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MONTSERRAT GEORGIA SECRETARY OF STATE UNIVERSITY BRAD RAFFENSPERGER

CLASS OF 2020

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

MARCH • 20 • 2019

SEPTEMBER • 20 • 2019 Join the Conversation

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She Leads - Women's Investment and Financial Empowerment To our She Leads Attendees:

Welcome to a day that is sure to be full of empowerment and education. I am excited to share this tremendous summit with so many distinguished speakers and panelists.

I’d first like to thank the Investor Protection Trust and all of our distinguished sponsors. This day is a combined effort that would not have been possible without your endless support.

As Secretary of State, my office has many avenues to move Georgia forward and bring better futures to our state’s voters, business owners, and families; however, it is clear that financial literacy should be a top priority.

Building a better business climate – and making our state a cornerstone for economic development – starts at the individual level. That’s why my office is fully dedicated to partnering with Georgia’s communities and business-owners to offer every citizen free programs that will set the foundation for a lifetime of smart financial decisions and a better future for our state. Georgia has been named the number one state in which to do business for six years in a row, and with programs like She Leads, I know we can make it seven.

It is my hope that this event gives you the resources and know-how to take back to your businesses and communities and make progress toward your personal and professional goals. Women account for more than half of our state’s population and are becoming increasingly active stakeholders in our state’s economy, especially as new entrepreneurs and job-creators. It only makes sense to invest in the women who are steering the direction of Georgia’s future.

I encourage all of you to take advantage of this day and the connections, friendships, and relationships you build today. You should be proud of yourself for taking this step to invest in yourself, your communities, and your state – and I am honored to be a part of your journey.

Best,

You can keep up with Secretary Raffensperger on Twitter and Instagram at @GaSecofState, Facebook at GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and on Instagram at @GaSecofState Georgia Leads

Securities Charities Elections Corporations Professional Licensing

For six years in a row, Georgia has been named the number one state in which to do business. Home to the worlds' busiest airport, our beautiful state boasts a golden coastline and a magnificent mountain range.

Georgians can enjoy the fast-paced bustle of our quickly growing capitol, the rolling countryside and everything in between. No matter if you own a small business or a Fortune 500 company, Georgia has a place for you.

Find out where Georgia fits in your story at sos.ga.gov

Agenda

9:30 - 9:40 am Opening Remarks Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger

9:40 - 10:00 am Understanding your Relationship to Money N anette M. Blandin, President, The Nexus Institute

10:00 - 10:45 am Keynote Session: An Interview with Kerry Hannon, Author of "Money Confidence" Moderator: Haynes M. Studstill, Partner, Studstill Law Firm

10:45 - 11:00 am Break (please be back in your seats at 10:55)

11:30 - 12:15 pm Panel Discussion: Issues for Different Life Stages

M oderator: Kerry Hannon, Financial Educator and Author P anelists: Tina K Anderson, President, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Ann Baldree, Sr. Vice President, Chaparral Boats Eshonda Blue, CEO/Co-Founder, Innovative Senior Solutions Elena Carne, CEO/Founder/Designer, Tepuy Activewear

Kimberly Knight, Small Business Outreach Specialist, Georgia Department of Economic Development

12:15 - 1:00 pm L unch (provided by ABAC)

1:00 - 2:00 pm Panel Discussion: Building and Protecting Financial

Success M oderator: Kerry Hannon, Financial Educator and Author Panelists: Kristin M. Pugh, Senior Wealth Advisor, True Wealth, LLC Jodie R. Snow, CEO, ABAC Foundation Kate Sams, VP of Operations, Cherokee Brick and Tile

Gena Tyson, Owner, Dogwood Pharmacy

2:00 - 2:20 pm Individual Action Planning N anette M. Blandin, President, The Nexus Institute

2:20 - 2:30 pm Closing Remarks Georgia Deputy Secretary of State Jordan Fuchs

2:30 - 3:00 pm Networking

Speakers and Panelists

Tina K. Anderson Tina Anderson was appointed as President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in July 2013. She began her employment as a Director of the Career Resource Center at Middle Georgia College in 1995. She then moved on to become the Vice President of Student Services at Middle Georgia Technical College in 2000 and the Vice President of Instruction at Middle Georgia Technical College in 2001. In 2003, Dr. Anderson was named President of Moultrie Technical College. She served as Interim President at Valdosta Technical College in the Fall of 2007 and as Acting Assistant Commissioner for the Technical College System of Georgia, Office of Technical Education, in 2008.

She was a 2005 participant of the Leadership Georgia program and is also a graduate of the Leadership Warner Robins program. Dr. Anderson was named as a Georgia Trend Magazine “Top 40 Under 40” list honoree in 2004 and to the South Georgia Business Magazine’s list of the 25 Most Influential South Georgians in 2005.

Dr. Anderson received her Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from Georgia Southern University, a Masters of Science in Management, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia Southwestern State University.

She is married to husband Tony, Human Resources Director for the Brooks County School System.

Ann Baldree

Ann was born and raised in rural Nashville, Georgia. She is proud of her family roots and the strong work ethic of her parents which have guided her throughout her career. Ann attended Valdosta State University. She is the Senior Vice President of Chaparral and Robalo Boats which is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and is the largest single site boat builder in the world with 1,015 employees. For over 38 years, she has used her instinctive business acumen to help guide the company to the top of the marine industry with Chaparral and Robalo both holding #1 market share positions. She has exceptional people skills and is always looking for new and innovative ways to move the company forward.

Ann serves on the Berrien County Chamber Board of Directors. She is an advocate for the marine industry and sits on the Board of Directors for the National Marine Manufacturers Association. She attends the American Boating Congress annually in Washington, DC where she is heavily involved in all political initiatives affecting the marine industry on the local, state, and national levels while building relationships with Georgia Members of Congress.

Throughout Ann’s career, she has mentored women within the marine industry, her company and community. In 2008, Ann was awarded the coveted Darlene Briggs Marine Industry Woman of the Year. This award is presented annually to an outstanding woman who gives long and devoted service, untiring commitment, and exhibited the strengths to advance women in the marine industry. In 2015, Ann was the first woman in the marine industry to receive the national STEP (Science, Technology, and Production) award which was presented to her in a ceremony in Washington DC. Mentoring is a passion for Ann. Most recently, she has mentored a group of local college women as they work toward their personal, financial and career goals.

Nanette M. Blandin

Nanette M. Blandin is a leadership scholar and practitioner. As President of The Nexus Institute, she works globally with a wide variety of public and non-profit organizations to strengthen governance practices, enhance organizational effectiveness and develop exceptional leaders. Nanette’s professional b ackground spans all sectors. Previously, she was an Associate Principal with Isaacson, Miller where she led searches for leadership positions in universities, professional associations, foundations, and advocacy organizations. Earlier, she was Vice President for Executive Education at The Brookings, and held senior management positions in federal and state government.

She holds a doctoral degree in human and organizational studies from George Washington University, a masters degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelors degree in political science and French from the University of California, Davis. She has taught in masters and doctoral programs at George Washington University and American University and presented on leadership, executive education and public policy topics at many national and international conferences.

Eshonda Blue Eshonda Blue is the CEO and co-owner of Innovative Senior Solutions (ISS) which was established in 2007 and became the first licensed home care provider in Sumter County. ISS provides home and community-based care and services to seniors and disabled individuals who are at risk for nursing home placement. The goal is to maintain the client’s independence and safety in their homes and the community for as long as possible.

Through Blue’s dedication, ISS has gained an impeccable reputation providing the best home health care in the area. Innovative Senior Solutions has provided more than 500,000 hours in caregiving services. Since its conception, ISS has added more services such as Adult Day Health, Personal Care Home, and transportation services. ISS also provides CNA and PCA training. By 2016, ISS provided services in 19 counties.

Eshonda, a graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University, is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in long-term care and healthcare management. In addition, she is the co-founder of a non-profit organization, Caring 4 Seniors Foundation, with the mission of linking resources to keep seniors and individuals with disabilities in their homes through community based care and services. Other board memberships include the Americus Downtown Development Authority, Georgia Southwestern Foundation, Archway Partnership Executive Committee, and One Sumter. She also serves on the advisory boards of the South Georgia Technical College Marketing Department, Sumter Archway Partnership Leadership Development Work Group, Georgia Southwestern State University Nursing Program, and Georgia Southwestern State University Business School.

Blue is also involved in leadership programs such as the Georgia Mentor Protégé and Leadership Georgia. Eshonda’s hard work was recognized by Americus-Sumter Chamber of Commerce in 2011 when she was awarded the Small Business of the Year Award. In 2014, Innovative Senior Solutions received an honorable mention Rock Star Award from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA).

Eshonda exemplifies the qualities of leadership, professionalism, integrity, hard work, commitment, and compassion required to provide quality care. She sets the standard as the industry leader in Private Home Care Services and has personally committed a lifelong devotion to the care of the elderly. Blue strives to make a difference in not only the client’s lives, but in the families’ lives as well as the direct staff. Eshonda Blue is a true visionary and humanitarian.

Elena Carné Elena Carné is the owner and the heart of Tepuy Activewear - an inspirational, energetic and vibrant sportswear line that she passionately designs and handcrafts in Americus, Georgia. Elena is originally from Valencia, Venezuela. In 2003, she came to the United States as a political refugee. She moved to Miami where, in 2012, she proudly become in an American citizen. She is the mother of three beautiful girls. She obtained degrees in Fashion Design at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, a Business Administration and a bachelors degree in Supervision and Management at Miami Dade College. She graduated with highest honors holding a Magna Cum Laude in Fashion Design.

In 2016, Elena was named Favorite Emerging Designer at Atlanta Apparel 2016. Also in 2016, Tepuy was award Sumter County Small Business of the Year. And, more recently, Elena was one of 13 finalists at Belk’s Southern Designer Competition and was the very first finalist to present an activewear line.

Elena firmly believes that you must always be consistent with what you are doing and find the joy in it. Be proud of yourself and your work. Through determination, setting goals, God given talents and personal faith, Elena is fulfilling her dreams as the designer of Tepuy Activewear. Jordan Fuchs Jordan Fuchs serves as the Georgia Deputy Secretary of State. Her role includes overseeing the five divisions in the Secretary of State's office: Securities, Corporations, Professional Licensing, Elections, and Charities.

Jordan also served as Vice President of Landmark Communications, a consulting and public relations firm based in Alpharetta.

Prior to joining Landmark Communications, Jordan worked in Washington, D.C. in the Congress and U.S. Foreign Policy Program with the Council on Foreign Relations and on Capitol Hill in the office of U.S. Representative Rob Woodall.

Jordan earned an A.B.J. in Public Relations from the Henry Grady School of Journalism and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia.

Kerry Hannon Kerry Hannon is a nationally recognized expert and strategist on career transitions, personal finance and retirement. She is a frequent TV and radio commentator and is a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences across the country.

Kerry is the best-selling and award-winning author of a dozen books, including Great Jobs for Everyone 50+: Finding Work That Keeps You Happy and Healthy . . . And Pays the Bills, Love Your Job: The New Rules for Career Happiness, Getting the Job You Want after 50, What’s Next?: Finding Your Passion and Your Dream Job in Your Forties, Fifties, and Money Confidence: Really Smart Financial Moves for Newly Single Women. Kerry’s latest book, Never Too Old to Get Rich: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting a Business Mid-Life, will be published by John Wiley & Sons later this year.

She has spent more than two decades covering all aspects of careers, business and personal finance as a columnist, editor, and writer for the nation’s leading media companies, including The New York Times, Forbes, Money, U.S. News & World Report, and USA Today. Kerry’s work has also appeared in BusinessWeek, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, and The Wall Street Journal, among other national publications. She has appeared as a career and financial expert on The Dr. Phil Show ABC, CBS, CNBC, NBC Nightly News, NPR, and PBS.

Kerry graduated from Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she serves on the Board of Visitors. She received a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, where she is currently a member of an editorial board. Kerry lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, documentary producer and editor Cliff Hackel, and her Labrador Retriever, Zena. Kimberly Knight

Kimberly Knight is the Small Business Outreach Specialist for the State of Georgia’s Department of Economic Development. In this role, Kimberly assists small businesses and entrepreneurs by guiding them to state and partner resources to meet their business needs and objectives. An 18-year veteran of Georgia state government, Kimberly’s experience ranges from marketing and communications to research and business development.

Prior to joining state government, Kimberly worked in communications with TSYS in Columbus, Georgia. A graduate of Auburn University, Kimberly resides in Metro Atlanta, and serves on the boards of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project and Georgia PATENTS, and on the advisory council of the Access to Entrepreneurs’ Women’s Business Center. Kimberly is a native of Alabama, is married to Bobby Howard and mom to Evan. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing fiction and songs and supporting her Auburn Tigers.

Kristin Pugh Kristin M. Pugh, CFP® is one of the youngest female wealth advisors at TrueWealth Management – a nationally recognized wealth management firm in Atlanta, Georgia. She serves her clients with exceptional service centered around mindful goal-oriented planning and strives to help them meet and exceed their goals. Kristin is a leader in the firm and has been instrumental in the creation of a world-class training program, career path progression plan, and a professional development program.

After graduating from Florida State University in 2005, Kristin started with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. as a broker’s assistant and worked her way up to a Senior Financial Associate in two short years. In 2012, Kristin came to work for TrueWealth Management, achieved her CFP® designation in 2013, and now serves as a Senior Wealth Advisor. Outside of TrueWealth, Kristin is passionate about the financial education of those in her community. As Director of Community Outreach and Pro Bono Planning for the Georgia chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA)®, Kristin regularly organizes pro bono events and finds great joy in counseling Metro Atlanta and surrounding communities’ citizens on financial matters. In addition to this, Kristin has had the opportunity to work side-by-side with the CFP Board in the exam creation process.

In her spare time, you can find Kristin bargaining for deals at one of Georgia’s fantastic antique malls or taking a yoga class with her husband, Will, who is a certified yoga instructor

Kate Sams

Kate Sams was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. Kate is an alumnus of Mercer University, Mercer Law School and Harvard Business School. While Kate has excelled in all areas of life, there is nothing she loves more than being a mother to her 8-year-old daughter Hatsy. Joining the family business in 2011, this fifth-generation brick maker started out in the maintenance department to gain a firm handle on how the production process worked from beginning to end. In her current position, Vice President of Production, Kate oversees all of the production processes including scheduling, machine and equipment maintenance, formula creation, and day to day operations. In addition, Kate realized the need for branding and marketing for Cherokee Brick, both internally and externally. Kate is a vital part of the day to day efforts of both the marketing and safety departments, being a driving force behind their successes.

What Kate is known for is her level-headed approach to any situation, her open- door policy, and her loyalty to her employees.

Jodie Snow

Jodie Snow is the Chief Operating Officer of the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation, Inc. (ABAC Foundation). Snow is responsible for the oversight of the ABAC Foundation and its subsidiaries including investments, endowments and real estate. She also provides support and guidance for planned gifts to the Foundation. Snow has a faculty appointment in the Stafford School of Business where she has taught Legal and Regulatory Environment of Business. Additionally, Snow has served as the Judicial Hearing Officer for Title IX at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and currently holds the role of Title IX Investigator.

Prior to joining the ABAC Foundation, Jodie served as Assistant State Attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida in Tallahassee. She practiced in the areas of civil litigation, real estate and wills, trust and estates in South Florida for over four years before becoming a prosecutor. While practicing in South Florida, Snow served as the Vice-President of the Hendry-Glades Bar Association. Snow is admitted to practice law in Georgia, Florida and in the Middle District of Florida federal court. A Fitzgerald native, Snow received her Associate of Science degree from ABAC where she was named as the Outstanding Young Alumnus in 2011. Snow received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia and her Juris Doctorate and a Master of Business Administration from Stetson College of Law and Stetson University, respectively.

Jodie is an active member of the Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association, Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Agribusiness Council, and Georgia Education Advancement Council. She is on the board and serves as Treasurer of both the Tifton Judicial Circuit Shelter and the Innovation Fund Foundation. She is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and Leadership Georgia class of 2015.

She is married to Matt Snow and they have two beautiful children, Matthew (5) and Raylie Grace (18 months). Haynes Studstill

Haynes began her legal career in Atlanta at one of the largest law firms in the world, King & Spalding, LLP, before beginning the Studstill Firm, LLP, where she works alongside her father in law, Danny Studstill, and her husband, Justin Studstill.

Haynes has been active as the President of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers Valdosta Chapter, and as a Board Member for the Verdict magazine, Safe Kids Lowndes County, Museum of Arts & Sciences in Macon, Georgia, Vanderbilt University Peabody

College Alumni, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia Junior Board.

Haynes was born and raised in Rome, Georgia. She attended Darlington School and graduated high school from the Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana in 1994. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville in 1998. After several years in the journalism industry, Haynes attended Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, Georgia, where she finished in the top 7% of her graduating class and graduated magna cum laude. During law school, she was nominated to the role of Editor-in- Chief of the Mercer Law Review and clerked for the Honorable C. Ashley Royal in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. She has been named to Georgia Trend magazine’s “Legal Elite” as well as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine and a Super Lawyer in 2018. Haynes and her husband enjoy living on a horse farm in Lakeland, Georgia with their four children. Gena Tyson

Gena Tyson is a Retail Pharmacist and Business Owner. She has been a Pharmacist for 28 years with experience in Hospital, Nursing Home and Retail Pharmacy. Gena received a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy in 1991. She holds certificates in Compounding, Immunization and Medication Therapy Management.

After working for several large pharmacy chains and a few hospitals, Gena decided to open her own pharmacy in 2006. With no formal business education, Gena had to learn quickly and be consistent in order to be successful. Dogwood Pharmacy needed a bigger location with better visibility and parking, so Gena designed and built a new building. In 2011, Dogwood Pharmacy moved to its new location. Expansion became the next goal and, in 2017, Gena opened her second pharmacy in Tifton, Georgia.

Gena resides in Lenox, Georgia with her husband of 31 years, David Tyson. Gena has 3 children and 4 grandchildren and relies on each of them to help her run the pharmacies. Gena’s customers are important to her and she strives to take care of them each and every day.