BIO

Judy H. Hall was born and raised in Sylvester, Georgia where she attended the Worth County School system. She received her Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees from Albany State University. She is Pastor and Founder of Jesus Christ Tabernacle of Deliverance Church in Sylvester, Ga. and CEO of Family Visions Outreach, Inc., a local Non-profit dedicated to providing affordable housing to Sylvester and surrounding areas, operating a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, Providing food to needy families, and working with at risk youth through our “ No Boundaries” after-school program.

As founder and CEO of Family Visions Outreach, Inc. Judy has had major successes in the attempt to provide low and moderate income residents with affordable, safe and sanitary housing. “Say No to the Row” was an effort to condemn seventy-two dilapidated shotgun houses; many of which lacked indoor bathrooms, and adequate wiring and hot water. The campaign was able to organize the community to petition the city which resulted in the housing being condemned. Through the organization’s fund raising three manufactured homes were donated by Green Tree Credit and through collaborative efforts with the Sylvester Housing Authority where the majority of the displaced families found housing. The remaining families were awarded security deposits with funds donated to the organization. Since then, FVO has become an approved Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). In 2008, Family Visions was awarded Tax Credit from the Department of Community Affairs to construct 51 low-income apartment units. Presently, Paradise Estates Apartments were completed in 2010, and in 2015 construction was completed on another complex in Ashburn, Georgia named Eureka Heights Apartments which has 56 units. Judy will continue her efforts to provide decent housing to low and moderate-income people by working with surrounding cities and counties.

Judy has a passion for helping people and plans to continue working with at-risk children and families through her nonprofit’s after-school program and food pantry, and also helping to eliminate hunger, homelessness, and sub-standard housing in her community by partnering with churches, civic organizations, and city, county, state, and federal governmen

BIO

Heather Sharpe serves as a Regional Representative with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. A native of Southwest Georgia, she is proud to serve as the representative for Region 10, which includes the 14 counties in Southwest Georgia.

Heather enjoys helping organizations create and execute effective plans. She has over 18 years of professional experience working with small businesses, organizations, and communities to troubleshoot and plan in areas of marketing, development, program and event management, and human resources.

Heather completed her undergraduate work at Clemson University and earned a graduate degree from Florida State University. She is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, an alumna of Leadership Albany, as well as a Past-President and Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Albany, GA. Heather and her husband are raising their three energetic sons in Albany, Georgia.

BIO

Dennis received a BS in Construction Management from Eastern Kentucky University. He formed D.K. Lippy Construction Co., a commercial and industrial general contracting company, in 1995. In 2006 Dennis saw the growing need for modifications to make homes accessible for seniors and others with impaired mobility.

He was among the first contractors in Atlanta to receive the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, offered through The National Home Builders. To serve the needs of this unique market, he created HomeFree Home Modification, focusing on providing home modifications so that clients could have the ability to remain at home safely.

Dennis sold both businesses in July 2019. After leaving the firm, he collaborated briefly with a high-end remodeler, but his passion was general commercial contracting and home accessibility modifications. 

Accessible Living Atlanta launched in May 2022.

BIO

I am proud to share my journey with you. I was born in Cuba and came to the United States at the age of eleven, legally immigrating to this wonderful country in September of 1995. I have been married to my beautiful spouse for 19 years, and we are blessed with four children - three girls and one boy.

Through hard work and dedication, I have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in construction and building science. I received my GED from Moultrie Technical College in 2001 and earned a certificate in welding in 2002. I worked in a mobile home plant for three years, where I learned many aspects of constructing homes.

In 2006, I started working for SWGACAC as a weatherization technician, where I honed my skills in building science and acquired certifications such as Building Analyst Professional, Energy Auditor, and Quality Control Inspector. This training has enabled me to understand the different systems in a home and how to seal the home while ensuring the safety of the occupants. During my time in SWGACAC, I have served as the weatherization coordinator since 2016 and was promoted to the Housing and energy director in 2022. I am currently working towards acquiring my general contractor license. It will further my knowledge and efficiency and elevate the type of work I do for my clients. I take pride in using my knowledge to help my clients maximize their savings while ensuring the safety of their homes.

BIO

Debra Bell-Dison grew up in Montezuma, Macon County, GA. She attended The Fort Valley State 

University. She graduated in June, 1992 with a B.S degree in Agriculture Economics. She began 

 her career with the USDA agency Farmers Home Administration, now Rural Development, as a 

Co-Op Student in the Montezuma office.

She accepted a full time position upon graduation. During her tenure, Debra has worked in North, 

Middle and now South Georgia offices. She was promoted to her current position of Area Director in 

September, 2016 where she manages the programs in twenty-five counties in Southwest Georgia.

She and her son, David, live in Lee County.

BIO

Terri Hendley is the Georgia Heirs Property Law Center’s Legal Programs Deputy Director and is based in the Center's Atlanta office. Terri comes to the Center with more than 30 years of law firm experience. In her most recent role at an Am Law 50 law firm, she managed 40% of the firm's pro bono practice, built and managed relationships with community partners across the Southeast, and designed and implemented pro bono projects with in-house legal departments of top 20 corporate clients. Her professional experience includes roles in attorney professional development, paralegal management, and as a business litigation paralegal where she was fortunate to work with attorneys committed to increasing access to justice. She graduated from the University of Richmond with a B.A. in Sociology and Political Science, the National Center for Paralegal Training, and is a PACE® Registered Paralegal® through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Terri is a member of the inaugural class of recipients of the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Corporate Citizenship Awards

BIO

Ms. Dana Ingram is the founder and Executive Director of JCVision and Associates, Inc., a faith-based 501(c)3 organization located in Hinesville, Georgia. Under Ms. Dana Ingram’s leadership, JCVision and Associates, Inc. remains a crucial service provider in Coastal and rural South Georgia. Their commitment to improving lives through education, advocacy, and representation has made a significant impact in the community. Ms. Ingram has accomplished the following:

• Recognized as a trailblazer within the housing counseling industry. Ms. Ingram has been invited to the White House to meet President George W. Bush. Because of her leadership, the organization was recognized in the President’s speech at the White House National Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
• Recognized and approved by Georgia Department of Community Affairs as one of five housing counseling agencies to provide loss mitigation counseling and application packaging for its HomeSafe Georgia Program. 
• Managed grant awards totaling over $2 million for the construction of both modular and site-built homes as part of this housing initiative. These funds were specifically allocated for the development of affordable single-family housing units. 
• As the chief financial officer for a faith-based non-profit organization, developed and implemented accountability procedures to secure over $1 million worth of real estate and buildings.
• Provided micro-entrepreneurship training classes. Assisted entrepreneurs in establishing 10 new businesses (3 non-profit organizations and 7 for-profit small businesses).
• Developed the following programs to provide assistance to residents within the Coastal Georgia:
• Housing Development for Single Family Construction Projects – utilized federal funds received from HUD, USDA, and Georgia Department of Community Affairs to construct affordable housing within Liberty and Bryan County
• Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Project –administered programs to help homeowners eliminate hazards and safety issues within the home.
• Comprehensive Housing Counseling - as an approved Housing Counseling Agency certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Fair Housing Initiative Program – to ensure all communities throughout Georgia are free of housing discrimination.
• Tax Clinics- as approved by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure all low-income taxpayers know their taxpayer rights and have representation to comply with the Internal Revenue Code.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS

• Licensed Residential Basic Qualifying Agent, License #: RBQA000612, State Licensing Board, since 8/10/ 2007
• Enrolled Agent #: 117562, Internal Revenue Service, U. S. Department of Treasury, since December 2014
• Certified Housing Counselor, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, September 2018

EDUCATION

• Certified Housing Counselor, Accredited Financial Certified Professional Educators, 2004-Current
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management, Troy State University, Alabama
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

• Hinesville Downtown Development Board, April 2024-Current
• Board of Equalization, Liberty County, December 2015-Current
• Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc. (G-STAND), Board Member, 2008-currenT
  

BIO

With over 23 years as a mortgage banker, I have helped many first time homebuyers fulfill their dreams! I am experienced in mortgage lending programs such as conventional, FHA, VA, USDA loans and a multitude of first time homebuyer programs, including the Georgia dream program. I am able to help you purchase and refinance primary, secondary and investment homes.

My goal is to make home buying an enjoyable and rewarding experience. At Renasant, we have the ability to smoothly and efficiently take you from application to closing.

BIO

Reverend Lorenzo L. Heard is a native of Leesburg, Lee County, Georgia. Pastor Heard began preaching at seventeen years of age and after three years began his first pastorate at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Patterson, Georgia. In 1987, he became the Pastor of the Saint Galilee Baptist Church in Sparta, Georgia. In 1993, he became Pastor of the Greater 2nd Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia where he is presently serving.

He is a 1981 Graduate of Lee County High School. He attended the formerly known FVSC, which is now Fort Valley State University and after two years transferred to Morehouse College in Atlanta. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Albany State University and an MDiv from Mercer University in Theology in 2020.

With his outstanding ability to lead and relate to people and his commitment to community and citizen building, Rev. Heard along with others, has built an outreach program for the East Albany community that is definitely making a difference in the city. Since his arrival at Greater Second Mt. Olive Baptist Church, his commitment to “Building a Model Community that in Turn Builds a Model Church” can be seen in building structures and community programs, but most of all, in the changed lives of people that have been helped by the church and the Community Outreach Program.

He is leading his congregation and citizens of the community to be active in their communities, civic organizations and in setting the political agendas of the city. He challenges them to be conscious of world and community issues and to be proactive instead of reactive about how they will affect their lives. He also challenges everyone to be involved in the political system and agendas of the city and the nation by registering to vote and attending community meetings to be aware of the issues.

For the past 28 years, through Mt. Olive Community Outreach Center, Inc., Pastor Heard has paved the way for many youths to receive free tutoring and academic assistance through the After School Programs that are held each week. He also ensures that the Center provides a safe haven for youth during the summer months through the Summer Enrichment Camps.

Understanding that empowering our community is essential to the success or failure of our people, Pastor Heard has also developed affordable rental and home ownership programs for the low-moderate income families.

In May 2022 he was elected as the first African-American Chairman of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners and will begin his political path in January 2023.

He has done so much for so many with such sincerity and humility that he is often referred to as a "Quiet Giant." He is a kind man with a true Pastor's heart and love for mankind.

He has authored two books: Stuck in a Storm and Missing Your Calm-Discovering God’s Purpose for Your life and Lessons in Money Management. The father of three is married to Mrs. Leslie Parrish-Heard and is the son of Mr. McArthur Heard and Rev. & Mrs. Roosevelt and Laverne Carter.

BIO

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Birth Family Born the sixth and youngest child of the late Reverend John Samuel Malone, Jr. and the late Maudean Battle Malone of Waycross.

Marital Status: Married to the former Kecia L. Greene of Waycross and they are the humbled parents of Mashayla Denise Malone, Minister Fer-Rell “Maurice” Malone, Jr. and Miya Latrise Malone and one grandchild, Savannah Neveah Maudean.

EDUCATION

He is a 1980 graduate of Waycross Comprehensive High School and a 1985 graduate of Troy State University, Troy Alabama receiving a Bachelor of Science degrees in Public Relations and Journalism. While at Troy State University he was very active. He is a founder and founding President of the Troy State University Gospel Choir, was chosen as “Who’s Who Among American College and University Students”, Outstanding Young Men of America for 1984 and 1985, Alpha Phi Alpha College Brother of the Year for the College, State of Alabama and the Southern Region. He received the MLK Holiday Celebration Award and named Grand Marshall of the Celebration Parade for his community in 2007 and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Chapter founder Award in 2006. In July 15, 2013, Malone was awarded the “National Citation Award” for Outstanding Contributions In Education, Public and Community Service by the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated in Long Beach California and the Man of the Year-Georgia Leadership Achievement Award on April 28, 2013 by the Rossreporter2.net. Group of Atlanta, Georgia

Reverend Malone was selected from the State of Georgia and completed an assignment as a Fellow in the Bank of America’s Leadership Development Training Institute, Baltimore, Maryland which specializes in developing leaders in community, capacity building and economic development in 1999 and 2000.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Pastor Malone’s professional business background includes serving as personnel representative for United Parcel Service, North Florida District based in Jacksonville, Florida, Human Resources and Safety Manager for Proctor and Gamble Cellulose, and Vice-President for Human Resources, Safety and Security for Martin Marietta Technical Services, now Lockheed Martin in Americus, Georgia. He has served as the Executive Director of Koinonia Partners Inc. the birth ministry of Habitat for Humanity and President/CEO and shareholder of Southern Alternatives Agricultural Cooperative of Leslie, Georgia. He is also the co-founder of the Americus-Sumter Observer Community Newspaper of Americus, Georgia.

In addition to being the Senior Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Pastor Malone served in a two year temporary assignment tour with the United States Department of Commerce as a Partnership Specialist for Partnership and Data Services for the United States Census Bureau. He educated and marketed 2010 Census efforts for a 44 county area in South Georgia.

Malone is a licensed Insurance Agent in the State of Georgia in Health, Medicare, Annuities & Life and is the owner CEO of the Malone Agency as well as the Founder of F.R.E.S.H. Communities, a multi-state collaboration of communities with goals of rebuilding and revitalizing our communities.

MINISTERIAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Pastor Malone accepted his call into the gospel ministry June 23, 1983 and was licensed to preach the gospel on August 7, 1983 by Reverend J. W. Dixon and the St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Waycross. Malone was mentored in his early ministry by his Pastor, the Reverend J. W. Dixon and the Reverend Arnold McKinney, who was Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Waycross and Vice-President of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. He has 30 years of experience in ministry with 27 of those years as a Pastor. After returning to Waycross upon graduation from college he served as youth minister of the St. John Baptist Church. Pastor Malone was ordained on August 6, 1986 and accepted his first pastorate, the Manor Chapel Baptist Church, Manor, Georgia, and served there for 3 years.

While serving as Pastor of Manor Chapel he was called to the New Grant Chapel Baptist Church and served them for two years, leading and securing the acquisition of their new church facility after the former facility was totally destroyed by fire. Pastor Malone was then called to the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church of Americus in November of 1989 and served them for eight years. Under his leadership Bethesda grew, expanded and began ministries assisting and strengthening the Americus community. He also served as the President of the Third District of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. Pastor Malone was called as the 16th Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church on September 30, 1997 and began his pastorate on November 2, 1997.

Malone has traveled and studied abroad, visiting Israel in 1996 where he preached at the Pool of Bethesda, sang at St. Anne’s Cathedral and continued on to Africa including Egypt and studied on the Nile River and visited the site of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s treasured monument, the Sphinx as well as the Great Pyramids of Egypt. He has traveled and studied in Israel in 2000 with a select fellowship of 60 pastors from the United States. Later in 2004, he studied and visited The Seven Churches of Asia Minor, now modern day Turkey where he preached and taught at the arena in the city of Ephesus. His ministry has led him to additionally travel internationally to Canada and Haiti.

Reverend Malone, in addition to serving as Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church, served for 10 years as the Convention Manager of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Cameron M. Alexander –of Atlanta, President and the Reverend H. B. Johnson of Albany, Vice-President, He also served as Coordinator of the Labor and Mission Conference for the convention. Additionally he served as Moderator of the Waycross-Satilla Missionary Baptist Association.

COMMUNITY AND STATE ACTIVITIES

Within the communities he has resided, he has been supportive by serving as President of the NAACP and Leadership Waycross while living in Waycross. He served as President of “Visions for Sumter Seeing Through Young Eyes”, was President of Associated Industries of Americus, was an officer with the NAACP and a founder of the African American Roundtable. He served on the Georgia Power Community Advisory Council, the Local Coordinating Council and the New Connection Program. While in Americus he led the effort to rename a major thoroughfare after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., led the flood relief effort in the “Great Flood of 94" and hosted the 1996 GMBC Congress of Christian Education in Americus and 1999 in Waycross. He was honored in 1995 by receiving the “Welfare of Black Georgians Award.” He was appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris to serve on the Commission on Children and Youth and served jointly with Reverend McKinney as the two ministers from Georgia to serve on the Ecumenical Committee on Infant Mortality for the Southern Governors and Legislative Council.

Under his leadership in Waycross, several corporations have been formed of which he serves as President and CEO, some of which has had an effective 3 site after-school program and led the three county community of Clinch, Pierce and Ware to become designated as Champion Communities and established the Okefenokee Empowerment Board. He has been involved and has expertise in Child Day Care and Adult Day Health for Seniors. He is considered one of the founders of the “NoonDay Fellowship of Churches and Pastors” in Waycross, where 20 churches join weeky on Wednesday for a hour of worship to God through Devotional Praise & Worship and the Preached Word. Attendance in the weekly services range from 100 to 350 weekly. He is President of the Concerned Clergy of Southeast Georgia, a coalition of Pastors of all denominations in South Georgia as well as President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Southeast Georgia Chapter comprising of 16 southeast Georgia counties.

Since assuming the pastorate of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, he has led the creation a clothing bank, completely restored the church facility, installed a computer system, modernized the telephone apparatus, secured the services of an accounting firm to insure compliance with all federal laws regarding employee benefits, completed the first church audit, established a structured family ministry with designated leaders to respond to member issues, brought church printing in-house, and organized purchasing supplies with a voucher system, established a nursing home ministry, and organized the first annual community mission trip to Tapio, Haiti during the week of April, 1999 in co-operations with the GMBC Mission Ministry. Members of the congregation and friends installed water systems, laid the foundation for a school and serving center for economic development purposes in the impoverished community. The church has a benevolence fund, and food bank as well as assistive services for the homeless and those suffering alcohol or drug addition. Malone founded the Joshua Project Worldwide as it launched on September 11, 2010 and led Macedonia, The Joshua Project, the Concerned Clergy of Southeast Georgia and the community effort in 2011, 2012 & 2013 to reenact the Passion of the Christ and celebrate the Christian Feast of the Lord. The Joshua Project, has launched a project, United for A Strong and Healthy Georgia which has completed a regional tour of all of Georgia and will in the Fall of 2013 begin statewide tour visiting every Georgia county with ministries, products and services that keep them livin on top of the world.

Please visit the websites for more information.

The Joshua Project Worldwide, Inc. website: www.thejoshuaproject.org

United for A Strong and Healthy Georgia: www.strongandhealthyga.org