Kendria Lee
ChairwomanKendria 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.
Stephanie Dammen-Morrell
Vice ChairAn 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.
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 years of banking experience, he previously served in SBA, special assets, construction and development, and disaster assistance lending. An entrepreneur at heart, he began in business by co-founding an audiovisual contracting firm while attending college. Patton is passionate about economic and community development. He 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 and is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, Leadership Southeast Georgia and Leadership Georgia. Patton earned a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from The University of Georgia and an M.B.A. from Georgia Southern University. He resides in Savannah with his wife, Mary, and two daughters.
Leia Dedic
TreasurerLeia 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.
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 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.
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 new Executive Director for Advancement and Communications of Savannah Technical College. Robert was raised in a military family and had the privilege of growing up all over the world. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Secondary Education and History. He has spent his whole career in education. He started as a high school social studies teacher and then found his way to the nonprofit sector in Development at Junior Achievement of Georgia. He then made the move to higher education as the Director of Development at the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University.
Robert has lived in Effingham County for almost 20 years. He served as a school board member and on the boards of many nonprofits in the Coastal Empire. Robert is a graduate of Leadership Effingham, Leadership Southeast Georgia and is a member of the Savannah Downtown Rotary Club. His hobbies include just about anything outdoors, kayaking, swimming, biking and walking. A lifelong harmonica player, he plays in his church on Sundays. Robert and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Guyton with their five children.
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.
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 needing assistance with human resources, business development and community and governmental relations strategies. Cedric is the former Manager of Community Relations at Pinova, Inc., a subsidiary of DRT. Cedric managed all community relations and workforce training development activities for the business. Over the last 20 years at Pinova, Cedric has held various leadership positions ranging from human resources, logistics, operations, public-governmental relations, quality control, and safety and training development. He graduated from McIntosh County Academy (’90) and The University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina College (’95) with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Criminal Justice.
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, 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.
Previously, Cedric 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 selected to the prestigious Leadership Georgia Class of 2019. He has completed Leadership Programs in Glynn and McIntosh counties and the Class of 2018 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, 2013 and 2016 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). The family faithfully serves and attends Greater Works Than These Ministries in Brunswick, GA.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.