Deal appoints 46 to boards

Yates retired as executive vice president of Business Development from Zurich Financial Group in 2010. Prior to that, he was a principal with Pricewaterhouse Coopers. He serves on the board of Affordable Equity Partners, is past chair of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, vice chair of the Atlanta Opera, and chair of the Robert T. Jones Jr. Scholarship of Emory University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University. He and his wife, Mary, have two children. They reside in Atlanta.

 

Nixon is owner and chief executive officer of TCI Contracting. He is also the owner of Hawks Ridge Gold Club in Ball Ground. He serves on the Cherokee County Airport Authority and the State Properties Commission. He served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for Encore Park for the Arts. He and his wife, D’Lana, have three children. They reside in Ball Ground.

 

Bamber is the current Professor of Arts Administration at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She previously worked as managing director for Dad’s Garage Theatre Company and Queens Theatre in the Park. Bamber earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s of business from Illinois State University. She resides in Atlanta. 

 

Garcia is chairman of the board and chief operating officer of Global Payments Inc. He currently serves on the boards of the Dun And Bradstreet Corporation, West Corporation, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He is a life trustee and former chairman of Pace Academy. He was honored as the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Financial Services for Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee in 2004. He was also named “One of the Best Chief Executive Officers in America” five times by Institutional Investor. He and his wife, Carol, have six children. They reside in Atlanta.

 

Wheaton is a professor in the School of Applied Physiology at Georgia Tech. He is director of the Cognitive Motor Control Laboratory. Additionally, he instructs students on neuroanatomy and neural function at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Wheaton earned a bachelor’s degree from Radford University and a doctorate degree in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. He and his wife, Teri, have two children. They reside in Smyrna.

 

Slade currently serves a college facilities officer with Georgia State University. He previously served as the director for Georgia Project Access and as a Georgia Accessible Community Transportation Initiative Coordinator. He implemented the first Disability Navigator Project in Georgia. Slade earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University. He resides in Atlanta.

 

Fincher has 35 years experience in Georgia Public Schools System as a teacher and instructional technology specialist. She is an adjunct professor at Reinhardt University, teaching Technology Strategies to Enhance Responsive Teaching in the Master’s of Arts in Teaching Program. She currently serves on the board of directors for Cherokee FOCUS (Families of Cherokee United in Service). She is a graduate of Leadership Cherokee, an honorary member of the Service League of Cherokee County, and received the Rotary Club’s Lamar Haley Service Award. She and her husband, Bill, have one child. They reside in Canton.

 

Carlisle is the director of Mission Services for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. She is a member of the Georgia Association of Training, Employment and Supports, the National Career Development Association, the Georgia Rehabilitation Association and the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities in Columbus. She received a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Troy State University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University and doctoral degree in Adult Education from Auburn University. She and her husband, Thomas, have two children and seven grandchildren. They reside in Columbus.

 

Wilson is currently employed as an accounting coordinator at Sherman and Hemstreet Real Estate in Augusta. She participated in the Georgia Department of Labor’s Vocational Rehabilitation program through college, the High School High Tech Program while in high school, and has returned as a speaker, communicating with high school students across Georgia preparing to pursue higher education. Wilson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Southern University. She resides in Evans.

 

Oldaker is a retired IT project manager who worked at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick for 17 years. He has been a member of the Brunswick Glynn County Mayor's Committee on Services for the Disabled, Inc. for 16 years, serving as chair the last 14 years. He also serves on the board of directors for Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Enterprises of Coastal Georgia, Inc. Oldaker assists several local disability related nonprofit organizations with their website development and speaks annually to groups of elementary and high school students and adults on living and working with a severe disability. He resides in Brunswick. 

 

Moder serves as an associate director of Corporate Relations for the University of Georgia. Among his many professional business and education affiliations are the ARC Atlanta Regional Workforce Board, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education Council, Georgia Economic Developers Association, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the Technology Association of Georgia. Moder earned a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech. He and his wife, Stephanie, have one child. They reside in Peachtree Corners.

 

Norman serves as the director of the Columbus State University’s Office of Disability Services. Prior to this job, she worked as a workforce development counselor for Goodwill. She has served as vice-chair for the Columbus Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities and currently serves on the board of directors for CONTACT Disability Resource Center. Norman earned a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree from Columbus State University in Community Counseling. She and her husband, Mickey, have two children and two grandchildren. They reside in Columbus.

 

Leiter retired after serving as director of adult literacy at Chattahoochee Technical College in Acworth. She now serves on the board of directors of the Cobb County Youth Museum in Marietta. Leiter earned a bachelor’s degree from Agnes Scott College. She and her husband, Franklin, have two children and seven grandchildren. They reside in Marietta.  

 

Sanders is a certified rehabilitation counselor for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency/ VR Program. She is an elected board member of the Georgia Rehabilitation Association, is a member of National Rehabilitation Association, and is completing her term as President of the Georgia Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Association. Sanders graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Marketing and Education and earned a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Kentucky. She and her husband, Brant, have one child. They reside in Toccoa. 

 

Gay is the director of Special Education for Services and Supports at the Georgia Department of Education. She has 37 years of experience in the field of special education. She holds leadership roles in professional organizations including the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education and the Council of Administrators of Special Education. Gay earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from the University of Florida and an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. She and her husband, Louis, have two children. They reside in Decatur. 

 

Correia is the vice president for programs at the Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI) in Atlanta. Prior to moving to Atlanta, he held senior management positions at the Iris Network in Maine, VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in New York City, Associated Services for the Blind in Philadelphia, and Helen Keller International in New York. He is an active member of the Association of Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, currently holding the position of chair-elect of its Administration Division. He resides in Atlanta. 

 

Hall is currently a management and program analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After a life changing spinal cord injury in 2003, Hall graduated high school the following year and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Government from Berry College in 2009. While at Berry College, Hall participated in Model United Nations and Forensics where he won a Novice National Title in Impromptu Sales. He resides in Atlanta. 

 

Page has worked for the Georgia Client Assistance Program for the past seven years. She has worked with the disability community for 14 years. She is a member of the Georgia Rehabilitation Association and attends workshops and trainings to improve her knowledge and skills to better assist her clients. Page has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling. She resides in Atlanta. 

 

Venable is the project director for the Muskogee Vocational Rehabilitation Program, the only American Indian vocational rehabilitation program in Georgia. She serves on the State Rehabilitation Council and the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation, where she serves as treasurer. Venable is also a member of the Lower Muskogee Creek where she serves as secretary. She holds two doctorial degrees in Theology and Philosophy. She and her husband, Charles, have three children, two grandchildren and one great grandchild. They reside in Whigham.

 

Leverett is the executive director of the Middle Georgia Center for Independent Living, Inc. (d.b.a. Disability Connections). He has worked at Disability Connections in various roles during the last 13 years and was recently promoted to executive director. He is Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) certified assistive technology practitioner. Leverett earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Jerilyn, have one child. They reside in Macon. 

 

Phil is a faculty member of the University of Georgia, Institute on Human Development & Disability where he directs an online distance learning program in employment services. He has recently been elected president of the Georgia Chapter of the Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Chase earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and masters’ degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Georgia State University. He and his wife, Suzy, have two children and six grandchildren. They reside in Athens. 

 

Miroslav is a retired university professor. He earned a master’s and doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Belegrade (Serbia). Miroslav did postdoctoral training and fellowship with Tulane University. He has numerous certifications in caregiving, end of life care and spiritual support, peace studies and theology of interfaith dialogue. He is an active member of several national and international organizations related to disability, ethnology and religion. He resides in Ellijay.

 

McDonald is executive director and founder of Limb Support, Inc. She is secretary and treasurer of the Southwest Georgia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind and secretary of Southwest Georgia Mended Hearts Chapter 165. She also serves on the City of Albany Barrier Free Design Board and the Albany Transit Paratransit Advisory Group. She is active in the LifeLink of Georgia Transplant Advocacy Group, SOWEGA Council on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Connection Advisory Council and the Georgia Care, Senior Medicare Patrol Board. McDonald earned an associate’s degree from Darton State College and is a graduate of Leadership Albany. She resides in Albany.

 

Malone is a currently employed with Empowered Youth of Columbus, a Georgia Department of Education funded out-of-school program. He is responsible for teaching American Sign Language and Introduction to Deaf Culture to over 300 at-risk youth. Malone is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Columbus State University. He resides in Columbus.

 

Davis is a certified rehabilitation counselor and an ordained minister. Before entering the field of vocational rehabilitation, she worked in the area of educational administration as the admissions director at Vanderbilt University Divinity School and the continuing education director at American Baptist College in Nashville, Tenn. Davis earned a bachelor’s degree from Clark Atlanta University, a master’s degree in Divinity from Vanderbilt University Divinity School and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University. She resides in East Point.

 

Hallacy was recently retired as chief technology officer for Cox Communications. Prior to his role at Cox Communications, he was chief information officer for BellSouth's Communications Group. Hallacy also worked in a variety of positions for Sprint and served as chief executive officer of Eltrax Systems, Inc. Hallacy earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Computational Math from Albion College. He and his wife, Karen, have three children. They reside in Marietta.

 

Robison has been the chief information officer for Georgia Pacific for seven years. He serves on the Georgia Pacific Executive Board and the Georgia CIO Leadership Association Board. His 30 year IT career includes leadership roles at Nissan Motors and Dell Computer. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Austin Peay State University and a master’s in Business Adminstration from Middle Tennessee State University. He and his wife Lisa, have three children. They reside in Atlanta. 

 

Ruth is the former director of programs for the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development. He currently works as an independent IT business, transformation, and strategy consultant. He serves on the Georgia Science and Technology Executive Committee and the Technology Association of Georgia Awareness Task Force. Ruth earned a bachelor’s degree from Oglethorpe University. He and his wife, Kathleen, have one child. They reside in Atlanta.

 

Lewis served as chief information officer of Pratt & Whitney, AT&T Network Systems, Lucent Technology, Intercontinental Hotels, and Carnival Cruise Lines before founding The Edge Consulting Group. He later served as managing director of Leading the Way, an international ministry. He has also served on a number public boards as an outside director. Lewis received a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. He and his wife, Lucinda, reside in Atlanta.

 

Wellborn is the founding member of Wellborn, Wallace & Woodard, LLC law firm. He was named one of ten national "Attorneys of the Year" by Lawyers Weekly, was inducted as a 2012 Fellow by the Litigation Counsel of America, and was awarded an "AV" Rating by Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible mark for Legal Ability & Ethics. Wellborn earned a bachelor’s degree in Information and Computer Science from Georgia Tech and a law degree from Mercer University. He and his wife, Susan, have one child. They reside in Atlanta.

 

Makris is tax counsel for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Prior to his work with Turner Broadcasting System, he practiced law at King & Spalding LLP in Atlanta, where he concentrated on corporate, partnership, and real estate tax matters. He currently serves the board of the East Cobb Civic Association. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago Law School. He and his wife, Danielle, have two children. They reside in Marietta.

 

Hunter is the owner of Midtown Vending, LLC. He is a member of the Georgia Amusement and Music Operators Association. He serves as vice chairman of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and is an active member of the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. Hunter received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. He and his two children reside in Mableton. 

 

Pope has been in the family owned amusement business for 19 years and is the owner and chief executive officer of Ideal Amusements, Inc. He earned a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Georgia Baptist Bible Institute. He, and his wife, Cathy, have three children. They reside in Gainesville. 

 

Jones is executive vice president of the Jones Company, the holding company for Flash Foods (convenience stores) as well as restaurants and automobile dealerships. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in 1987. He and his wife, Kara, have two children. They reside in Blackshear.

 

Pellicano is president of Pellicano Construction. He is a member of Associates Contractors of Georgia and served as president from 2011 to 2012. He also serves on the board of directors of CompTrust AGC Mutual Captive Insurance Company. Pellicano graduated from Southern Polytechnic University in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering Technology. He and his wife, Lucy, have two children and five grandchildren. They reside in Albany.

 

Cooper is president and owner of Gary Cooper & Sons, Inc. He is a member of the Home Builders Association of Albany & Southwest Georgia, where he served as president from 2003-2005, and is upcoming president for 2013-2014. He has served as a board member of the Albany Rotary. Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech. He has three children and resides Albany.

 

Moody is the founder and president of the C.D. Moody Construction Company. He currently serves on the boards of Theragenics (NYSE), Citizens Trust Bank, Metro Atlanta Area Boy Scouts, and Morehouse College Trustees. Moody earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morehouse College and a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Howard University. He and his wife, Karla, have two children. They reside in Lithonia.

 

Zimler is the director of Advanced Solutions for AT&T Digital Life business unit. He is presently licensed as a low voltage alarm contractor in Georgia, is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, and is an amateur radio operator. He holds a combination of 19 individual and shared United States patents. He earned both an associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University. He and his wife, Sandra, have two children. They reside in Gainesville.

 

Weaver is a Vietnam veteran and has worked in the heating and air industry since 1970. He is president of Weaver Heating and Air Inc. Currently, he serves on the Bartow County Zoning Appeals Board. He has also served on the Bartow Home Builders Association Board, the Bartow Cattle Association and the Cobb County Conditioned Air Board. He was awarded the National Medal of Excellence in 1992 with Bryant Air Conditioning. He and his wife, Lola, have two children. They reside in Kingston.

 

Burch-Meeks currently serves as the chief financial officer of FMR Burch Farms. She is a member of the board of directors of Altamaha Technical College, the executive committee of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and the executive council of the Okefenokee Council of Boy Scouts. Burch-Meeks earned a bachelor’s degree from Mercer University. She and her husband, Steven, reside in Screven.

 

Lynn started Sybil's Family Restaurant in 1970. She has served on the Rural Development Council, Jesup City Council, the Altamaha Technical School Foundation Board, the Chamber of Commerce Board and the Industrial Development Authority. Lynn received the “Business Leader of the Year” award in 2002. She has three children and resides in Jesup.

 

Williams retired as a prison warden with the Georgia Department of Corrections after 34 years of service. Following retirement, she served as a consultant with the Georgia Department of Corrections. She currently works as the Georgia representative for the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation. Williams and her husband, George, have one child. They reside in Gray. 

 

Jarrard began working for the Lumpkin County Sherriff’s Department in 1988 and was elected sheriff in 2009. Under Jarrard, the department became the 14th sheriff’s department to achieve state certification. He has been awarded the Guardian of Ethics Award by the Rotary Club of Dahlonega Sunrise and was recently elected secretary-treasurer of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. He and his wife, Rebecca, have one child. They reside in Dahlonega.

 

Franklin is the owner of Franklin Jewelry Connections. He retired from the U.S. Department of Labor after 17 years of service. He is a member of the DeKalb County Republican Party, the National Black Republican Association and the Georgia Republican Party Foundation. He is also a board member for the local Selective Service System. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1965. Franklin earned a bachelor's degree from Alabama State University and a master's degree from the University of Montevallo. He and his wife, Jackie, have one child and one grandchild. They reside in Dunwoody.

 

Wilbanks is superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools, where he has served since March 1996. He also served as president of Gwinnett Technical College from 1984-1996. He has been an educator since 1964, serving in a number of positions from teacher to superintendent with the DeKalb and Gwinnett County School Systems. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Georgia and a specialist degree from Georgia State University. He and his wife, Celeste, have two children and five grandchildren. They reside in Buford.

 

Tolbert recently retired as the service learning director for the Georgia Department of Education. She is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations, as well as Cascade United Methodist Church. She received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2010. Tolbert earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the City College of New York and a doctoral degree from the Atlanta University. She resides in Decatur.