400 Insider Archives - Business RadioX ®

A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

November 15, 2022 by John Ray

All Things Fulton County Schools with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

North Fulton Studio

A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

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A Fulton County Schools Update, with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 81)

Fulton County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Mike Looney joined host Kali Boatright to discuss school safety, redistricting changes, retaining and recruiting teachers, changes to the school board, preparing students for the future, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Fulton County Schools

Fulton County Schools is the fourth largest school system in Georgia with nearly 11,000 full- and part-time employees, and nearly 7,000 teachers and other certified personnel spread out throughout the county. These incredible individuals support nearly 90,000 students this year who are attending classes in 59 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 19 high schools, 10 start-up charter organizations, and 1 full-time virtual school.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent, Fulton County Schools

Dr. Mike Looney has served as the Superintendent for the Fulton County School District (FCS) in Georgia since June 2019. In the middle of his first year on the job, he became the first school leader in the state to be faced with reacting to the unknown – a confirmed, positive case of COVID-19. He immediately jumped into action, calling upon his 28 years as an educator, 15 years of previous experience as a school superintendent in Tennessee and Alabama, as a retired marine, father and community leader to guide the district through two years of COVID-19 protocols and safety measures, all while maintaining a focus on the mission of educating students.

Despite the pandemic, his goals remained consistent. He continued with a focused set of key priorities including dropout prevention, literacy for all, CTAE expansion, STEAM programs, middle school reform, leadership development, and solid financial management. He also led the development of the Bridge to Success plan, the district’s three-year comprehensive strategy and transformational investment to help students recover from learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure student achievement, growth and success.

As the superintendent of the AAA-rated school district, Looney is passionate about ensuring academic excellence and paving the way to post-graduate success for the district’s more than 89,000 students who attend 108 schools. He is deeply committed to the school board’s mission to educate every student to be a responsible, productive citizen.

Beginning his educational career as a substitute teacher, while working on an MBA, Looney rose to becoming an award-winning national speaker on education, including being named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year in 2015. Dr. Looney received his Educational Specialist degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama and his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and master’s degree in Education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama.

Looney currently serves as a member of the Governor’s Advisory Board, Board of Directors for the Development Authority of Fulton County, Board of Directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and a member at North Point Community Church.

Looney is the proud father of four adult children, grandfather of two, and husband to Jennifer Looney. A successful business owner and professional skydiver, he recently added becoming a trained Wing Walker to his list of accomplishments.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events such as this North Fulton Mayors Appreciation Lunch, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Electric Vehicles in Georgia, with Frank Morris, Clean Cities Georgia

November 1, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Electric Vehicles in Georgia, with Frank Morris, Clean Cities Georgia

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Electric Vehicles in Georgia with Frank Morris, Clean Cities Georgia (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 80)

Frank Morris, Executive Director of Clean Cities Georgia, joined host Kali Boatright to discuss the growth of electric vehicles and their increasing adoption in the state of Georgia. Frank shared his own long-time experience with EVs, tax breaks for EV purchasers, infrastructure to support EVs, and much more.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Clean Cities Georgia

The Clean Cities Program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and focuses on strategies to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.

There are nearly 100 Clean Cities Coalitions across the country and Clean Cities–Georgia holds the distinction of being the first coalition. DOE officially designated the coalition in 1993.

Clean Cities–Georgia (a program under Partnership for Clean Transportation, a 501(C)3 nonprofit) is the central coordinating point for alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) activities in the state of Georgia. Our shared mission with the national Clean Cities Program is to:

Advance the energy, economic, and environmental security of the United States by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum use in transportation.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Frank Morris, Executive Director, Clean Cities Georgia

Frank retired from UPS as Vice President Corporate Public Affairs managing the State, City, and Municipal Government relations for UPS in the Southeast, including Georgia, and established himself as an effective lobbyist, protecting and advancing the interests of a Fortune 500 Corporation. He has been asked to speak on transportation issues on behalf of UPS throughout the Southeast focusing on congestion and curbside access issues and the challenges of providing excellent delivery service while supporting the efforts of cities to improve congestion on surface roads.

Frank has extensive experience working with outside stakeholders, having served as a board member of the State Trucking Associations in several states as well as a board member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Sandy Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Charter School Association, and the Georgia Transportation Alliance.

Since retiring from UPS after 35 years of service, Frank has established a government affairs consulting firm representing the Georgia Charter Schools Association, UPS, and other clients.

Frank has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Frank and his wife Debbie, reside in Milton, Georgia. They have three adult children.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

The GNFCC 2022 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners: Leslie Day-Harrell, Jackson Healthcare, Melody Swilling, Swilling Family Law, and Valarie Mackey, WrightNow Solutions

March 30, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

The GNFCC 2022 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners: Leslie Day-Harrell, Jackson Healthcare, Melody Swilling, Swilling Family Law, and Valarie Mackey, WrightNow Solutions

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The GNFCC 2022 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners: Leslie Day-Harrell, Jackson Healthcare, Melody Swilling, Swilling Family Law, and Valarie Mackey, WrightNow Solutions (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 73)

This episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider celebrates three recipients of the GNFCC 2022 Women INfluencing Business Awards. Leslie Day-Harrell with Jackson Healthcare is the 2022 Business Woman of Excellence Large Business Award Winner. Joining her were Melody Swilling of Swilling Family Law, who was the Rising Star Award Winner, and Valarie Mackie of WrightNow Solutions who was awarded the 2022 Business Woman of Excellence Small Business Award. They each talked about their path to their chosen fields, some of the challenges they encountered, the ways they give back, lessons they would pass along, and much more. Congratulations to these Women INfluencing Business award winners! The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

2022 Business Woman of Excellence | Large Business

Leslie Day-Harrell, Executive Vice President, Associate Experience, and Head of Corporate Real Estate, 2

Leslie Day-Harrell, Executive Vice President, Associate Experience, and Head of Corporate Real Estate, Jackson HealthcareLeslie works with associates to develop an overarching strategy created to help ensure positive employment experiences, including career and personal growth, physical, emotional, and financial health, and spiritual and social wellbeing. She also works to advance the company’s ongoing commitment to serve others including the company’s Fostering Holiday Hope initiative for North Fulton foster children and work with LoveLifts Village, providing co-working space for 15 local non-profit organizations at a reduced cost.

Leslie also serves in the North Fulton community through board positions on Sunshine on a Ranney Day, YMCA and after school programs.

Jackson Healthcare is a family of highly specialized healthcare staffing, search, and technology companies. With $1.4 billion in annual revenue, Jackson Healthcare is Atlanta’s 10th largest privately held company and is the third-largest healthcare staffing company in the country.

Company website | LinkedIn

2022 Rising Star Award Winner

Melody Swilling, Owner and Founder, Swilling Family Law

On top of growing her child-centered family law practice, mentoring a first-year associate and a third-year legal intern, Melody volunteers with Meals by Grace and iCanShine, where each summer she helps children with special needs learn to ride bicycles. In addition, she has worked with the State Legislature behind the scenes to discuss drafts of legislation and the implications of drafted legislation – including the landmark Equitable Caregiver Statute.

At Swilling Family Law, you have a partner who has the knowledge, judgment, and experience to help you overcome life’s most trying times so that you can reach your life’s most important goals – in the most expedient, prudent, and painless way possible.

Company website | LinkedIn

2022 Business Woman of Excellence| Small Business

Valarie Mackey, CEO, WrightNow Solutions

Valarie left a successful career to start WrightNow Solutions where she could dedicate her efforts to pushing the needle in providing education and tools needed for everyone to have equitable opportunities. By orchestrating technology credentialing programs, she has helped take people out of generational poverty and provided opportunities for them to change the trajectory of their families by doubling and tripling their salaries in four months.

After graduating with various co-op and internships, Valarie started her career in management consulting with Ernst & Young, went to a smaller consulting firm, and then progressed to The Coca-Cola Company. She started out as an engineer, however, made a transition to Information Technology. While in Technology she had responsibility for large global portfolios and had overarching accountability for technology solutions to enable business success.

Valarie built her career in a variety of roles including strategic planning and execution, program management and delivery, business development, customer service and retention, vendor and supplier management, employee development and engagement, organization optimization, and community outreach.

WrightNow Solutions was created in part to help underrepresented populations launch successful careers by providing Life and Career Readiness training, thus preparing them for, and bridging the gap to, companies that need entry-level talent. Because the entire talent lifecycle is critical, they have curricula and programs that place a keen focus on helping people thrive and excel in their career from entry-level to executive level.

Company website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini and 2022 Chair James Holmes

December 16, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini and 2022 Chair James Holmes

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GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini and 2022 Chair James Holmes (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 70)

Lindsey Petrini, 2021 Chair, and James Holmes, 2022 Chair, joined host Kali Boatright to reflect on GNFCC’s accomplishments and challenges of 2021, to look ahead to 2022, including the move to Avalon, and much more. The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Lindsey Petrini, 2021 GNFCC Chair, and Chief Operating Officer, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

Lindsey Petrini is the Chief Operating Officer of WellStar North Fulton Hospital. WellStar North Fulton Hospital is a 202-bed facility located in Roswell, Georgia.

The hospital is recognized for its accredited cancer program, trauma and primary stroke center designations, and for providing a continuum of services through its centers and programs, including neurosciences, pain management, cardiology, women’s services, rehabilitation, surgical services, and oncology. For more information click here.

Company website | LinkedIn

James Holmes, 2022 GNFCC Chair and SVP & North Fulton Market President, Truist

**James Holmes, 2022 GNFCC Chair and SVP & North Fulton Market President at Truist**

James Holmes serves as the Market President for Northeast Atlanta encompassing Gwinnett, North Fulton & Forsyth Counties. James is responsible for overseeing the commercial banking team and integration of all other lines of business such as Wealth Management, Institutional Services, Insurance, Retail, & Capital Markets into the Northeast Atlanta Commercial Banking Group.

His focus is helping privately held corporations and non-profits with annual revenues of $5,000,000 – $75,000,000; by aiding them in areas of Capital Formation, Payment Solutions, and Risk Management. James is experienced in real estate transactions, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and leveraged financing transactions.

BB&T and SunTrust formed Truist with a shared purpose—to inspire and build better lives and communities. With our combined resources, collective passion, and commitment to innovation, we’re creating a better financial experience to help people and businesses achieve more. With 275 years of combined BB&T and SunTrust history,

Truist serves approximately 12 million households with leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country. The company offers a wide range of services including retail, small business and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending; and wealth management.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is the sixth-largest commercial bank in the U.S.

Company website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on GNFCC events, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

The GNFCC 2021 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners

November 18, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

The GNFCC 2021 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners

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The GNFCC 2021 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners: Linda Coyle, LGE Community Credit Union, Amy Bell, Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, and Holly Ranney, Sunshine on a Ranney Day (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 69)

This episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider celebrates three recipients of the GNFCC 2021 Women INfluencing Business Awards. Linda Coyle of LGE Community Credit Union is the 2021 Business Woman of Excellence Award Winner. Linda was joined by Amy Bell with Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, who was the Rising Star Award Winner, and Holly Ranney, Sunshine on a Ranney Day, who was awarded the Nonprofit Woman of Excellence Award. They each shared with host Kali Boatright a bit about their journey, how they encourage other women, lessons they’ve learned along the way, and much more. Congratulations to these Women INfluencing Business award winners! The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

2021 Business Woman of Excellence Award Winner

Linda Coyle, Business Development Officer, LGE Community Credit Union

After beginning her career in teaching, Linda decided to leave teaching and get into the business world. She met an LGE employee at a networking event and that led to her position in Business Development at LGE Community Credit Union.

In 1951, seven Lockheed Georgia employees dreamed of a better way to bank and LGE Community Credit Union was born.

Today they serve communities in Northwest Georgia as a not-for-profit financial institution. Unlike a bank, whose profits go to its shareholders, its profits go to its members in the form of better rates and lower fees. They are guided by a strong commitment to providing a better financial future for their members.

They are a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution with a strong commitment to the local community. LGE is governed by a volunteer board of directors who are also members of the credit union.

Company website | LinkedIn

2021 Rising Star Award Winner

Amy Bell, Vice Present, Georgia Architecture, Goodwyn Mills & Cawood

**Amy Bell, Vice Present, Georgia Architecture for Goodwyn Mills & Cawood**

Over the years, architect Amy Bell has contributed numerous award-winning designs to GMC’s education design portfolio, in addition to managing complex commercial and municipal projects throughout the Southeast. Her leadership in Alabama led her to transfer to Atlanta, where she now leads our Georgia architecture team. Most importantly, Amy has developed a reputation for delivering the highest quality service and design leadership to her clients by maintaining involvement in every phase of their project to fully achieve their vision.

She plays a key role in the architectural division, however, her influence spans throughout the company through leadership of several firm-wide initiatives, committees and community outreach programs. While at Auburn University, Amy was selected to participate in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture’s Rural Studio-an off-campus design-build program that provides architecture students a hands-on educational experience while assisting an underserved population in West Alabama’s Black Belt region-and to study under program co-founder Samuel Mockbee.

It was during this time, while restoring an old, burned-out schoolhouse, that she developed a strong passion for educational design that has greatly influenced her professional design philosophy.

Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is one of the largest architecture and engineering firms in the Southeast, with offices located throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Whether designing schools, parks, hospitals and other commercial developments or providing clean water, safe streets and restoring resilient environments, GMC takes great pride in serving our communities through the transformative work we do.

Every project is guided by the foundational concept that communities are built by people, not companies, and we strive to serve our communities with quality, integrity, creativity and care. One of the Southeast’s most comprehensive multi-disciplined firms, GMC is equipped to provide all the services associated with architecture, interior design, civil engineering, environmental services, landscape architecture, planning, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, electrical engineering, surveying and disaster recovery.

Company website | LinkedIn

2021 Nonprofit Woman of Excellence Award

Holly Ranney, President and Co-Founder, Sunshine on a Ranney Day

In 2012, inspired by a church sermon, Peter and Holly Ranney found their calling to use their God-given talents and resources to help others. Sunshine on a Ranney Day was created with the idea that every child should have their own unique space. Sunshine on a Ranney Day’s first makeover was completed for 11-year-old Mathew, who wanted to spend his last days in his military-themed bunker bedroom. Mathew’s makeover and passing showed how impactful a makeover could be on a child’s life. This experience helped shape Sunshine on a Ranney Day into what it is today.

Continuing to use their networks and resources, in 2020 the Sunny & Ranney Home Furnishings & Decor store opened in Roswell, GA. Sunny & Ranney carries donated excess stock, samples, and discontinued furniture and decor from wholesalers, retailers, designers, and market showrooms. All of the profits from the sales go toward funding Sunshine on a Ranney Day’s mission and our plan to expand to further areas.

Sunshine on a Ranney Day is a nonprofit organization that reimagines and builds custom rooms for children with special needs. Through partnerships and donors, we provide no-cost wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, dream bedrooms, and in-home therapy rooms.

Company website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.