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September/October 2015
U N D E R
F O R T Y
Contents
6 Forty under 40
Introduction
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD
Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital
publication that highlights every day people doing
extraordinary things nationally and abroad.
www.RuralLeaderMagazine.com
Guest Contributors
John Dentico
Founder LeadSimm, LLC
Kevin Eikenberry
Leadership Guru
The Kevin Eikenberry Group
7 Greetings
RL Magazine's Forty
Under 40 Top Four
11 Charlie Cowart
13 Scott Curry
15 Sasha T. Smith
17 Alvin Williams
20 Five Reasons Why
Creativity Matters to
Leaders
21 Forty under 40
Honorees
Dwight Gelowitz
Entrepreneur
Chris Ruisi
Entrepreneur and Business Coach
Readers Forum
Tell us what you think about our publication, if you have a great idea for a story, or to
just share. We may print your comments in
Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your
comments, youre giving permission for us to
call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and
phone number so we can reach you. Write to
us at info@RuralLeaderMagazine.com
Editors Note
Dear Reader,
Once again, I am pleased to present to you the Second
Annual Forty under Forty issue! I am so proud to showcase these phenomenial young leaders from Alabama,
Florida, and Georgia.
I am sure that you will be amazed at the level of talent,
skill, and achievement represented (See page 11 and 21).
Please join me in congratulating these awesome young
leaders!
Inside this edition, we also included another great batch
of articles on leadership best practices. It is our hope that
you are inspired, encouraged, and renewed.
Sincerely,
Reader's Voice
Dear Rural Leader Magazine,
Awesome publication! Can't wait
to until the Forty under 40 issue is
released.
Mel W.
Dothan, AL
Dear Rural Leader Magazine,
Thank you for the special feature
article, Your Attitude, Your Choice.
It was timely and highlighted great
tips.
Kim L.
Tallahassee, FL
Dear Rural Leader Magazine,
Thanks for another great issue.
Enjoyed the article, Creative
College Savings. My daughter is a
high school freshman. She is excited about starting her scholarship
search early.
Allana S.
Nashville, TN
Albany Area
Primary Health Care
is here to care for our
friends, family and
neighbors in Southwest
Georgia.
Accepting New Patients!
Learn more about AAPHC
including our Providers and our
office locations on our Web Site.
www.AAPHC.org
4 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
09.11.2001
40
UNDER FORTY
September 4, 2015
Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy
Rural Leader Magazine
245 North Highland Avenue Northeast
Suite #230-1010
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
Dear Dr. Murphy,
It is with great pleasure that I offer my congratulations on the Second Annual Rural
Leader Forty under Forty Honors. I applaud you for having esteem vision to acknowledge rural
leaders in Small Town America.
Please extend warm wishes to the forty exemplary young leaders from Alabama, Florida,
and Georgia. They are an exceptional example of what it means to serve and to share their skills
and talents for the greater good of community. I am confident that each will leave a legacy of
service that will long grace this great Nation.
Again, congratulations, and please accept best wishes for a memorable time of
celebration.
STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
ATLANTA 30334-0900
Nathan Deal
GOVERNOR
September 4, 2015
Nathan Deal
ND:zp
Top Four
Charlie Cowart
Age: 34
Hometown: Arlington, Georgia
Profession: Business/Wine Maker
Top Four
Scott Curry
Age: 37
Hometown: Shellman, Georgia
Profession: Business
global macro & micro economics much better than just using
text books alone. In addition, he
gained appreciation of architectural and art styles in the United
States and its heavy European
influence.
Scott serves as councilman
and Mayor Pro-tem of the City of
Shellman. He is a member who is
active in civic, cultural and educational philanthropic boards that
include the following: Rotary Club
of Cuthbert as past-president;
Randolph Veterans Association;
Keep Randolph Beautiful; Randolph County Relay for Life; Randolph Arts Council: and Randolph
County Historical Society.
Scott promotes renovation and
preservation of historic buildings
in Shellman and conservation of
resources. He assists in managing
his fathers row-crop farm lease
properties & timber lands and
re-establishing quail habitats in
Southwest Georgia. He enjoys bird
hunting and target shooting.
Scott is an active member of the
First Baptist Church of Shellman.
Regionally, he is also active in the
Albany Museum of Art, a benefactor of the Junior League of Albany,
Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited and Quail Forever Foundation.
Scott is a Magna Cum Laude
WINNER
Sasha T. Smith
Sasha is 2001 graduate of
Randolph-Clay High School. She
holds an Associates of Arts degree in Elementary Education at
Andrew College (2003); a Bachelor of Science degree (2006) and a
Master of Education degree (2011)
both in Elementary Education at
Albany State University in GA.
Sasha was born in Chertsey
Surrey, England and raised in
Miami Beach, Florida until age
7. Her family then relocated to
Cuthbert.
She is passionate about education
and her students. Initially, Sasha
desired to become a criminal profiler but reconsidered because of
the time demand. She then decided to become an educator because
she enjoyed helping others. More
importantly, she was inspired by
her mother, Denise Toney, who
transitioned from a stay-at-home
mom, to a paraprofessional, to an
educator. Sasha's mother inspired
her to strive to help students develop the necessary skills to lead
productive lives.
Sasha teaches general education students, as well as, individuals with learning challenges
and special needs within a mainstreamed, inclusive classroom.
Her vast knowledge and passion
for education is demonstrated in
the classroom. She enjoys interacting with students, parents, and
other community stakeholders to
encourage their involvement in
education. Sasha understands that
a warm, safe, and caring environ-
Age: 29
Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia
Profession: Education
Top Four
Alvin Williams
Age 32
Hometown: Edison, Georgia
Profession: Education/Local Government
Alvin is a 2001 graduate of Calhoun County High School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast
Communications (2005) from Alabama State University; and a Masters of Art and a Master of Education
(2010) degree in Middle Grades Education both from Albany State University. In 2015, Alvin attained a degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Valdosta State University.
Alvin also believes in giving back to community, therefore being a servant leader is foremost to Alvin. He
believes the adage that to whom much is given, much is required. Whatismore, he cherishes the fact that he
must live servant-hood. Serving others is the one of the highest forms of leadership. Armed with this knowledge and a strong desire to be a positive role model, in 2008, he decided to run for the school board to make
a difference in the lives of children and families. Alvin was elected at the age of 25, becoming among the
youngest in the state to serve in such capacity. He served as vice-chair from 2009-2012. Since January 2013,
Alvin has served as chair.
The Florida-born Georgia-bred leader is also a man of faith, who is involved in community. Alvin is a
faithful member of Turner Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Edison. He currently serves this organization as a deacon. Alvin is also a summer league softball coach. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time
with family and friends, reading, and exercising.
Alvin is also a former award-winning journalist. In 2004, he was awarded Best Sports Story, an Associated
Press award, while working at a station in Montgomery, AL. He is also a freelance videographer, photographer, and public speaker.
Currently, he is employed as a Broadcast Video Design Instructor by the Dougherty County Schools System. In this role, he strives to engage students in the use of multimedia to construct and convey knowledge
with the integration of text, graphics, animation, sound, and video. He was inspired to pursue this career
path after attending several career days while in Alabama. Consequently, Alvin discovered his passion for the
medium and the joy of engaging with students.
We Proudly Salute
The 2015 Rural Leader
Forty Under 40 Honorees
229-732-3896
Five Reasons
Why Creativity Matter to Leaders
By Kevin Eikenberry
Two of the most popular topics of workshops and
tum.
business books are creativity and leadership.
Creativity provides solutions. Have a problem?
Both are popular because at some deep intuitive level (What business or organization does not?) Creativmost everyone knows they are both are worthwhile
ity is required to determine the root cause of the
skills to have and to develop. However, while both
problem and to identify solutions. You can`t solve a
are important and valued, they aren`t always talked
problem with the same thinking that caused it. We
about in tandem.
need to bring our creativity to the table whenever we
Does creativity require leadership? Not necessarily.
are solving a problem.
Does leadership require creativity? Only if you
And One More...These first four reasons have
want to be truly successful. Why is that? Why do the talked about the leadership value of creativity, but
best leaders exhibit and use creativity to create great
they have been largely focused on personal creativity.
results? I can think of at least five reasons why the
The last reason why creativity matters to leaders isn`t
very best leaders are highly creative; any one of which about you but is about those you lead.
should be reason enough for all leaders to focus on
40
UNDER FORT Y
Letitia E. Bell, 38
Paul Bronson, 28
Valarie Burke, 23
Keisha Burks, 37
toms Motorcycle Club, where she serves as vice president. The Street Phantoms Motorcycle Club actively
sponsors and supports community events, such as
visiting local nursing homes, raising funds to support
Breast Cancer Awareness, and visiting local schools
reading books to children.
Keisha also volunteers at Randolph County Head
Start. She served as Policy Council Chair and secretary to the parent organization.
In addition to being a mother of six, a student,
and a community volunteer, Keisha works full-time
at Volunteers of America as an Administrative Assistant and Property Managerat the Millenniem Center
in Cuthbert. .
twelve years.
Derricks accolades are extensive. He is the recipient of the Boys and Girls Club Best Teen Program in
the State of Georgia for two consecutive years (2002
and 2003). He is the recipient of the Best Teen Director award (2008-2010). In 2010, Derrick received
the Boys and Girls Club Association National Honor
Award for Program Excellence in sports, fitness, and
recreation. In 2014, he received two Boys and Girls
Club Association National Honors for Program of
the Year for best program and in education.
In 2015, Derrick also became the Healthy Lifestyles Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Hall
County. In this capacity he is responsible for member
safety, program development, implementing membership best practices, and building member-relationships.
Derrick Caldwell, 37
Hometown: Gainsville, GA
Profession: Nonprofit Management
Derrick is an all-around go-getter. He is holds
a Bachelor of Science degree at West Texas A&M
University in General Studies and holds an associate
degree in education (1998) at Allan Hancock Community College. He also has certifications in peer
counseling; and certifications in the Boys and Girls
Club of America Advanced Leadership (2008) and
the Learning Club, Boys and Girls Club of America.
Derrick serves currently as the Unit Director for
the Teen Center at the Boys and Girls Club of Hall
County, Georgia, since 2004. Derrick employs his
extensive leadership skills daily to plan and to oversee the administration of clubhouse programs and
activities that support youth development outcomes
for over 200 youth and teens.
His exemplary leadership skills were instrumental
to the growth of the clubs growth from 800-2,900
member-units in less than 5 years, which exceeded
the membership target for the first year. He also built
and successfully maintains a strong relationship with
the Atlanta Falcons Boy mentor program, for the past
Darius Carswell, 38
Beth Davis, 36
Fadara Clark, 36
high Schools, colleges, and universities across Georgia, with the message that trials ultimately become
triumph. Nakoashas efforts serve as an inspiration to
single mothers of all ages; reminding women that no
matter what life brings, one should always embrace
the unexpected.
With her incessant desire for higher education,
Nakoasha is currently pursuing a Master of Public
Health (M.P.H.), and has future aspirations of earning a Degree in Epidemiology. Above all, her passion
to build sustainable communities has driven her
dedication to understand, develop, and empower
women and youth to become transformative citizens.
She aspires to stay connected with local organizations
and activities that uplift young women and reflect
positivity in the community. She currently resides in
Albany, Georgia with her son Cayden.
Robert Goodman, 39
Year Award.
Following graduation from VSU, he worked for
Applied Industrial Technology for 3 years, initially
working in Customer Service and was promoted to
the Service Center Manager after one year. From
2002 until 2014, Robert was employed with Occidental Benefits (Employee Benefits) as their Broker/
Consultant, where he managed, serviced and sold
employee benefits to employers from 50-2000 employees. He played a major role in growing this
company from a book of business of $250K to over
$1million. Occidental Benefits was acquired by
Regions Insurance March 2014 and Robert became
an Employee Benefits Broker and Consultant. This
transition moved him into a production role and out
of the managing and servicing aspect of the business.
Robert notes that this has been a beneficial move in
his career because it has allowed him to grow personally and to better serve his clients with a very diverse
support staff of Senior HR professionals.
Robert is a member of the National Association
of Health Underwriters (NAHU). The Birmingham
local chapter, Robert served as the 2010 Education
Committee Chair, the 2011 Legislative Chair, the
2012 & 2013 President Elect, and is currently President. In the Alabama State Chapter, Robert served as
the 2011 Education Committee Chair, 2012 Legislative Chair, 2013 Legislative and HUPAC Chair, and
in 2014 & 2015 he is the President Elect. Serving
in these leadership roles, Robert has attended the
National Association Capital Conference from 2012
to present, where he meets with elected officials and
staff to educate them on the industry and discuss
bipartisan bills being introduced in the House and
Senate they should co-sponsor and support. In 2013
and 2014, Robert achieved the distinguished recognition of Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT).
Robert is a man of faith. He is a member of River
Chase United Methodist Church. Along with his
wife, Heidi, he organized a young families group to
enhance fellowship. He also taught a Sunday School
class for the last three years. Recently, he was asked
to serve on the Board of Stewards.
Robert serves on the board of Live for Love, which
is a local community non-profit outreach ministry.
He is also a member of the National Association of
Health Underwriters where he has served and continues to serve in a leadership position in both the
Shavon Goodwin, 34
Jeffrey Haynes, 36
Angela H. Jackson, 36
Kwanjalein Jackson, 37
Congratulations
2015 Rural Leader
40 under 40 Honorees
Congratulations
2015 Rural Leader
Forty under 40 Honorees
229-995-6493
www.Badcock.com
Albany ~ Americus~Columbus
Cordele~Sylvester
Steven S. Whatley
Presidnet
Congratulations
2015
Rural Leader
Forty under 40
Honorees
Chief Bobby Wiggins
Cuthbert Police Department
event.
Ruchelle currently lives in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where she teaches seventh and eighth grade
Language Arts at Deerfield Beach Middle School.
Phantoms is to support the Terrell County community by sponsoring students in need, organizing charity
rides, participating in local civic activities, hosting
school supply drives, and volunteering whenever
possible
Milton is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at Walden University. He is employed at Albany
Technical College in Albany, GA, where he serves
as chair of the Early Childhood Care and Learning
Department. He previously served as is a fifth grade
teacher at Carver, where he was named Teacher of
the Year in 2012-2013.
through his non-profit organization Progressive Vision Inc., founded in 2005. Progressive Vision Inc. is
a faith based nonprofit charity that empowers youth,
adults, and seniors through leadership training, economic development, work ready training, and health
awareness to become productive, self-sustaining citizens throughout Georgia. Mr. Rush and Progressive
Vision Inc. stand behind its motto Where a Vision
without Progress is Just a Dream.
In May 2009, Travis M. Rush accepted the call
and entered the ministry. His religious matriculation
includes a degree in Biblical Studies from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Thomasville, Georgia. Travis M. Rush serve as Pastor of Spring Creek
Baptist Church in Americus Georgia and Visionary
Leader of Gateway To Christ International Ministries
in Camilla Georgia.
In July 2014, Travis M. Rush started a for profit business R&R All-Star Printing, LLC located in
Americus, Georgia. Since opening, Travis has been
blessed to service clients all over the Southeastern Region of the United States creating numerous
jobs.
Congratulations
2015 Rural Leader
Forty under 40 Honorees
from
In her spare time, Sommier enjoys bowling. Her current league bowler average is 178. In March 2015, she
placed 4th in the Singles division at the Georgia State
Womens Bowling Tournament.
Sommier is currently a sixth grade teacher at Randolph Clay Middle/High School.
with me!". Where in your life have you shown leadership? Where in your life do you want to develop
leadership? You see people will follow if you choose
to lead. Where will you go? From My Treasure Chest
to Yours!
About The Author
Dwight is an internet entrepreneur who makes
his way in the world helping others find what works
for them. NetPowerProspecting.com - NETPower
Prospecting is their current project to bring the art of
Internet Marketing to those who need it!
Congratulations 2015
Rural Leader Forty under 40 Honorees
RA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives
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Guarantees are backed by the financial strength
and claims paying ability of Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans.
Congratulations
2015 Rural Leader 40 under 40 Honorees
229-732-5688
Congratulations
2015 Rural Leader
40 under 40 Honorees
Congratulations
2015 Rural Leader
Forty under Forty Honorees
Silver's Lounge
Corner of 4th and Andrew Street
Cuthbert, Georgia
Open Monday-Saturday
6PM-2PM
7PM-8:30PM
September 7th at 2 PM
The Maker Movement holds the promise to specifically inspire girls to pursue STEM studies and even
careers. An Intel study, called MakeHers, found that
the social-service aspects motivate female makers
and that girl makers develop more interest and skills
in computer science and engineering.
Parents and teachers of school-age children may
already unwittingly participate in the Maker Movement when children use tablets in the classroom,
play coding games or build a soapbox car at home.
Attending a Maker Faire is a great way to learn more
about the world of Making and inspire kids of all
ages.
Heralded as the greatest show-and-tells on earth,
Forty under 40, Wright con'td from page 47
Christopher is also a member, steward, and minister-in-training at the Bronwood Road Church of
Christ in Dawson, GA. and a member of the local
Chapter of the NAACP.
Last but not least, Christopher is the Honorable
Mayor of the City of Dawson serving his second
term. Mayor Wright is a community organizer,
philanthropist, and humanitarian. He spends making
a difference by working with non-profit organizations to improve the community.
KuanitaMurphy.com
Wayne's Restaurant
and Grill
Buffet Lunch-BBQ-Burgers-SandwichesSteaks-Seafood
We do Catering
Wayne Etheridge
Owner
229-881-0850
735 Forrester Drive
Dawson, GA 39842
229-695-9513