Leadership That Builds Legacies: Celebrating Leigh McIntosh and Welcoming Courtney Grimm
Leadership transitions are defining moments for any organization.
They represent both the closing of one remarkable chapter and the beginning of another. When approached with intention, they don’t simply preserve an organization’s mission—they strengthen it for generations to come.
Creative Enterprises is experiencing exactly that kind of moment.
As of July 1, 2026, Courtney Grimm has been named CEO/ Executive Director, succeeding Leigh McIntosh after an extraordinary 45 years of leadership. It is a transition rooted not in change for the sake of change, but in stewardship, continuity, and a shared commitment to the individuals and families Creative Enterprises has faithfully served for more than half a century.
For 50 years, Creative Enterprises has empowered individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment, skill development, and community engagement across Gwinnett, Forsyth, Dawson, White, Franklin, and Barrow counties. The organization has become one of our region’s most respected nonprofit leaders by creating opportunities that promote independence, dignity, and inclusion.
Organizations with this kind of impact aren’t built overnight.
They are built through decades of trusted leadership, enduring community partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the mission.
Few people embody that more than Leigh McIntosh.
For 45 years, Leigh has helped shape not only Creative Enterprises, but also the countless lives impacted by its work. Her leadership has guided the organization through periods of growth, evolving community needs, expanded partnerships, and significant milestones—all while remaining steadfast in the mission of serving others.
Her legacy cannot simply be measured by years of service.
It is reflected in the culture she cultivated, the lives she influenced, and the strong foundation she leaves for those who follow.
That foundation now welcomes Courtney Grimm.
Having served Creative Enterprises for more than a decade, most recently as Site Director of the Gwinnett Campus, Courtney brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience, institutional knowledge, and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and servant leadership while building meaningful relationships with the individuals, families, staff, and community partners who make Creative Enterprises so special.
Rather than beginning a new story, Courtney has the opportunity to build upon one that has already been written with excellence—guiding the organization into its next chapter while honoring the legacy that made it possible.
As Courtney shared,
“Becoming CEO is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with great enthusiasm.
The opportunity to build on the strong foundation that’s already in place is both humbling and incredibly exciting. As we look to the future, my focus is on supporting our individuals, encouraging new ideas, and leading with purpose and integrity. I believe that when we invest in each other and stay true to our values, we’ll continue to strengthen our impact together.”
Over the past several years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Creative Enterprises through podcasting, storytelling, strategic communications, and community engagement initiatives. During that time, we’ve come to appreciate that the organization’s greatest strength extends far beyond its programs.
Its greatest strength is its SPECIAL people.
That culture of compassion, collaboration, and service doesn’t happen by chance. It is intentionally cultivated by leaders who understand that investing in people is the most meaningful investment an organization can make.
Leadership succession is often viewed as the end of an era.
The healthiest organizations remind us that it is actually one of leadership’s greatest accomplishments.
It means the mission has become larger than any one individual. It means wisdom has been shared, future leaders have been developed, and the organization is well-positioned not only to continue—but to flourish.
Creative Enterprises enters this next chapter with deep gratitude for Leigh McIntosh’s extraordinary legacy and genuine excitement for Courtney Grimm’s leadership. Together, their stories represent something every nonprofit should aspire to achieve: a seamless transition built on trust, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Congratulations to Courtney Grimm on this well-deserved appointment, and heartfelt congratulations to Leigh McIntosh for 45 remarkable years of leadership, service, and lasting impact. The Creative Enterprises family—and our community—is stronger because of both of you!!!
Learn more about how you can support Creative Enterprises –> HERE
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Connect with Courtney Grimm
Creative Partner: Amanda Pearch
Amanda Pearch is a strategic communications advisor, broadcaster, and founder of Studio AP, where strategic communications meets authentic storytelling. Through curated features, podcast production, and original editorial content, she helps leaders, organizations and communities amplify their message by sharing stories of human impact and celebrating the people making a lasting difference.
Whether partnering with nonprofit leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, or community changemakers, Amanda is committed to producing meaningful conversations and compelling content that informs, inspires, and strengthens strategic visibility.
To learn more, explore recent work, or connect with Amanda, visit AmandaPearch.com.
