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
Kendria Lee
ChairwomanKendria Lee is a “Double Eagle” graduate of Georgia Southern University, earning both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems from the College of Business. Prior to her current role, Ms. Lee held the position of Operations Manager and Executive Associate for Government and Community Relations – both for the Office of External Affairs. Ms. Lee is a member of Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association. She is a graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia as well as Georgia Academy for Economic Development. She is also a member of the Statesboro YMCA Board and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Rural Prosperity Council. In addition, she is currently serving as Chair of the University System of Georgia Staff Council and she also works as a mentor for the REACH program.
Stephanie Dammen-Morrell
Vice ChairAn employee of Hussey Gay Bell since 2013, Stephanie serves as the Director of Marketing & Business Development for Hussey Gay Bell’s family of companies located in eight office locations throughout GA, SC and TN overseeing the planning, development and execution of marketing strategies to amplify the firm’s brand position in core market sectors and working closely with leadership to develop and execute implementation of strategic plans designed to 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 though current commitments include: Leadership Southeast GA Executive Board of Directors, ACEC-GA Engineering Georgia Magazine Editorial Board, SAME Savannah Post 1st Vice President & Board Member, GEDA Member & Marketing SIG Chair, Senior Citizen’s, Inc. Board Member, SIOR Affiliate and Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2023 (the best class ever).
Patton Dugas
SecretaryPatton Dugas is Market President for Truist Financial Corporation in Greater Georgia. In this role, he serves the commercial teams that serve the communities along the Fall Line and south. With more than 20 of banking experience, he previously served in SBA, special assets, construction & development, and disaster assistance lending. An entrepreneur at heart, he began in business by co-founding an audiovisual contracting firm while attending college. He is passionate about economic and community development. Patton has previously served in positions with the State advisory board for UGA’s Small Business Development Center , Chatham County Resource Protection Commission, Savannah Community Foundation, Metropolitan Savannah Rotary, Savannah CFO Council, March of Dimes, and Clean Coast. He served as a non-lawyer member of the State Bar of Georgia Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee. He was named a Generation Next Rising Star by Savannah Magazine. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, Leadership Southeast Georgia, and Leadership Georgia. Patton earned a bachelor’s in Banking & Finance from The University of Georgia and an MBA from Georgia Southern University. He resides in Savannah with his wife, Mary, and two daughters.
Leia Dedic
TreasurerLeia Dedic works as a Managing Consulting for Guidehouse, Inc assisting federal clients with the development of transformation strategies to improve programs and mission-critical operations. Prior to her time at Guidehouse, Leia spent a decade in economic development last serving as the Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships for the Savannah Economic Development Authority. Leia received her B.A. in Economics from Armstrong State University. In addition to LSEGA, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Small Business Assistance Corporation and Junior Achievement while serving on strategic planning committees for the United Way of the Coastal Empire. In her free time, Leia enjoys coaching volleyball, traveling and spending time on Georgia’s beautiful waterways.
Jared Downs
Immediate Past ChairJared W. Downs is the Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah. In this position, he is responsible for advocating on behalf of the business community and working with local, state and federal officials to promote business-positive legislation. Prior to joining the Chamber in May of 2017, Jared served as the Southeast Georgia Regional Director for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. As the Southeast Georgia Regional Director, he served as the Senator’s top representative in a 48 county area with over 1.6 million constituents for over twelve years. Jared held the same position for U.S. Senator Zell Miller and the late U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell.
Jared is a 1996 graduate of Young Harris College with an Associates of Science in Education and a 1998 graduate of Georgia College & State University with a Bachelors of Science in Political Science. Jared is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Georgia, 2015 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia and a 2008 graduate of Leadership Savannah. He currently serves as the chairman of Leadership Southeast Georgia. Jared is married to Kathryn Murph Downs and they are the proud parents of two daughters: Emma and Anna Hughes.
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 is a Certified Professional Services Marketer at Thomas & Hutton and oversees marketing, communications, culture-building, and community relations for Thomas & Hutton’s 10 regions in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Passionate about service to the community, she’s served on various boards including Metropolitan Savannah Rotary, Park Place Outreach, Savannah Sports Council, TEDxSavannah, Society of Marketing Professional Services, Leadership Southeast Georgia, and Georgia Economic Developers Association.
Named a Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40 and Georgia Southern University’s George & Lucy Armstrong Award recipient, Cecilia is an alumnus of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Southeast Georgia, and Leadership Savannah. She is an avid runner over halfway done on her quest to run a marathon in each state, a lululemon Run Ambassador, and founder of local running book club, Read, Run & Rant.
Jesse Bentley
Jesse is the Division Manager of Evans General Contractor’s Savannah office. He has over nine years of experience working in the construction industry. Jesse’s hands-on approach has made him very knowledgeable in all aspects of project management including preconstruction, design-assist, design-build, field and office operations and the commissioning/startup of commercial, industrial, manufacturing and office projects. His background consists of distribution, logistics, multi-story offices, assembly and manufacturing projects. Jesse is also a graduate of the 2016 LSEGA class and a large supporter of the Bulloch County Backpack Buddies program. Jesse has overall responsibility for the direction and growth of the Savannah division. Jesse’s project experience is extensive in heavy manufacturing/industrial facilities, distribution/warehousing centers, corporate environments and healthcare facilities. He has a detailed knowledge of the industry including all civil, architectural, structural and MEP design aspects of a project.
Karen Bogans
Karen Bogans has over 35 years of communications and community relations experience, and for the past 13 years, has served in the role of 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.
James Coughlin
James grew up along Florida’s Gulf Coast and immediately felt at home when he arrived here in beautiful coastal Georgia. He attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate work and later the University of Georgia, where he also served as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer. James comes to Camden from Rome, Georgia, where he served as the Director of Professional Recruitment and Retention for Floyd Medical Center. In this role James traveled the Southeast region, recruiting physicians to the northwest Georgia area. James was a 2011 graduate of Leadership Rome and in 2013 he was the Governor’s Appointee to the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission. James lives in Kingsland with his wife, Diane, and daughter, Autumn. He believes that above all else, people are the greatest asset this community has to offer.
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.
Robert Grant
Robert Grant is the Director of Office Development at the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University. He was formerly the Director of Development at Junior Achievement. His is a former High School Teacher and currently serves as an elected school board member for District One for the Effingham County Board of Education. Grant has worked with Backpack Buddies for nearly 10 years and helped to facilitate the group’s efforts to collect, fill and deliver backpacks of food for at-risk youth. A graduate of Clemson University, Grant earned a B.A. in secondary education, history and geography. Grant, the child of a career Air Force officer, grew up all over the world, and has lived in Effingham County for almost 15 years.
Krystal Hart
Krystal Hart is a Public Relations Strategist known for using her unique gift of storytelling and strategic thinking to help people solve problems using communication. In 2014, she founded Sparrow Communications, a public relations agency in Hinesville, GA where she helps government agencies and nonprofit organizations define their brands, share their stories and create systems for public outreach. Krystal also uses her skills to serve as a volunteer for various historical, cultural, and educational programs. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia.
Jessica Hood
Vice 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.
Cedric King
Cedric Z. King, PHR, SHRM-CP, CEO of King’s Consulting provides support services to companies that need assistance with human resources, business development as well as community and governmental relations strategies. Cedric was the former Manager of Community Relations at Pinova, Inc. a subsidiary of DRT. He is a graduate of McIntosh County Academy (’90) and The University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina College (’95), where he holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Criminal Justice. Cedric formally managed all Community Relations and Workforce Training Development activities for the business. Over the last 20 years at Pinova, Cedric held a wide variety of leadership positions ranging from human resources, logistics, operations, public-governmental relations, quality control, safety and training development. In addition to his career achievements, Cedric is very active in his community, currently serving on the Boards of Southeastern Bank, College of Coastal Georgia Trustee Foundation, Coastal Area District Development Authority (CADDA), Glynn County Airport Commission, Congressional Manufacturing Council-District 1, Fourteen Black Men of Glynn, Georgia SHRM Governmental Affairs Committee, Georgia SHRM Advocacy Team (SHRM A-Team), NAACP Member, Coastal Georgia Basketball (Founder) and Communities In Schools of Glynn Advisory Board. In the past, Cedric has served on the Brunswick-Glynn County Development Authority as Chairman, Vice Chair and Treasurer, Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber Executive Board, NAACP of Glynn County Executive Board, Golden Isles Society of Human Resources Management Executive Board, United Way of Coastal Georgia Executive Board as Campaign Chair, 2016 BIGWIG for Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia, Jax Chamber Board of Governors, Jax Chamber Trustee Board, Communities In Schools of Glynn, Grace and Truth Advisory Board, Jacksonville, Fla., McIntosh Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (McSEED) as Board Chair in Darien, Ga, Glynn Academy School Council and Jane Macon School Council. Cedric was recently selected to the Prestigious Leadership Georgia Class of 2019. He has completed Leadership Programs in Glynn and McIntosh Counties, as well as his recent graduation with the 2018 Class of Leadership Southeast Georgia. In addition to being recognized in the Golden Isles Magazine 20 under 40. He has received numerous awards such as the 2017 Georgia State Council SHRM Volunteer of the Year, 2016 Brunswick NAACP Community and Justice Award, 2016 & 2013 Brunswick Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year, United Way of Coastal Georgia, Board Member of the Year, Linda Bobbitt Educational Foundation Community Service Award and The Tunis Campbell Wings of Freedom Award for Community Service. Cedric is married to his lovely wife Crystal and they have two children, Cekayla (20) and Cedric Zachary II (13). Their family, faithfully serve and attend, Greater Works Than These Ministries in Brunswick, GA.
Krystal McGee
Krystal McGee is the Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia where she serves 8 counties and has oversight of 10 YMCA branches. Prior to her work at the Y, she was employed by the Department of 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 Healthy Savannah Board and the Unforgettable Dream Board.
She is engaged to 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.
Chris Nowicki
Chris Nowicki works in Public Affairs at with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah Georgia. Chris oversees Gulfstream’s Public Affairs and Community Investment strategy in Illinois, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, and the United Kingdom by partnering with state and local elected officials, non-profit, school districts and industry associations. In his role, Chris leads Gulfstream’s legislative priorities, partners with local school systems to develop strategies and partnerships to build Gulfstream’s future workforce, supports Gulfstream’s philanthropic partnerships and the Gulfstream Community Volunteer Program. Chris also directs the Student Leadership Program, Gulfstream’s marquee community program impacting nearly 1000 students in Georgia and Wisconsin. Prior to joining Gulfstream, Chris served as the Director of Orientation, Civic Engagement and Student Union at Armstrong State University.
Chris graduated from Armstrong State University in 2008 with a B.A. in Political Science and from Georgia Southern University in 2012 with a M.Ed in Higher Education.
In the community, Chris has served on many boards including 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 graduate of Camden County High School 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 served as chairman of the Woodbine Citizens Steering Commitee since 2011 and on the boards of the Charlton County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Nassau County Chamber of Commerce since 2012. He is married to Denese and has two daughters, Elizabeth and Samantha; and a son, John Royce.
Madison Roesel
Madison Roesel is 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.
Marcus Sack
Marcus 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 given the Paul Harris Fellow recognition through Rotary twice! He currently serves as Board Member of the Liberty County Development Authority and Chairman of the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, a member of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, Past President and Board Member of 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 is always striving to lead his team and community towards a common goal and a better tomorrow.
Maria Whitfield
Maria Whitfield is a veteran Human Resources Executive. She has worked in Human Resources for nearly three decades. Hailing from a farm town with a population of less than 500 in southern Colorado, Maria never imagined that she’d end up jet-setting to foreign countries, leading teams, or building workforces right here in the Coastal Region.
Maria’s had an impressive 27-year HR career journey, working in various roles throughout her career. She has diligently worked her way up the corporate ladder starting her career as a Human Resources Assistant and for the past 20 years Maria has been building workforces in the surrounding counties of Savannah, Georgia, including Liberty, Glynn, Effingham, and Chatham. She’s gained extensive experience in her tenure, working with several local startup international manufacturing companies. She’s even worked for the Department of Defense in Germany for several, so she understands the unique military connection.
Maria has interviewed and hired thousands of candidates throughout her career and has a wealth of expertise in Human Resources. Maria was recently selected to be the Director of Workforce for the Savannah Harbor- Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (Savannah JDA). Maria is working in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, and Effingham counties directly with the local Development Authorities.
When Maria’s not busy at work, you can find her blogging about local jobs, traveling, or cheering on her kids at their softball, basketball, or football games. Maria attended the 2020 LSEGA class but graduated from LSEGA in 2022.