Dr. Robert Avossa - County Line Magazine

Georgia’s trusted leader in radiologyIn radiology, it’s one thing to see; it’s another to understand. Northside’s expert team of board-certifiedradiologists and sub-specialists are trained extensively to interpret general to specialized imaging—from pediatricMRI to digital mammography and interventional radiology of the spine. We combine exceptional care and thelatest technologies, bringing our expertise to convenient locations throughout your community.Visit us online at www.northside.com.3 CountyLine | January 2012

814COVER STORY14 A Brighter FutureThrough Better EducationDEPARTMENTS6 From the Publisher18 Paparazzi4CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

12 2224FEATURES8 Grassroots Communicator12 Just One Angel22 Northside Hospital’s Healthcare Explorers Program24 The Johns Creek Foundation’sOutstanding Volunteer Award RecipientsCOUNTYLINE COMMUNITY20 Calling All Poets26 The City of Johns Creek’s Founders Day Parade5 CountyLine | January 2012

GrassrootsCommunicatorIn 2008, City Manager John Kachmar asked Rosemary to also serve as PublicInformation Officer (PIO) for the police and fire departments. He recognizedthe need for a professional who knew how to work with local media in this role.“Rosemary has been intrinsic to this city developing its public image. She is extraordinarilysmart and honest in dealing with the public and has simply donea fantastic job,” said John. As PIO, Rosemary oversees all communications forthe departments and is the point person 24/7 for all media inquiries. She alsohandled the recent 93 rd PGA Championship. She is part of the Metro Atlanta PIONetwork, which provides public information officers with networking and trainbyKathleen KraynickPhoto courtesy of the City of Johns CreekSitting in Rosemary Taylor’s office in the Johns Creek Police Departmentheadquarters, it’s clear that she juggles many responsibilities as theCommunications Manager for the City of Johns Creek as well as PublicInformation Officer for the city’s police and fire departments. Her phone buzzeswith calls and reminders; her computer chimes frequently, notifying her of incomingmessages. “It’s my job to get the right information to the right peopleat the right time in order for them to make the right decision.” Her departmenthandles both communications and community relations for the city. “It’s not justevent planning or public relations,” says Rosemary. “This is a multi-faceted job,and there’s a lot of multi-tasking. It’s about solving problems, but also anticipatingproblems that may occur and being prepared. I need to consider how eventsand actions might be perceived. Successful communication comes from buildingrelationships and establishing trust between city government and residents,schools, other governments, and the media.”Rosemary came to Johns Creek as the city was formed in 2006, something shesays is rather unique for a communicator. “It was a clean slate. We were creatinga city from the ground up, which is both challenging and exciting.” As the cityheads into its sixth year, Rosemary says one area of focus will be to establisha branding strategy for Johns Creek. “Every entity needs a brand, and we’reworking through a steady, thoughtful strategic plan to create the right brand forJohns Creek.”8CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

JustOneAngelAnna Beth Kinnersly, Coach Richt, Kevin & Jana Kinnersly,Coach Grantham and Caleb Kinnerslyby Jason Fergusonphoto courtesy ofDennis McDaniel PhotographyTHERE ARE FEW TIMES IN LIFE WHENYOU CAN TRULY BE SELFLESS ANDGIVE TO SOMEONE WITHOUT THEMEVER BEING ABLE TO REPAY YOU.Not that they don’t want to or wouldn’t if they could…they just can’t. And you know it. And yet, you giveanyway. This is my definition of charity and why Ilove the heart behind Just One Angel so much.When I moved to Johns Creek over the summer, Ionly knew two people. Luckily for me, one of the firstpeople I met was Alan Wyatt. One of Alan’s greatgifts is connectivity. His brain is wired to hear yourstory and know exactly who you should meet. This ishow I met Ben Nobles, now a great friend.Alan, after hearing about my love for the Dawgs,decided I should meet a fellow Dawg named BenNobles. Having a love for great barbeque and theDawgs in common, it didn’t take long for Ben andme to become fast friends. Over our meals, Bentold me about a charity that he had started, alongwith Alan and a few others, called Just One Angel.The premise of the charity, as I understood it, wasto help families with children with disabilities covermedical expenses and other needed services. A secondcomponent of the charity is to grant a wish fora child whose doctors have deemed them to be terminallyill.Wouldn’t you know it, not a week after learning aboutthis charity, I stumble upon a prayer request on theUGA rivals message board called the DawgVent, askingfor prayer for this little guy in LaGrange. Clickingon a link provided took me to the family’s websitewhere I proceeded to read about Caleb Kinnerslyand bawl my eyes out. I was so moved, as is everyonewho reads it that I thought this new charity Ijust learned about may be able to help out.One thing led to another, and all of a sudden Benhas called the family and is ready to move heavenand earth to make this kid’s dream come true. Hisdream? To meet Coach Richt and attend a UGA footballgame. As Just One Angel began planning thisevent, the pieces began to fall into place as if theywere pre-ordained to happen. Cooper Limo had anemployee who knew the family and was more thanhappy to help chauffer them from LaGrange to Athensand back. Outback Steakhouse donated dinner.The Foundry donated a room for the family for theentire weekend, provided breakfast each morning, adinner, and a very special spa treatment for mom!Coach Richt and his office signed a football and gotthe family passes for the sideline before the game,where not only did they get to be on the hallowedturf of Sanford Stadium next to a number of theirfavorite players, but Coaches Richt and Granthamcame over to kneel with Caleb, wish him the best,and snap a photo. The family was beaming and youjust knew the wish had been truly granted for them!But, what was not expected was the reverse charityof the weekend. Earlier I mentioned that giving tosomeone what you know they could never repay wasmy definition of charity. Well, that is exactly whathappened to me. Except, I was on the receiving end.I am the one who has received what I can never repay.Watching Caleb’s Mom and Dad love on him andcare for him reminded me to love on and care for myown, healthy children. Watching the family light up12CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

Education has always been a positive, driving force inDr. Robert Avossa’s life. From growing up as a firstgenerationAmerican, to spending most of his adultlife in the classroom as both a student and a teacher, Dr.Avossa knows firsthand the importance of a high qualityeducation.A recent graduate of Wingate University’s doctoral program,Dr. Avossa became Superintendent of Fulton CountySchools in June 2011, leading a district with approximately93,000 students, 100 schools, 13,500+ employees, andan $819.5 million general fund budget. The road to hissuperintendency, however, began more than 5,000 milesaway in Italy.The youngest of four children, Dr. Avossa lived in Naples,Italy, until he was four years old and his parents decidedto move to the United States. After a year in New York,the Avossa family settled in Melbourne Beach, Florida.“Before I started kindergarten, I knew that my parentsexpected me to go to college and to choose a career in afield that would enable me to help other people,” said Dr.Avossa. “Education was a top priority, and it was expectedthat I give back to society in gratitude for the opportunitiesthat I had.”As he entered kindergarten, Dr. Avossa was challengedwith learning English and becoming familiar with the expectationsof a culture that was new and foreign to him.“The support I received from my family and teachers duringthis major adjustment in my life made me realize veryearly on how critically important a strong support systemis to a child. It helped me transition into school andAmerican society and influenced my decision to becomean educator,” he said. “The education I received from kindergartenthrough eighth grade at a parochial Catholicschool, and the four years that I spent at a large, publichigh school, shaped me into an individual who wanted toshare the benefits and importance of excellent educationopportunities with others.”A Brighter Future Thr14CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

This desire to help others continued as Dr. Avossa entered college at the Universityof South Florida. He was interested in both science and social science and tookclasses focusing on behavior disorders and psychology. During his senior year, heinterned at a local hospital and worked with teachers who volunteered their timewith children who were patients. “Exposure to these teachers sparked my interest inblending my passion for science with my passion for social science. After graduatingwith a degree in behavior disorders, I entered a master’s program in special educationat the University of South Florida,” said Dr. Avossa. “I also started my first jobas a seventh grade special education teacher at Sligh Junior High School in Tampa.”Prior to graduate school and beginning his educational career, Dr. Avossa’s personallife was enhanced when he married his high school sweetheart, Kellee. They bothattended the University of South Florida and were married following graduation.Their next move was to Orlando, which was an opportunity for him to teach specialeducation classes at Winter Park High School, while Kellee entered a master’sprogram in forensic science. It was at Winter Park High that Dr. Avossa started hisadministrative career by taking the position of dean of students. He later moved onto the Orange County Public Schools central office as program specialist for exceptionaleducation services. While in this position, he earned a specialist’s degree ineducational leadership at Nova Southeastern University.“Before I startedkindergarten,I knew that myparents expectedme togo to collegeand to choose acareer in a fieldthat would enableme to helpother people.”School leadership became a calling to Dr. Avossa, who then went back to the schoolenvironment as assistant principal at Blankner, a K-8 school. The following year, hebecame the principal at Oakshire Elementary, a Title I school with a student populationof 1,400, of which 80% were Hispanic students with nearly half considered tobe living below the poverty level. With only 130 employees at the school, Dr. Avossawas able to lead the teachers and students to increase the state of Florida’s “C” ratingof the school to an “A,” while also raising 78% of readers who were in the lowestquartile by a 22% increase. This success resulted in the school being selected asone of four model schools in the nation by the International Reading Association.The school created and implemented a balanced reading and writing program thatresulted in the district’s largest one-time gain in writing.Seeing his success as a leader, Dr. Avossa was selected as the principal of OlympiaHigh School, a large, comprehensive high school in the Orange County school systemwith 3,200 students, 225 employees, and a $12.5 million school budget. Amonghis accomplishments, Dr. Avossa raised the combined SAT scores from 971, with59% of the students taking the test, to a score of 999, with 75% taking the test.Graduation rates also increased from 87% to 93% and the school achieved a B+rating by the state of Florida.Dr. Avossa’s steps back to central administration led him to North Carolina wherehe was chief of staff for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. One of the nation’s largestschool districts, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg system has 178 schools with 135,000students and an operating budget of around $1.15 billion. His success in this position,which was as an advisor to the superintendent, led to a promotion as an areasuperintendent, followed by another promotion to chief strategy and accountabilityofficer. In that position, Dr. Avossa was the executive leader of a 38-member team16CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

charged with key strategic performance-management initiatives, school improvement,research and evaluation, and student assessment.Dr. Avossa’s commitment to learning hasn’t ended in the school or college classroom.In January 2011, he was one of six professionals accepted into the 2011 classof the Broad Superintendents Academy, a rigorous 10-month executive managementtraining program. During this program, he attended weekend sessions thatfocused on CEO-level skills and the best practices in education reform leadership.Now almost a year later and after completing the program, Dr. Avossa reflects on hisfirst few months as superintendent of Fulton County Schools. “I was attracted to thisposition because of the strategic direction of the district. Seeking to provide charterstatus to the district and working towards policies and procedures that expandedlocal control was an area that I wanted to work in,” said Dr. Avossa. “I’m pleasedthat our school board has approved the charter petition and has submitted it to theGeorgia Department of Education.” He also is impressed with the community’s financialsupport of education, having seen its recent passage of the SPLOST [SpecialPurpose Local Option Sales Tax] referendum in November. “It’s impressive how thecommunity mobilized around SPLOST and understands the economic engine thatdrives the region and affords the opportunity to have quality public schools,” he said.Only six months into the superintendent’s position, Dr. Avossa has more challengesto face than just running a school system — he and his wife are still searching forthe right place to call home. Their son, Gianluca, 9, and daughter, Mattia, 6, attendschool at a Johns Creek elementary school, and the Avossas hope to keep themthere. “We think this is a wonderful area to raise our children and we are enjoyingthe opportunities that are available to us as a family,” Dr. Avossa said. “We’ve joineda church, and we like being so close to mountains where we can hike — we like havingnearby lakes and rivers for us to go kayaking. This area is wonderful because ofthe many cultural opportunities that are close by and available to us. Mattia takesgymnastics and Gianluca loves to play soccer,” he said. “I played soccer throughoutschool and on men’s competition leagues as an adult, so Kellee and I really enjoywatching Gianluca play soccer and watching Mattia develop as a gymnast.”Although they enjoy living in the Johns Creek area, the Avossas also travel to Napleswhenever their schedule allows so they can visit the many members of his familythat still live there. These visits remind him of his roots, when he started as a youngimmigrant child in an unfamiliar school setting. Now, he uses those experiences tolead Georgia’s fourth-largest school system.“I was attractedto this positionbecause of thestrategic directionof the district.Seeking toprovide charterstatus to the districtand workingtowards policiesand proceduresthat expanded localcontrol was anarea that I wantedto work in.”Dr. Robert Avossa has been a lifelong student and understands the positive impactthat a quality education has on students at every level of education. He has an innatedesire to make a positive contribution to the lives of children throughout theireducation and uses his experience in the classroom as a teacher, and as an administratorat the elementary, middle and high school level, to lead the school district.Under his leadership, the future of Fulton County Schools promises to be evenbrighter as it provides a quality education for all students.17 CountyLine | January 2012

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Calling All PoetsIn honor of “National Poetry Month,” CountyLine is calling all poetsto submit their poems to be published in the April issue.Poems will be selected for publication in two categories:Students (elementary through high school) and Adults.Please submit your poem by emailing it to: editor@countylinemagazine.netPlease include the following information:Your nameCategory: Adult or Student (include grade level)Put “Calling All Poets” in the Subject lineTelephone NumberThe deadline for submissions is February 15, 2012.Poets chosen for publication in the April 2012 issuewill be notified by March 1, 2012.AUTHENTIC AND UNIQUE MEXICAN CUISINEAn upscale yet casual Mexican restaurant featuring classic Mexican and traditionalTex-Mex cuisine. Steaks grilled to perfection, tapas for variety-tasting, soups, saladsand delectable desserts. A special menu is available for children.A selection of superb Margaritas, wine, beer, and tequila.Catering for Meetings, Events, Home & Office PartiesClick on this in the ad atCountyLineMagazine.netand receive an exclusiveSpecial Offer!770-813-989811030 Medlock Bridge Rd. Johns CreekLocated in Johns Creek Walkwww.kesomexicangrill.comkeso@kesomexicangrill.comPrivate Roomfor Meetings andSpecial Occasions20CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

To inquire about advertising in CountyLine:advertising@countylinemagazine.net 678-787-3551Advertise in CountyLineand reach over 50,000potential buyers or clients.This issue of CountyLine was mailbox delivered to 23,093homes and businesses in Johns Creek and South Forsyth.With editorials about people who live, work or own abusiness in these communities, CountyLine is read and keptby those who receive it. The mailbox delivery, interestingand informative editorial, and high quality printing all assurethat those who get CountyLine, keep CountyLine, giving themagazine an incredibly extended shelf-life. Your ad will beseen over-and-over.Click on this in the ad atCountyLineMagazine.netand receive an exclusiveSpecial Offer!A Buckhead SalonRight Here in Your Neighborhood!Our stylists are continually trained on the latest in cuts—from the runway to wash-and-wear hair—and color techniques.• Cuts• Opti-Smooth Straightening• Color/Highlights• Up-Dos• Textured Perms• Facial WaxingCall for your appointment:770-495-7404FinesseHAIR SALON3651 Peachtree Pkwy Suite B • Suwanee 30024Located next to Kroger in the Johns Creek Shopping CenterMonday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm • Saturday 9am-3pm • Sunday 11am-3pm21 CountyLine | January 2012

Northside Hospital’sHealthcare Explorers ProgramHealthcare Explorers are givena demonstration of the 3D SpineMap Navigation System.by Judy Le JeuneThe opportunity for high school students, whoare considering a career in healthcare, to experiencean insider’s view of a hospital, havehands-on experience with procedures and state-ofthe-artequipment, and a first-hand look into thecareer options in the healthcare field is invaluable.Northside Hospital is offering this opportunity tosophomore, junior and senior students in North Fultonand Forsyth County schools through their HealthcareExplorers program. The program is affiliatedwith the Boy Scouts of America. “Northside Hospital’sprogram is unique and an amazing opportunity forany youth interested in any area of healthcare. Theydo a great job of showing various specialty areas inorder to expose the youth to as many concentrationsof healthcare as possible,” said Katie Huber, exploringdistrict executive, Boy Scouts of America. This isthe second year that Northside Hospital has offeredthis unique learning experience to students who areinterested in pursuing their college education and acareer in healthcare.The seven-month program meets once a month andis held at Northside Hospital campuses in Forsyth, Alpharettaand Atlanta. Rotating class locations enablethe students to have exposure to different departmentsand Northside Hospital campuses. Approximately25 students were accepted into this year’sprogram with 10 students from South Forsyth, JohnsCreek, Lambert, and Northview high schools. “I amhonored to be a part of the Healthcare Explorers program,”said Johns Creek High School senior DavosVannucci. “Through the program, I have been ableto experience, firsthand, the wide variety of occupationsoffered in the healthcare field. The programallows us, as high school students, to get into thehospitals and into the operating rooms to be shownwhat it is like to treat cases, such as a doctor would,and even use surgical equipment.” Students who areinterested in careers in healthcare apply to the programthrough an application process that includes anessay on their interest in the healthcare field and theHealthcare Explorers program.Throughout the program, students visit many areasof the hospital, performing exercises and participatingduring lectures by healthcare professionals. Eachmonthly class focuses on a topic that covers a differentarea of healthcare. Those topics are: cardiology,robotic surgery, radiology, pharmacy, physical therapy/rehabilitation,advances in hereditary & geneticdiseases, and women’sservices. The first classon September 29 th wasan orientation to the program,and there will bea graduation held at theconclusion of the programon April 26 th , 2012.Kayleigh Edwards working with theda Vinci Surgical System robot.Following the orientation,the first class of theprogram was held in theCardiovascular Care Unit(CCU) at the Atlanta campus. Students talked withdoctors, nurses and technicians about what it is like22CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

to work in cardiology. Insight into some of the experiencesthat these professionals had during their educationand the actual work that they do in the CCU isan informative and interesting opportunity for the students.“I had the most unique experience at the cardiologysession at Northside Hospital in Atlanta,” saidLambert High School sophomore Preeya Parmar. “I gotto see different procedures used in cardiology such asan electrocardiogram and even had an echocardiogramdone on me by a cardiologist. Having a peek into theworld of cardiology really opened my eyes into my futurecareer and enhanced my knowledge of the medicalfield.” Though the program is for the benefit of thestudents, healthcare professionals participating in theprogram also benefit from the experience. CardiologistDr. Kimberly P. Champney, who worked with the studentsduring their visit to the CCU, described what itmeant to her: “It was a privilege to host the cardiovascularevening for the Northside Healthcare Explorers. Itwas a lot of fun for me to share my career and passionwith young adults looking at careers in healthcare. TheExplorers were smart, excited, and bold. These are attributesthat, as a mother, I hope to see in my ownchildren, and it was rewarding for me to have the opportunityto meet each of them.”The next class that focused on Robotic Surgery was alsoheld at the Atlanta campus. During this session, conductedby Susie Kittle, RN, coordinator of the roboticsurgery program at Northside, the students were introducedto the da Vinci Surgical System, and they were allgiven the opportunity to work with the robot, which wasa unique hands-on, learning experience. They were alsogiven a demonstration of the 3D Spine Map NavigationSystem by Josh Underwood of Stryker, the equipment’smanufacturer. The students were introduced to theseadvanced surgical technologies in operating rooms atthe hospital.“Healthcare Explorers is an exceptional opportunity forstudents to investigate the many different careers availablein healthcare by going directly into the operatingroom and other departments, learning about procedures,working with state-of-the-art technology, and interactingwith physicians and other medical professionals,”said Kelli Buchwald, community relations manager,Northside Hospital. “We are very pleased to offer thisextraordinary program to students.” In addition, Northsideoffers summer volunteer positions, in Forsyth andAtlanta, to teenagers.For more information on the Healthcare Explorers program,contact Kelli Buchwald at kelli.buchwald@northside.com.For information on the summer “Volunteen”program, please go to www.northside.com.Challenging, Lecture-basedMath and English Classes— 1 st -12 th Grade Levels —Classes held Tuesday-Friday 5-9:30pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-6:30pm• Multimedia interactive teaching environment• Strategies and tactics increase problem solvingskills, critical reading & writing skills• Competition training-Our students have consistentlywon Regional, State & National Competitions,including AMC, Mathcounts, and Math Olympiad.MATH INSTRUCTOR -James Chen, Ph.D. (Math)has over 10 years of classroomteaching experience.ENGLISH INSTRUCTORS -Language Arts teachers arefrom local, high-ranking highschools.Click on this in the ad atCountyLineMagazine.netand receive an exclusiveSpecial Offer!404-388-630310475 Medlock Bridge Rd. Suite 500Johns Creek 30097www.AlltopSchool.com23 CountyLine | January 2012

Mayor Mike Bodker, Brenda Yates,Linda Hamby, Roger Wise, Jr.THE JOHNS CREEK FOUNDATION’SOutstanding Volunteer Award RecipientsAhighlight of the Mayor’s Ball, presented by the Johns Creek Foundation,is the announcement of those who are receiving the Foundation’sOutstanding Volunteer awards. The Foundation was founded,in 2007, on the spirit of volunteerism in the Johns Creek community.For the fi fth consecutive year, outstanding volunteers were honored fortheir spirit of volunteerism. The Outstanding Volunteer recipients at the2011 Mayor’s Ball are: Roger Wise, Jr., Linda Hamby and Brenda Yates.24CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

ROGER WISE, JR.Roger and his wife, Claire,have lived in North Fultonfor 30 years. During thistime, Roger has workedwith local citizens, leadersand members of local organizations,and local governmentofficials on countlessprojects and ideas thathave benefited the community.He is always available to move a project forwardand to see it through to success. Roger has helped somany individuals to become better leaders, and in doingso, his efforts have created stronger organizationsthrough stronger leadership. He has worked directly withleaders and members of the Johns Creek Business Association,the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, andCity Council representatives. Roger worked on the formationof Leadership Johns Creek, taking the idea to theGovernor’s office to turn the project into a successful resourcefor both the City and the citizens of Johns Creek.Roger was instrumental in taking the idea of celebratingJohns Creek’s Founders Day with a parade and turningit into an annual event. Roger has always been availableto work with organizations and promote ideas that benefitJohns Creek. He has promoted, assisted with, andworked with just about every organization in the City.He is known as the go-to person, who always gets thejob done in the best possible way. A Vietnam veteran,Roger is an ambassador for Post 201 of the AmericanLegion, and is always active and available to recognizeand assist the local men and women, who have servedin our military.LINDA HAMBYFor over 20 years, Linda hasbeen involved in promotingpublic safety on local,county, state and nationallevels. She has been a tirelessadvocate for fire andpolice departments, andemergency medical services,working to ensure thatthere are effective and efficientservices to benefit public welfare. Linda has servedon the Board of the American Heart Association (AHA).In an effort to save lives through the use of AutomatedExternal Defibrillators (AEDs), Linda worked through theAHA to ensure that these devices were available for usein as many public places as possible, including airportsand shopping malls. As a consumer advocate, Linda hasbeen on the Board of the AHA AED task force and theRestart Atlanta’s Heart Initiative. She also was co-chairof the Johns Creek Public Safety Committee. She workedto promote the City of Johns Creek becoming the firstcity in the state of Georgia to receive a “Heart ReadyCity” award in 2008, and she has continuously held AEDdemonstrations for the community. Linda has served forover 10 years as a Citizen Advocate on the Departmentof Community Health’s Region III EMS Council. In herrole on the Council, Linda has worked to ensure a balancebetween fiscal efficiency and achieving high clinicalquality. Linda volunteered on the Public Safety TaskForce that worked to design and define the Fire Departmentand EMS response models that were used to createthese critical services when Johns Creek became a city.BRENDA YATESBrenda has been workingbehind the scenes for manyyears to support and makeimprovements at localschools and for the City ofJohns Creek. She has beenpresident and treasurer ofthe Chattahoochee Gridiron,PTSA officer in chargeof buildings and grounds,oversaw Eagle Scout projects at Chattahoochee, waspresident of the Tennis Team Booster Club, and treasurerof the Chattahoochee Umbrella Booster Club that overseesall sports clubs. Brenda even personally painted thetennis fence at Chattahoochee, using spray cans to completethe job, to make the fence look better. Other schoolenhancement projects that she has taken charge of are:construction of the entry arch at Taylor Road MiddleSchool and Chattahoochee High School, banners reading“Hooch Pride” at the top of every pole at Chattahoochee,and changing the letters on the manual marquee todisplay updated messages at Autrey Mill Middle school.She has worked with civic leaders to address local schoolconcerns. Brenda has also been involved in many projectsand organizations that have contributed to the Cityof Johns Creek. She was instrumental in starting TheTaste of Johns Creek, an annual fundraising event heldat Chattahoochee, featuring a sampling of food fromJohns Creek restaurants. She served as a Johns CreekCommunity Association (JCCA) board member and zoningcommittee chair, and was instrumental in helping theJCCA during the creation of the City of Johns Creek. Shehas been a member of the Johns Creek Planning Commissionsince 2007.25 CountyLine | January 2012

The City of Johns Creek’s Founders Day ParadeThe Founders Day Parade wrapped up a week of festivities and activitiescelebrating the 5th anniversary of the founding of the City of Johns Creek.Photography by Tammy Galloway26CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

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28CountyLine | January 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net