2026-2027
Harnessing the talent, resources and passion around key issues in South Georgia, we celebrate the efforts of our Alumni-Mentor Teams to identify solutions in workforce development, community & regional capacity, and health & wellness across South Georgia.
South GeorgiaLEADS 2.0 (SGL 2.0) was a call to action for SGL alumni from our first five years of programming (2016-2021). Bringing together alumni to address real issues facing South Georgia in an action-oriented approach is a first of its kind for leadership development and alumni engagement in Georgia. One of SGL’s original objectives, this approach offers the opportunity to make an impact in the region in which we live, work, and call home.
SGL 2.0 represents a “capstone experience,” that is robust, ambitious, and nimble in its intent. Guided by the leadership development expertise of the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia and with regional support from Valdosta State University’s Center for South Georgia Regional Impact, South GeorgiaLEADS 2.0 is catalyst for change in the region.
The purpose of South GeorgiaLEADS 2.0 is to create action around South Georgia’s most pressing issues and challenges by:
- Building on SGL’s values to establish robust, multi-faceted teams to address the regions greatest needs from among SGL alumni, Board members and key stakeholders;
- Identifying dynamic and cross-functional solutions that link assets and resources holistically across South Georgia;
- Utilizing strategic action plans and leveraging implementation partners to go beyond the program to make an impact where it is most needed; and
- Committing to sustainability and advocacy on behalf of the region.
Jessica Adams
Mitchell County
Claudia Allmond
Ben Hill County
Payton Avrett
Lowndes County
Kristina Cheek
Lowndes County
Katherine Council
Sumter County
Charles Fairbrother
Lee County
Tyler Fields
Tift County
Perry Ford
Dougherty County
MarLeigh Foy
Thomas County
Mallory Griffin
Irwin County
Katherine Hall
Lowndes County
Edward Hulett
Ben Hill County
Lauren Lane
Lowndes County
Jennifer McCranie
Ben Hill County
Ashley Miller
Dougherty County
Kayla Myers
Turner County
Amanda Nava Estill
Lee County
Kenyetta Nesbitt-Simmons
Dougherty County
Kvonne Oliver
Lowndes County
Amanda Rabon
Grady County
Tina Ramsey
Thomas County
Jennifer Ray
Berrien County
Jessica Rios
Coffee County
Jerry Sanders
Sumter County
Savannah Sanders
Lowndes County
Tanya Thomas
Lowndes County
Sidney Walker
Sumter County
Arthur Wigfall
Thomas County
Travis Wimbush
Early County
2025-2026 Schedule
August 20-21, 2026
Opening Retreat
Leading Self and Community:
Integrating Leadership Styles with Regional Thinking
Americus-Sumter County
September 17, 2026
Session #2
Leading Together:
Advancing Education & Workforce Solutions Through Collaboration
Ashburn-Turner County
October 15, 2026
Session #3
Leading Through Place and Perspective:
Navigating Heritage, Identity & Constructive Dialogue
Albany-Dougherty County
November 19, 2026
Session #4
Leading Economic Resilience:
Building a Diverse Economy & Adaptive Workforce
Blakely-Early County
January 21, 2027
Session #5
Leading Innovation:
Enhancing Community & Regional Health Outcomes and Personal Well-Being
Moultrie-Colquitt County
February 17-18, 2027
Session #6
Leading with Vision:
Shaping South Georgia Through Policy, Strategic Economic Investment, & Intentional Governance
Atlanta-Fulton County
March 18-19, 2027
Graduation Retreat
Leading in Practice:
Leveraging Leadership Skills for Sustainable Regional Impact
Bainbridge-Decatur County
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