors who are seeking state licensure. A dedicated member of the Thomasville Community, Mrs. Marria is a fifteen-year member of the Rotary Club of Thomasville, Georgia. She is a Distinguished Will Watt Fellow, Paul Harris Fellow, Hue Thomas Fellow, a member of the Paul Harris Society, 2018-2019 Sheffield Presidential Leadership Society inductee, and a Major Donor. Mrs. Marria serves as one of Southwest Georgia’s Assistant District Governors for Rotary International, District 6900 and the 2018-2019 Past President of The Rotary Club of Thomasville. Currently, she serves as the Youth Services Director for her home club and is the recent graduate of Rotary Zone 33-34 Emerging Leaders 2020 Summit of Champions. She is a member of the International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians and is a Rotary Leadership Institute Discussion Leader. Mrs. Marria is a member, in good standing, of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Thomasville Alumnae Chapter), an international service organization headquartered in Washington D.C. founded on the principles of economic development, educational development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political awareness involvement. She was appointed by the Thomas County Board of Commissioners to serve as the county representative of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases Region Four Advisory Council 2019-2021 and also serves on the board of The Gathering Place, a faith based non-profit youth service organization. Mrs. Marria is a Trustee of the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation Board of Trustees 2016-2021 and was the 2015-2017 Board Chair of Vashti Mental Health Center, Inc. Thomasville Georgia. Mrs. Marria has received the 2016 John C. Burns III Licensed Professional Counselors Association, Lifetime Achievement Award for her 39 years of service and endorsement of the Profession of Counseling. She is a Trustee of the Thomasville Thomas County Chamber of Commerce. A Two-time Distinguished Toastmaster of Toastmasters International (Toastmasters’ highest educational award) she previously serviced as Division G Director overseeing twenty-one clubs. She is the 2020 Division H Club, and Area Toastmasters Table Topic contest winner and came in 2nd in the division. Her proudest accomplishment was to serve as a 911 Ground Zero Red Cross Disaster Mental Health First Respondent, NYC -2001 Andre has been married to Evangelist Walter Marria, Jr. for forty-seven years and they have two birth children, two given by God and eight grandchildren.
MEET ANDRE
Brandy Lynn Swanson
District Governor Nominee, district 6910
Curious puzzle strategist best describes me. I take great pride in overcoming obstacles, sticking with something until WE figure it out and get the "win". Always learning and improving. Connecting people, ideas and resources gives me great pleasure. So, it is no surprise that my StrengthFinder results are Achiever, Activator, Arranger, Relator and Responsibility. Two of the best lessons that guide my everyday actions are seeking to understand others first and living by Rotary's 4-way test. I have been an active Rotarian for over 25 years and served in many different roles. Most currently have served as Area Governor, District Governor Nominee, District Public Image Chair, and DEI committee. I am a Rotary Leadership Institute Graduate, Pets Facilitator, Paul Harris Society Member, Benefactor, Will Watt Fellow, and Paul Harris Plus. Thankful to be married to my high school sweetheart and best friend for over 30 years. Grateful for & proud of my 2 grown children. I value my quiet time; family time, enjoy games, scuba diving, reading, traveling, serving and gardening.
Felix Smith
District Governor Nominee, district 6920
Court Dowis
Trainer 6900
Court has been a member of the Rotary Club of Harris County since the fall of 2000. He served in almost every club position before becoming the President for 2007-8 and District Governor in 2018-19. He has received the Sheffield Award for Leadership. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society member, Major Donor, Benefactor and a level 3 Bequest Society member. One of his proudest accomplishments is a continuing service project building handicap ramps for those in need.
Tina Fischlin
Trainer, 6910
Tina is member of the Rotary Club of Greene & Putnam and served as District Governor in 2020-2021 and Club President in 2011-12. She was recognized by her club as Rookie of the Year, Rotarian of the Year and serves as her club’s International Service Chair. Active at the District Level, Tina received Rotary’s highest honor, the “Service Above Self” award which recognizes up to 150 Rotarians annually who demonstrates their commitment to helping others. In addition, she has served on the finance committee, an Assistant Governor and is currently the District’s International Service Chair. She is a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). Tina is a Level 1 Major Donor, a GRSP Will Watt Fellow, a Benefactor, a member of the Bequest Society and Paul Harris Society. She is passionate about Rotary and serving others in the community and around the world. She volunteers for her clubs Shoes for Kids and Second Harvest projects to name a few. Outside Rotary, Tina’s community involvement includes volunteering for Greene County Food Pantry, Lake Oconee Church, Circle of Love, Victory Train and Atlas. Internationally, she volunteers with Alliance for Smiles providing free cleft lip and palate surgery to children in underserved parts of the world. A native of Reidsville, Georgia. She attended Georgia Southern University and Georgia State University She owns Hollcroft & Associates, Inc. a real estate and property management company that serves the Lake Oconee area. In addition, she owns and operates Barefoot Mountain Farms located in the mountains of North Carolina providing Fraser fir trees and greenery to schools and civic clubs throughout the Southeast. An advocate for reforestation she has established the Davis-Hollcroft Family Forestry Scholarship at the University of Georgia. This scholarship is presented annually to a student studying at UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. Tina is married to Mike Fischlin, a former Major League baseball player who continues to live his passion as a sports agent with the Boras Corporation. In her spare time, she enjoys running, golf, spending time with family and friends and serving in her community and around the world. Tina, Mike and their dog, Sophia Loren, reside in Reynolds Lake Oconee located in Greensboro, Georgia.
Amy Maley
Trainer, 6920
Amy H. Maley is a CFP and Vice President/Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch. She is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Macon, which she served as Club President from 2013-2014 and Assistant Governor from 2014-2017. She currently serves on the PETS Committee and as District Trainer For Felix Smith. She also served as District Trainer for Mike Muldowney in 2019-20. Amy is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Will Watt Fellow..
Joie Hain
Trainer, 6910
Joie Hain, DBA is a Rotarian with 20+ years perfect attendance. She started her Rotary journey in Rotary District 6900 as charter president of the Rotary Club of Milton-Windward with the club earning Club of the Year. She progressed to Assistant Governor and then moved into various roles in support of Rotary District 6900 including the Service and New Generations District Chair and District Conference support roles. In 2018, Joie relocated to Gwinnett County and Rotary District 6910, joining the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County. She is a current GRSP Trustee and will be co-District 6910 Trainer in 2023-2024. She is a major donor, and Bequest Society member. As a lifetime member of the Girls Scouts of USA and having earned the Gold Award, Joie is an executive committee member of the Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, representing the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Having retired from industry, Joie is an award-winning Assistant Professor of Marketing at Clayton State University and teaches both MBA students and undergraduate students Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing as well as Professional Selling to undergraduates. She lives in the Lawrenceville, GA area and loves to spend time with her two daughters, her son-in-law and her grandson.
District Governor Nominee Designate and Trainer
Gordon Owens
District Governor Nominee Designate, District 6900
Gordon grew up visiting the Newport Beach Rotary Club with his Grandfather during visits to southern California. Tagging along while his Grandfather delivered Meals on Wheels as one of his club's service projects left a lasting impression on Gordon. When he started his own digital marketing agency, he sought out Rotary as a way to get involved in the community. Early in 2011 he joined the Roswell Rotary Club and jumped right in. This large and active club was a perfect fit for Gordon's fun loving personality. He was asked to join the board in 2013. Gordon served as club President during the 2019-20 Rotary year and led his club to Club of the Year for Category 4. He was also inducted into the Sheffield Leadership Society. Gordon's wife, Ashley, also grew up with Rotary, as her father, George Stewart is a long time member of the Rotary Club of Dunwoody. She loves being a Rotary spouse as she and Gordon have made many life long friends through Rotary.
Bobby Hildreth
District Governor Nominee Designate, District 6910
Bobby Hildreth joined the Morgan County Rotary Club in 2018 after transferring from the 75-member Rotary Club of Thomson where he served twelve years. He served as 2015-2016 president of the Thomson club where his accomplishments include: achieved 100% Paul Harris Club, achieved district Gold Level club award, and was awarded the District 6910 R.L. Panyik Leadership Award for Large Clubs. At the district level, Hildreth served as Area IX Assistant Governor from 2016 through 2018. As assistant governor, Hildreth was awarded the 2016-2107 District Governor’s Excellence Award for Assistant Governors by DG Kim Waters. As Area IX Assistant Governor, he coordinated an inaugural area club collaborative project through the Farm to Family food distribution program. The Morgan, Greene-Putnam, and Washington clubs hosted six food distributions delivering thousands of meals to underserved citizens in their communities. His district leadership experience also includes two years as district membership co-chair providing leadership in club growth and retention. Also at the district level, Hildreth served on the district conference planning committee in 2015-2016, and 2019-2020. He currently serves on the 2020-2021, and 2021-2022, district conference planning committees. In his home club, Hildreth currently serves as club foundation chair. He coordinates and leads the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program, including the candidate interview process. Hildreth is also serving as club sponsor/coordinator for the club’s inaugural Interact Club at Morgan County High School. He is a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), including discussion leader training. Hildreth is a Paul Harris Fellow as well as a Rotary foundation sustaining member. He is also a Will Watt Fellow and has served as a host family for the GRSP program.
Todd Freesemann
District Governor Nominee Designate, district 6920
Todd Freesemann graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and continued with a thirty year military career that spanned both Army and Air Force service. He retired as an Air Force Colonel in 2013, and currently serves in law enforcement as Commander, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. Todd joined the Rotary Club of West Chatham –Pooler in 2004, serving as its President in 2008-2009 and as an Assistant Governor under six different District Governors. He is an avid supporter of the Rotary Foundation, and is a Paul Harris Fellow +8, Paul Harris Society Member, and a Major Donor. Todd is a GRSP Trustee, a Will Watt Fellow, and has welcomed many GRSP students to Savannah, serving as a Host family to one and a local “second parent” to many others. He has also been actively engaged in the Group Study Exchange and Friendship Exchange, including spending a month in 2016 in Rotary District 1800, Germany, later welcoming their delegation in their visit to Georgia. Todd was born and raised in South Dakota, leaving for college. His subsequent military career took him all over the world, including Korea, Honduras, Turkey, Germany, Iraq, and Israel. Todd and his wife Penny reside in Savannah, Georgia. They have a grown daughter, Katherine, a graduate of Georgia Tech.
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Trainer, 6900
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Trainer, 6910
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Amy Maley
Trainer, 6920
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