About
The Leadership Southeast Georgia program will focus on improving leadership competencies most important to regional leadership. Those competencies include:
Emotional intelligence or 'mastery of self'
Integrity and trust
Ethics and values
Building and sustaining collaboration
Conflict resolution and mediation through different interests
Effective communications with individuals and large and geographically dispersed audiences
Systematical thinking and long-range decision making
Program Goals
Increase knowledge about Southeast Georgia
Explore key issues that are common to every community
Develop informed perspective on relationship between individual communities in region
Improve individual leadership competencies of participants
Our History
The 10 counties of Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn,
Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven and 35 municipalities
comprise the Coastal Georgia region.
Beginning in January 1999, leaders representing the business, local government, and education communities set about the difficult task of creating a regional strategic plan for community and economic development. The group quickly settled on leadership, workforce development, and infrastructure as the three most vital areas of concern for the region.
A regional leadership program that would bring together citizens from each of the 10 counties was envisioned as a means to reinforce the regional capacity to address challenges and capitalize on common opportunities. The program content focused on the assets of the area, as well as potential threats to those assets. Convinced that skills are every bit as important as knowledge, the group insisted that the program provide an educational component meant to strengthen the leadership abilities of each participant.
From 2000 to 2009, Georgia Southern University hosted Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA). When Georgia Southern University was no longer able to host the program, a committed group of alumni who did not want to the see the program dissolve, actively sought options to keep LSEGA active.
Alumni worked with the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute to develop a new format and curriculum for the LSEGA program. To put the plan into action, alumni pursued host agency options. In January, 2010, the Coastal Regional Commission (CRC), whose domain covers the same 10-county region as LSEGA, agreed to serve as the host agency through 2014. In January of 2015, LSEGA teamed up with Georgia Power as a Presenting Sponsor of the program and new class of 2015.
Since 2000, LSEGA has produced over 400 graduates.
Meet our Board
Stephanie Dammen-Morrell
ChairwomanAn employee of Hussey Gay Bell since 2013, Stephanie serves as the Director of Marketing and Business Development for Hussey Gay Bell’s family of companies located in eight offices throughout GA, SC and TN. She oversees the planning, development and execution of marketing strategies to amplify the firm’s brand position in core market sectors. Stephanie also works closely with leadership to develop and execute strategic plans that nurture and enhance relationships with existing and prospective clientele and to retain and attract new talent. She has served in a variety of industry association capacities that currently include the LSEGA Executive Board of Directors, SAME Savannah Post President & Board Member, Senior Citizen’s, Inc. Board Member, GEDA Member, SMPS Member and SIOR Affiliate.
She is a graduate and active alum of Leadership Savannah (2016), Leadership Southeast Georgia (2018) and Leadership Georgia (2023) and also currently serving in an advisory capacity with other regional SMEs on SEDA’s RISE Marketing Working Group focusing on marketing strategies to recruit workforce to our beautiful region.
Leia Dedic
Vice ChairLeia Dedic currently serves as the Chief Impact Officer at the United Way of the Coastal Empire (UWCE), where she is responsible for designing and implementing the organization’s impact work under its ever-evolving strategic plan. Previously Leia served as Managing Consultant with Guidehouse, a Washington D.C.-based consultancy specializing in strategy and business transformation. She also spent 10 years at the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) where she served as the Vice President of Strategy & Partnerships. In addition to Leadership Southeast Georgia, Leia serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement and the Small Business Assistance Corporation.
Leia received her B.A. in Economics from Armstrong State University, now Georgia Southern University. She was selected by Georgia Southern University’s Alumni Association for the 40 under 40 class of 2019 for leading the way in business, leadership, community, educational and philanthropic endeavors. Leia also graduated from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development (2017), Leadership Savannah (2017) and Leadership Southeast Georgia (2019).
In her free time, Leia enjoys coaching volleyball, traveling and spending time on Georgia’s beautiful waterways.
Marcus Sack
SecretaryMarcus Sack is the President and CEO at M.E. Sack Engineering. A mover and shaker in the engineering industry, he has been with the company for over 15 years and loves what he does because of the people, the progress and the tangible results. His company serves as the city engineer for Folkston, Flemington, Pembroke and Rincon. Marcus holds a civil engineering degree from Southern Polytechnic State University. He loves to see his team’s designs get built and how those buildings serve the community. Marcus was recently awarded the “Top 45 under 45” in Liberty County and the Paul Harris Fellow recognition through Rotary twice. He currently serves as a Board Member of the Liberty County Development Authority, Chairman of the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, member of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, Past President and Board Member of the Hinesville Rotary Club and Liberty County Past Chamber Executive Board. A Georgia native, he and his family are proud to call coastal Georgia home. Marcus is married with three children. You can usually find them on the ball fields, attending dance competitions or out on the boat. On Sundays, he and his family attend Compassion Christian Church. Marcus always strives to lead his team and community towards a common goal and a better tomorrow.
Jessica Hood
TreasurerVice President, Jessica Hood, specializes in business attraction and business retention for the Effingham County Industrial Authority (ECIDA). Her focus includes promoting the organization and community to external audiences, coordinating and executing client visits and correspondences, and serving as the organization’s point of contact for both existing industries and potential industrial clients.
Jessica is a cum laude graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and a minor in regional development. She also earned her Masters in Business Administration from the Parker School of Business at Georgia Southern University. Jessica began her career in economic development at the Liberty County Development Authority, where she served as project manager for nearly five years. Prior to rejoining the LCDA as the Director of Business Development, Jessica worked on the business development team at the Savannah Economic Development Authority for over a year, and most recently served as the Executive Director at the Development Authority of Burke County.
Jessica is actively involved on the board of the Georgia Economic Developers Association, as well as Leadership Southeast Georgia. She is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Leadership Liberty, Leadership Burke, Leadership Effingham, and Leadership Southeast Georgia. Jessica is also an Economic Development Finance Professional as designated by the National Development Council, and a Certified Economic Developer as designated by the International Economic Development Council. Jessica was honored as one of Effingham Living’s 20 under 40 in 2021 and 2022, and was named to Georgia Southern University’s 40 under 40 list in 2022.
Kendria Lee
Immediate Past ChairKendria Lee serves as the Associate Vice President for External Affairs at Georgia Southern University, a pivotal leadership role reporting directly to the Vice President for External Affairs, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives. In this capacity, Lee advances the university’s community engagement initiatives, oversees the Office of Special Events and Protocol, and represents the institution in external and community-facing matters. Her work involves collaborating with institutional leaders, community partners, economic development agencies, and other key stakeholders to foster meaningful connections, align the university’s strategic goals with regional and global initiatives, and enhance the institution’s reputation. Lee also serves in an acting capacity for the Vice President when needed, ensuring seamless leadership and representation.
A proud “Double Eagle” graduate of Georgia Southern University, Lee holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems from the Parker College of Business. She is a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2020/2021 and the regional Leadership Southeast Georgia program, where she now serves on the Board of Directors. Actively engaged in community service, Lee is a board member for Synovus (Statesboro), Goodwill Southeast Georgia, and Junior Achievement of Savannah. Additionally, she is a certified Protocol Officer and a member of the Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association. Lee’s dedication to strengthening partnerships and executing impactful initiatives underscores her commitment to advancing the mission and vision of Georgia Southern University.
Scott Allison
Scott Allison is the Director of Planning & Development for Coleman Company, Inc., a civil engineering, land surveying, and planning firm based in Savannah, Georgia. In this position, he provides project and production management for planning, due diligence, and general development plan preparation, as well as guidance to staff and clients related to project entitlements, approvals, and permits.
Prior to joining Coleman Company in 2022, Scott served a dual role as Assistant City Manager/Director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Richmond Hill. Scott also previously served as the Director of Planning and Economic Development for Garden City and in private sector consulting as a project manager in Metro Atlanta. He has diversified experience in both municipal government and private consulting organizations and has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Georgia Planning Association Outstanding Small Town Initiative Award, the Georgia Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award, and the Richmond Hill-Bryan County “Top 5 Under 40”.
Scott received his undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and a graduate certificate in public administration from Clemson University. He is a State of Georgia Licensed Landscape Architect and LEED Accredited Professional.
Originally from Kennesaw, Georgia, Scott currently resides in Richmond Hill with his wife, Robin, and their two children Lily and Jake.
Cecilia Arango
Cecilia Arango is a Principal and Certified Professional Services Marketer at Thomas & Hutton. With 24 years of experience, she oversees marketing, communications, and community relations for Thomas & Hutton’s offices across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. Cecilia is passionate about service to the community and serves on various professional and non-profit boards and committees, including Savannah Sports Council, Savannah Book Festival, TEDxSavannah, Society of Marketing Professional Services, Leadership Southeast Georgia, United Way of the Coastal Empire, and the Georgia Economic Developers Association.
Named to the list of Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40 and Engineering Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering, Cecilia is an alumnus of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Southeast Georgia, and Leadership Savannah. She is an avid runner with a goal of running a marathon in each state and is the founder of a running book club called Read, Run & Rant, as featured in Shape Magazine.
Karen Bogans
Karen Bogans has over 35 years of communications and community relations experience, and for the past 15 years she has served as the Communications Manager for International Paper’s Savannah Mill. The Savannah native received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College and her Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University.
Karen serves on several local boards, including the Economic Opportunity Authority (EOA), where she serves as board chair; Second Harvest Food Bank, where she serves as board secretary; Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA); and The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc., and the Savannah, GA., Chapter of The Links, Inc. Karen is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Savannah and a 2022 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia.
Krystal Crawford
Krystal McGee Crawford is the Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia where she serves eight counties and has oversight of 10 YMCA branches. Before her work at the Y, she was employed by the Department of the Army, where she had the opportunity to serve military families, civilians, and soldiers. She held several positions in MWR and was also the Health Promotion Director for the Army’s Physical Fitness School where she created the Army’s Civilian Fitness program and the Soldier’s Pregnancy Fitness program.
Krystal is a 1996 graduate of State University of West Georgia with a Bachelors in Recreation and Corporate Fitness and was named Sports Woman of the Year in 1992. She is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Augusta and a 2018 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia. She serves on the boards of Healthy Savannah and the Unforgettable Dream. She recently married Craig Crawford and has 2 sons, Nick and Ryan McGee. She is an avid softball player and currently plays competitively all over the country earning numerous World and National Championships.
Kristin Fulford
Kristin Fulford works as the Deputy State Director for U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia. With over 20 years in government experience, she previously worked with former Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) for nine years as Outreach Director. Prior to joining Senator Warnock, Fulford worked as the Public Information Officer/Grant writer with Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap. She has a MA in Mass Communications from University of Louisiana at Monroe and a BA from University of South Carolina. A proud alum of Leadership Southeast Georgia, Kristin was a member of the 2022 Class.
Peyton Fuller
Peyton Fuller works as the Senior Accountant and Grants Manager for the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners. Originally from Millen, Peyton moved to Statesboro in 2000 to attend Georgia Southern University. While there, he obtained undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Accounting and a graduate degree in Public Administration. Peyton is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Bulloch and a 2022 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia. He also served as Leadership Bulloch Chairperson and President of Leadership Bulloch Alumni Association. Peyton is a past member of the Statesboro Jaycees, serving in various leadership positions. He currently serves as Board Chair for the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau and a board member for United Way of Southeast Georgia.
Krystal Hart
Krystal Hart is a skilled public relations strategist and founder of Sparrow Communications, leveraging 15+ years of experience to help organizations build strong community connections through strategic and affirmative communication. Her agency works with government, nonprofit, and small business leaders to define their brands and create inclusive public outreach campaigns. A 2013 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia, Krystal uses the skills developed in the program to promote leadership development, historic preservation, literacy, and Gullah Geechee culture in southeast Georgia. She currently serves as President of Seabrook Village Foundation, Vice President of Martha Randolph Stevens Park Board of Trustees, Vice President of Live Oak Public Libraries Liberty County Board, and a member of the Savannah State University Masters of Public Administration Advisory Council. A native of Sunbury, GA, Krystal holds a Bachelors of Arts in Communication from Florida State University and a Master of Public Administration from Savannah State University. She also co-owns Sunbury Coffee Bar in Hinesville, GA, with her two sisters, and enjoys exploring new food, cultures, and history with her two daughters.
Kate Pontello Karwacki
Kate Pontello Karwacki is a licensed Georgia Real Estate Broker and the owner of Seaboard Real Estate, Inc., a full-service brokerage based in historic downtown Darien. With 20 years of experience, she specializes in luxury coastal properties, historic homes, and golf communities throughout Coastal Georgia. In addition to her work in real estate, Kate serves as an elected official on the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners, where she focuses on community development and strategic growth initiatives and is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia. A mother of two, Ruby Jean and Harrison, Kate is deeply committed to advancing the future of the region she calls home.
Chris Nowicki
Chris Nowicki is a Customer Delivery Executive at Gulfstream Aerospace where he is responsible for facilitating and managing customers through the aircraft design and outfitting process. Prior to his current role, he worked in Public Affairs at Gulfstream where he was responsible for managing relationships with state and local elected and public officials, non-profit organizations, K-12 workforce programs and industry associations at Gulfstream locations in the U.S. and U.K.. Prior to Gulfstream, Chris served in multiple roles at Armstrong State University in Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
Chris received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Armstrong State University and graduate degree in Higher Education from Georgia Southern University.
Chris is a 2017 graduate from Leadership Southeast Georgia and 2018 graduate of Leadership Savannah. In the community, Chris has served on the boards of Park Place Outreach, Islands YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Georgia 4-H Advisory Committee, Georgia Southern University Alumni Board and Georgia 4-H Master Club Board of Directors.
Royce Proctor
Royce Proctor is a Marketing/Member Services representative with Okefenoke Rural Electric Membership Cooperative in Nahunta, GA. The Woodbine resident is a Camden County High School graduate and has been a member of the Woodbine Lions Club for more than 25 years. Royce is a 2003 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia. He has been chairman of the Woodbine Citizens Steering Committee since 2011 and served on the boards of the Charlton County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Nassau County Chamber of Commerce since 2012. He has two daughters, Elizabeth and Samantha, and a son, John Royce.
Madison Roesel
Madison Roesel has been the Vice President of Sales at The Sack Company, a specialty contracting company for commercial and industrial operations, since 1945. She was raised in Bulloch County and graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2014. She serves in many roles at the company, including business development, strategic planning, hiring and training and marketing. Madison is the third generation of her family involved in the business and is driven by the same aspirations and values her grandfather built it on. With the team at Sack Company, she plans to continue expanding on their many successes.
Zerik Samples
Zerik Samples, a Brunswick native, serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the
Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity. There he is responsible for leading the
mission: developing and implementing its strategic and operational plan to bring
people together to build homes, community, and hope.
Mr. Samples is an active member of the community. He is serving the Savannah
Metropolitan Rotary Club, Savannah Jaycees, Mu Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity Inc., and he is a Savannah Chamber of Commerce Board member. This
Leadership Southeast Georgia graduate was inducted into the Habitat for Humanity
U. S. Council, 2024 and a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2023. Mr. Zerik
Samples received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from Armstrong
Atlantic State University, now Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus.
In his free time, he enjoys learning about community development and pouring into
the lives of tomorrow’s leaders in mentoring programs. He truly has a heart for
people and a natural desire to serve the community. He states, “My ultimate goal is
to be an advocate for my community, helping people help themselves and each
Other.”
Ryan Sewell
Ryan Sewell, CPCU, CLCS has more than 14 years of experience in the property-casualty brokerage field with an expertise in the commercial, real estate & hospitality, and non-profit spaces.
Ryan holds the Chartered Property-Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) professional designations and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia.
An active supporter of his community, Ryan has volunteered his time and talent with numerous organizations, including: Educate Chatham Foundation (Board Member), Savannah Downtown Business Association (Chairman), Savannah Chamber of Commerce (Board Member), United Way of the Coastal Empire (Board Member), The Independent Insurance Agent’s of Georgia’s Government Affairs Committee, St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee (Previous Executive Committee Member), UGA Terry College of Business Young Alumni (Board Member), St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundation (Candler Clay’s Committee Past-Chair), Leadership Savannah Graduate (Class of 2012), Leadership Southeast Georgia (Class of2019), Savannah/Chatham County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) (Past Board Member), Coastal Heritage Society (Board Member), Fellowship ofChristian Athletes (Board Member), and the Savannah Quarterback Club (Member).
A native of Savannah, Ryan graduated from Benedictine Military School in 2002 and subsequently was inducted into the Benedictine “Wall of Honor.”
Sam Tostensen
Sam Tostensen serves as the Deputy Field Director for the Office of Governor Brian Kemp, where
he oversees field operations and policy implementation across Southeast Georgia. In this role, he
coordinates with state agencies, local officials, and community leaders to address regional needs,
represent the governor’s office at events, and support constituent engagement.
Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Sam worked as Southeast Georgia Field Director for U.S.
Senator David Perdue and played key roles on both Senator Perdue’s and Governor Kemp’s
campaigns. He has been involved in Georgia politics since running his own campaign for Glynn
County Commissioner in 2010, building deep experience in public affairs, political strategy, and
community outreach.
A native of Brunswick, Sam is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Glynn, a 2019 graduate of the
Georgia Academy for Economic Development, and a 2022 graduate of Leadership Southeast
Georgia. He currently serves on the boards of Keep Golden Isles Beautiful and the Coastal Georgia
Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Sam and his wife, Katie, live on St. Simons Island with their son, Tripp, born in September 2024. He
is passionate about supporting strong, connected leadership across the region.
Maria Whitfield
Maria Whitfield is a seasoned Human Resources executive with nearly three decades of experience. Raised in a small farm town in southern Colorado (population: less than 500), she never imagined a career that would take her across the globe, leading teams and shaping workforces right here in the Coastal Region.
Maria’s career is a testament to hard work and perseverance. She started as a Human Resources Assistant and steadily worked her way up to Director of Human Resources, leading workforce initiatives and talent strategies for several international manufacturing startups, including SNF Holding Company, DRT America, Pinova Incorporated, and Norma Precision. She also spent time working for the Department of Defense in Germany.
Her expertise in human resources, talent acquisition, retention, and workforce strategy led to her selection as Director of Workforce for the Savannah Harbor-I-16 Joint Development Authority, where she played a key role in a regional workforce study led by WDG Consulting. This study identified labor supply challenges and strategic solutions, ultimately leading to the creation of RISE (Regional Industry Support & Engagement)—a new regional workforce organization dedicated to strengthening employer partnerships and talent pipelines.
Now, as Director of Employer Engagement at RISE, Maria serves eight counties—Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh—helping businesses develop recruitment, retention, and workforce strategies that drive regional economic growth. Maria attended the 2020 LSEGA class but graduated from LSEGA in 2022.