Executive Forum
This quarterly program facilitates an open dialogue between community leaders and those who make a difference in our state and region. Speakers come with expertise in a variety of areas including economic development, technology, business innovation, politics, and other areas of interest to the members. Each forum consists of a beer and wine networking reception, meal, and presentation, and the forums typically take place on Monday evenings.
2026 Speakers
September 28: Leading Through Change: Building a Resilient Business
We invite the campus and community to a special Executive Forum featuring Ms. Sara Murph, CFO of Parrish Construction. Join us for a candid discussion about how Parrish has navigated significant growth and organizational change while maintaining financial discipline, operational alignment, and a strong company culture. The conversation would reflect on the decisions, challenges, and lessons involved in adapting the business, developing leaders, and positioning the company for long-term success. Space is limited. Registration includes networking reception, dinner and presentation.
Secure your tickets here, for Monday, September 28th, 5:30 pm.
November 16: The Execution Gap: How Local Organizations Turn People, Relationships and Focus Into Better Results
We invite the campus and community to a special Executive Forum featuring Mr. Rusty Williams, Senior Director of Technology at Vaco. His discussion will focus on how many local organizations have committed people, strong relationships and deep community trust, but still face challenges producing consistent results as demands increase, teams stay lean and leaders are pulled in multiple directions. The evening will also discuss how leaders connect people, priorities, expectations, accountability and practical measurement to organizational performance. With an emphasis on the realities of local and regional organizations, where relationships matter, Rusty will discuss how people often wear multiple hats and how that follow-through directly affects customers, employees and the broader community.
Secure your tickets here, for Monday, November 16th, 5:30 pm.
Previous Presentations:
"Where Business Meets Innovation: Entrepreneurship in Middle Georgia"
Robert Grant, Executive Director of SparkMacon, Kara Lassiter, President & CEO of Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber, Rob Betzel, Entrepreneur and founding member of SparkMacon
This evening discussed ways to support, encourage, and create a community that is invested in entrepreneurship. Read the full story on Front Page.
"For the Love of Community: A Conversation on Economic Development"
Rebekah Snider, Visit Milledgeville; Trish Whitley, Visit Macon; Denise Brinson, City of Suwanee
This evening was filled with an inspiring conversation that focuses on how leaders drive growth by leaning into cultural pillars like art, music, and recreation. Read the full story on Front Page.
"Small Business Marketing Masterclass: Scalable Frameworks to Tailor to Your Business"
Lou Childs, Nick Goebel, and Lauren Goebel, Moderated by Dr. Mary Rickard
In this fireside-style chat, industry experts and academic leaders shared actionable strategies on how to level up small business. Featuring insights from Shark Tank entrepreneur Lou Childs, digital agency leaders Nick and Lauren Goebel, and marketing professor Dr. Mary Rickard, they led a great conversation on how to scale up the brands of small businesses. Read the full story on Front Page.
"High-Trust, High-Impact Leadership: Strategies that Work Under Any Pressure"
Kristina Turner, Deputy State Auditor, Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
Appointed in 2019 as Georgia’s first female Deputy State Auditor, GCSU alumna Kristina Turner brings over 25 years of experience driving innovation, financial oversight, and workplace culture at the Department of Audits and Accounts. She shared her experiences leading through COVID-19, and managing teams through a variety of circumstances. Read the full story on Front Page.
"From Blight to Bright: A Blueprint for Community Rejuvenation in Central Georgia"
Mike Ciabattoni, Managing Partner, CW Holdings LLC
CW Development Holdings was co-founded by Mike Ciabattoni to pursue the acquisition & development of a 22.5-acre parcel in downtown Macon, Georgia. Mike shared how he instantly saw the potential of a city that was experiencing a revival and saw a need for wholesome family entertainment, the low-cost basis and upward trend of downtown provided the motivation to acquire the property and begin phase 1 of this project; The Yard.