Maria Walden-Sullivan Archives - Business RadioX ®

Nesha Mason, The Drake House

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Nesha Mason, The Drake House

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Nesha Mason, The Drake House (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 9)

Nesha Mason, President of The Drake House, joined this episode of the Good2Give Podcast. The Drake House is a nonprofit operating in North Fulton, focusing on assisting single mothers and their families who face homelessness. Hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy interviewed Nesha on the history of the Drake House, its programs, and the impact it has had on the community. Founded following a realization of the homelessness crisis affecting single mothers in North Fulton, the Drake House provides emergency and transitional housing, financial literacy, and community support to empower single mothers towards independence. The organization has evolved to offer comprehensive support, including a fresh market and a professional women’s career network. The conversation covered volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and how the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia supports the Drake House through partnerships, funding, and resources, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing homelessness and financial vulnerability among single mothers and their children.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House

Nesha Mason is a dedicated leader with a rich and diverse background in education, operations management, and community engagement. With experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, Nesha has consistently demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Her passion for community service and helping others has led her to roles in public service, education and nonprofit leadership. Mason served as the first female African American Mayor of Abilene, Kansas. In this role, she focused her efforts on planned growth and government transparency for residents. Mason chose not to seek reelection, opting to pursue alternative certification to be a K–12 educator. After serving as a teacher at Haynes Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta, Mason served as Executive Director of a state-wide educational foundation connecting high school students to the hospitality industry.

In her current role as President of The Drake House, Nesha Mason combines her leadership skills, educational expertise, and commitment to community welfare to lead and support initiatives that empower families and create lasting positive change.

Under Nesha’s direction, The Drake House has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its programming. Her strategic insight and commitment to holistic support have propelled the organization from providing shelter to a two-generational approach to overcoming homelessness and financial vulnerability. This shift has been pivotal in ensuring that families not only find housing but also receive comprehensive resources to transition towards independence and stability.

In her personal life, Nesha has been married for 23 years and is the proud parent of five adult sons. Nesha and her husband currently reside in Roswell, Georgia, where they continue to be actively involved in their community.

The Drake House

The Drake House is a 501(c)3 organization that works to respond to the growing number of women and children experiencing homelessness in North Fulton. They involve members of our community in the effort to keep single mothers and their children united under one roof as they work toward self-sufficiency.

The Drake House helps women with children overcome the circumstances of homelessness with dignity while keeping their families intact. In response to the changes in our post-COVID world, The Drake House has adapted its programming to help the families we serve acquire housing and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Graduates of their program work, pay taxes, rent apartments, purchase groceries, attend faith-based organizations, and hopefully, one day, become homeowners. They are equipped to be good employees, tenants, and neighbors. When given the opportunity, some even use their story to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and take advantage of all the services The Drake House has to offer them. As they continue their work to improve their program and campus, The Drake House does so with the expectation that the results will lead to more graduates, more resilient children and teens, and ultimately, a stronger community.

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Topics Discussed in This Interview

00:00 Welcome to the Good2Give Podcast
00:36 Introducing Nisha Mason from The Drake House
01:57 The Drake House: A Beacon of Hope for Single Mothers
03:21 Expanding Support: From Emergency Housing to Financial Literacy
10:39 The Importance of Community and Sponsorship
22:12 Volunteering, Funding, and How to Get Involved
30:08 Upcoming Events and How to Support The Drake House
33:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church

January 18, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church

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Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 8)

On this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, Maria Walden-Sullivan and DePriest Waddy welcomed guest Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church in Alpharetta. Their discussion revolved around how their organizations actively engage in their respective communities, assist nonprofits, and encourage philanthropy. Ameera shared the mission of Intersect, its global reach, and their “Be Rich” campaign, which endeavors to raise funds and generate service opportunities. Maria, DePriest, and Ameera also discussed mentorship programs, the importance of community engagement, fostering a culture of generosity and service, and how both organizations work towards making a positive difference in the world.

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church

Ameera Joe is the Intersect Director at North Point Community Church.

At North Point Community Church, they know life doesn’t come with instructions. They know you want to get it right. They want to help.

They’ve been helping people navigate the complexities of relationships, parenting, finances, and faith for more than 25 years.

Start by joining them this Sunday in person or online, connecting with them to obtain useful resources for your life, and/or connecting with others by joining a group.

Don’t settle for just good enough. They’d love to help you find the purpose and the life-giving relationships you were made for.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Introducing the Guest and Their Role

01:08 Discussing the Role of North Point Community Church

02:37 Sharing Personal Experiences and Stories

03:42 Discussing the Importance of Community and Inclusion

05:20 Exploring the Outreach and Impact of North Point Community Church

09:58 Discussing the Mentoring Program in Schools

16:36 Comparing the Work of North Point Community Church and the Community Foundation for NE Georgia

19:06 The Importance of Vetting Nonprofits

20:23 The Role of Trust in Philanthropy

22:18 Protecting Nonprofits in Crisis Situations

23:58 Educating the Community on Donor Advised Funds

25:15 Providing Resources to Nonprofits

27:27 The Importance of Connecting For-Profit and Nonprofit Sectors

31:01 The Be Rich Campaign: Rich in Good Deeds

33:57 Creating a Mindset of Service from a Young Age

36:01 The Power of Collaboration in Philanthropy

37:54 Closing Thoughts: The Impact of Philanthropy

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

December 22, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

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Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 7)

On this episode of Good2Give, Maria Walden-Sullivan and co-host DePriest Waddy, both from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, discussed the critical work of the Foster Care Support Foundation with its founder, Rachel Ewald. The organization, operating out of Roswell, Georgia, provides essentials like clothing, toys, and infant equipment to foster care children and those who care for them, filling a significant gap in resources. Rachel shared the struggle of grandparents who unexpectedly become caregivers, the need for community involvement, the difficulties of fundraising, and volunteer opportunities. Maria and DePriest also touched on the wider role the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia plays in shaping philanthropic journeys.

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

Rachel Ewald is the Founder and Executive Director for the Foster Care Support Foundation.

Foster Care Support Foundation serves a vital and growing need throughout Georgia by providing free clothing, infant equipment, and developmental toys to thousands of children in foster and relative care.

They serve basic-care (costs reimbursed $0 to base per diem) foster children residing in Georgia’s foster homes, administered by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and children housed by private agencies.

They also serve abandoned, court-placed, and DFCS-placed grandparents raising grandchildren and parents caring for relative’s children for a limited time. About 75% of the 4500 children served are now raised by grandparents without the biological parents’ involvement due to drugs, abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Most of the relative caregivers receive no stipend to help raise the children.

They partner with Georgia’s DFCS for child referral and verification, along with Kinship Care, school counselors, and faith-based organizations.

Foster Care Support Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, public charity organization.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | YouTube

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Rachel Ewald

00:44 Introducing the Foster Care Support Foundation

01:54 The Challenges of Foster Care

03:27 The Impact of Foster Care on Children

04:17 The Role of Foster Parents and Relatives

06:12 The Financial Struggles of Foster Care

08:37 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Christmas Initiative

17:28 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Year-Round Program

18:37 The Challenges of Running the Foster Care Support Foundation

25:17 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Resale Shop

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Getting IT Done: Turning Strategy into Execution, with Chris McChesney, FranklinCovey, and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia

October 25, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Getting IT Done: Turning Strategy into Execution, with Chris McChesney, FranklinCovey, and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 711)

Chris McChesney, author of discuss the Foundation’s upcoming workshop, “Getting IT Done: Turning Strategy into Execution,” which Chris will be leading. They talked about the challenges of execution and how to overcome them, particularly in the nonprofit sector. They also touched on the impact of the pandemic on execution and the importance of creating systems and accountability.

Chris provided a high-level overview of the four disciplines of execution, what participants can expect at the workshop, and much more. The workshop will be held on November 1, 2023, at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta. To learn more and to register, follow this link.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Chris McChesney, Author of

Chris is a best-selling author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution®, the world’s most popular book on Strategy Execution.

For over 20 years, Chris’s practice has helped thousands of organizations improve their execution. Chris has a single focus: helping organizations get results through predictable execution.

Chris has been the Global Practice Leader of Execution for Franklin Covey for 20 years. Chris’s team of 4DX consultants has worked with 4,000+ organizations around the world. He has spoken in 22 countries on six continents. He’s personally led many of the most noted implementations of 4DX and is one of the highest-rated speakers for the Global Leadership Summit.

Chris and his wife Constance live in Atlanta, Georgia. They are the proud parents of five daughters, two sons, and one grandson. Chris’s downtime is divided between his passion for waterskiing and windshield talks with his kids.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving our world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals expand far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

**Maria Walden-Sullivan, Director of Development, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia**

Caring for her community is at the heart of everything Maria does. She was born in the oldest city in America (St. Augustine) and has been a proud Atlantan for the past 25 years. Maria is passionate about making a difference in her own backyard and inspiring others to do the same.

As our Director of Development, Maria is leading the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia into a whole new territory. Through her role, we are now able to expand into and impact North Fulton and Forsyth. She has a passion for nonprofits and is highly skilled in donor relations, major gifts, volunteer management, grant writing, and capital campaign management.

Maria is a trainer and facilitator for leadership development, strategic planning, and capacity building. With almost a decade of experience at the world’s most trusted leadership company, Franklin Covey, Maria has been certified in over a dozen leadership courses. She has also served as an ad hoc faculty member for the Georgia Center for Nonprofits since 2019.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Introduction to Chris and his book
The event sponsored by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and featuring Chris McChesney
The challenges of execution and achieving goals
The impact of the pandemic on execution and dealing with uncertainty
Importance of systems and clarity in goal-setting
Details about the event on November 1st

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Since 2000, Office Angels® has been restoring joy to the life of small business owners, enabling them to focus on what they do best. At the same time, we honor and support at-home experts who wish to continue working on an as-needed basis. Not a temp firm or a placement service, Office Angels matches a business owner’s support needs with Angels who have the talent and experience necessary to handle work that is essential to creating and maintaining a successful small business. Need help with administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, presentations, workshops, speaking engagements, and more? Visit us at https://officeangels.us/.

Marissa Greider, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD

October 24, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Marissa Greider, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD

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Marissa Greider, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 5)

Marissa Greider, Senior Director of Philanthropy at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and Elizabeth Burdette, Director of Giving at Signature FD, joined this episode of the Good2Give Podcast with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden Sullivan. Marissa shared the mission of Ronald McDonald House in providing support for families with sick children, their partnership in philanthropy, upcoming fundraising events, Handbag Hullabaloo, end-of-year giving, and much more. Elizabeth discussed SignatureFD’s unique strategy of helping families not only grow and manage wealth but also build their “Net Worthwhile” by giving to causes they care about.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since 1979, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities has been keeping families close when it matters most. ARMHC has hosted thousands of families as they care for a child who is receiving treatment for illness or injury. In a time of anxious uncertainty, ARMHC offers a comfortable place to call home in close proximity to their child’s care facility.

Guided by the belief that all children deserve access to quality pediatric healthcare, AThe mission of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities is to transform pediatric healthcare access and experiences for families with ill, injured or recovering children through a network of Houses, Family Rooms, Care Mobiles, and community resources. ARMHC ensures equitable access to life-saving medical care. ARMHC’s commitment to family-centered care is validated by research which demonstrates that supporting the family results in better outcomes for the family and their child.

Since its beginning, Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses have served more than 50,000 families with ill and injured children receiving medical care nearby. Their Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child.

Learn more about Handbag Hullabaloo 2023 here.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Marissa Greider, Senior Director of Philanthropy, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

Marissa Greider, MA, FCEP, is a dedicated non-profit executive with more than two decades of connecting passion with purpose to advance the greater good in the Atlanta community through education, the arts, and human services. She currently serves as Senior Director of Philanthropy and Campaign Director for Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, where she has worked since 2014.

Marissa’s non-profit leadership experience spans development, marketing, communications, and volunteer management, with expertise in strategic planning and developing and implementing successful fundraising initiatives, including three major capital campaigns. Prior to her tenure at Atlanta RMHC, Marissa worked at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History for 14 years.

Marissa received her Bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and her Master’s degree from the University of Georgia, and she is a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning. She resides in Atlanta with her husband and two daughters.

SignatureFD

At SignatureFD, they believe people want to use their wealth to do something worthwhile—for themselves, those they love, and their community. Through integrated wealth management services, their professionals help clients create a financial design for life that enables them to protect, grow, give, and live their wealth, ultimately transforming their net worth into NET WORTHWHILE™. Our highly capable, collaborative, caring, and coordinated team of investment, financial planning, and tax experts is committed to proactively helping clients take control of their financial lives and achieve their goals. SignatureFD has 80+ passionate professionals who manage over $4 billion and has had a client retention rate of 97% since opening its doors in 1997.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook

Elizabeth Burdette, Director of Giving, SignatureFD

Believing that everyone has the ability to create meaningful change in their communities, Elizabeth Burdette helps guide individuals and families looking for ways to give back by providing resources and advice to empower their decision-making. She is a dedicated partner in creating personalized strategies to help clients reach their generosity goals and maximize the impact of their gifts.

An award-winning speaker and published author, Elizabeth has a unique skill set in fundraising, donor relations and engagement, program management, strategic communications, grant writing, and event design. Prior to joining SignatureFD in 2019, Elizabeth was the Director of Donor Relations at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta and a Fellow at the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation.

She also practiced law in both Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, specializing in business litigation in state and federal courts. She received her law degree from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree in American History and Spanish from Washington and Lee University. Elizabeth serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics of Georgia, and also on the Board of Plywood People.

Additionally, Elizabeth is the Co-Chair of the Impact Committee of ADISA (Alternative and Direct Investment Securities Association). She is a member of the Association of Donor Relations and the State Bars of Georgia and Texas, and holds a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation.

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. The hosts of the show are DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan, and the show series is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Emory Morsberger, Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, Nvestfit

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Emory Morsberger, Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, Nvestfit

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Emory Morsberger, Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, Nvestfit (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 4)

Emory Morsberger, Founder of Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, President at Nvestfit, were the guests on this edition of the Good2Give Podcast. Emory Morsberger discussed his work and that of others to provide needed medical supplies and other goods to the people of Ukraine. He shared a compelling vision given to him and the invitation to deliver supplies. Emory also shared how Helping Ukraine has provided portable incubators, surgical tools, medical supplies, blankets, generators, support for orphanages, and Hope Centers for those left homeless by the destruction. Samuel Richmond discussed the benefits of philanthropic giving, the advantages of donor-advised funds, and more.

Helping Ukraine

Helping Ukraine is a 501(c)3 designed to raise funds for medical supplies and other goods for the people of Ukraine.

The growing concern for the people of Ukraine has never been more evident than in the months since the February 24th bombing. Stimulated by Dr. Olha Paliychuk, Ukraine, her call for medical supplies, became a call heard around the world. Through individuals who reached out to one another from Ukraine to the US, a mission began sending medical supplies, ready to eat food and even cots for shelters bound for Ukraine. Rotarian Emory Morsberger of Atlanta, Georgia played a personal role by escorting expensive Stryker Drill Sets to hospitals in Ukraine in his own luggage.

Emory Morsberger founded Helping Ukraine, and joined Ken Ward and his team for a humanitarian mission to deliver stoves, generators, blankets, clothes, food and medical supplies to those along the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

Website | Facebook | Instagram| YouTube

Emory Morsberger, Founder, Helping Ukraine

In 1991 Emory Morsberger, CEO of the Morsberger Group, founded Avalon homes, a strip of 350 town homes, and spearheaded the Highway 78 project to improve the declining conditions of the area. He became active in organizations, such as the Highway 78 Community Improvement District board, the Gwinnett County Revitalization Task Force, and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce board, which promoted the success of Gwinnett County.

His trademark “Progress Coming” signs began to appear in the windows of empty buildings that lined the seemingly abandoned Lawrenceville City Square and the Morsberger Group was created. As an extension of his development firm Morsberger created Lawrenceville Properties. Stripping down the Square’s century old buildings to their original brick and wood floors, the Morsberger Group transformed the Lawrenceville Square into a bustling destination for fine dining, shopping, and entertainment.

As a longtime Rotarian and Atlanta businessman, Emory was moved to service after seeing images, media coverage and hearing stories of the needs of the Ukrainian people. Through his connections, he was able to help elevate an effort that had begun with local Rotary clubs to send surgical and medical supplies, food and other goods.

In June 2022, Emory traveled to Ukraine and hand-delivered much needed supplies and also deepened my connections with Rotary Clubs throughout the country. Upon his return in July, he was moved to do more and launched Helping Ukraine US.

Nvestfit

Nvestfit’s mission is to help their clients work toward financial independence through planning. They spend time with clients to determine their goals and objectives, time horizon, risk tolerance, and help them make suitable financial decisions for their future.

Their goal is to be a trusted and knowledgeable advisor to their clients for the long term through education, training, integrity, and outstanding client service.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook

Samuel Richmond, M.S., CFP, President, Nvestfit

As a CFP® professional, Samuel strives to serve his clients to the highest ethical standards of care. Taking the time to understand what is MOST important to you is paramount, while utilizing an established process to work towards your stated goals. Sam engages with his clients in a fiduciary capacity, providing specialized, objective and independent advice, putting your needs and best interest first.

His practice is geared towards how his clients measure peace of mind as business owners and families navigating the unique challenges faced in our world today. He offers his clients a holistic financial planning approach to help them maintain overall financial health and pursue multiple (and competing) financial goals. Whether it’s a more comprehensive financial plan or a specific planning need, his services always align with your current priorities, including ongoing review and monitoring.

For over a decade, he has passionately sought out all investment personalities with confidence, expertise and insight. As part of your executive team, he will partner with your CPA’s and attorneys to coordinate the components of your entire financial picture, making a positive impact on generations to come.

Samuel says his most notable accomplishments include the marriage to his beautiful wife Melanie going on 17 years and the birth of their wonderful boys Samuel and Isaiah. The family’s hobbies include exploring the great outdoors as well as an appreciation for the arts, theater and music. They also enjoy a worship experience that adds great value to their lives.

Samuel is on the Board of Visitors for the School of Business at Georgia Gwinnett College. He was appointed by former Commissioner Marlene Fosque to serve on the SPLOST Citizens Project Selection Committee overseeing the funding of transportation projects throughout Gwinnett County. He has been involved in various non-profit organizations throughout Georgia and Tennessee such as Gwinnett Chatt Outreach, Preface, The Urban League, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Operation Hope. Samuel is a proud member of Rotary International.

In 2009 Samuel earned a Bachelors of Science in Organizational Management from Covenant College followed by a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University in 2014. He achieved his CFP® designation in 2015 and continues to feed his appetite for learning through ongoing trainings, workshops and books.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation

July 20, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation

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Alpharetta Rotary Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 2)

Leaders from the Alpharetta Rotary Foundation joined the Good2Give Podcast to talk about the work of the Alpharetta Rotary Club, the formation of its affiliated Foundation, and their relationship with the The team discussed the growth of the Alpharetta Rotary, why Alpharetta Rotary created a foundation, and why a nonprofit would partner with a community foundation. They covered several of the projects they’ve worked on, both local and international. Tony added remarks on donor-advised funds and their benefits.

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation

The Alpharetta Rotary Foundation was formed in 2020 to be the philanthropic partner of the Alpharetta Rotary Club and the greater North Fulton Community.

They promote social welfare in the City of Alpharetta, and the North Fulton County community by supporting and participating in numerous community, vocational, and international service projects, and by making grants to organizations that qualify.

Website

Brian King, Chairperson Elect, Alpharetta Rotary Foundation, and President, Engineering 303, LLC

Brian King founded E303 in 2011. He serves as the President and Principal Engineer and provides technical review of engineering projects and oversees all aspects of business and project management. He has completed Levels 1 -4 of the Rosgen Natural Channel Design courses and serves as the primary designer on all stream restoration projects. Dave Rosgen has peer reviewed many of Brian’s stream restoration designs, including multiple mitigation banking projects in Texas. Brian is considered one of the preeminent stream restoration designers in the country. He has designed stream projects in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

Brian holds a degree in Geo Surveying from the Dublin Institute of Technology and a BS in Civil Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University (now Kennesaw State University). He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Company website | LinkedIn

Katie Rocco, Director, Alpharetta Rotary Foundation and Realtor, The Rocco Team, Keller Williams North Atlanta

Katie Rocco and The Rocco Team are highly skilled Realtors, committed to excellence in all they do.

They specialize in helping Home buyers, Home Sellers & Investors build wealth through a customized real estate experience, from start to finish. Their business is built on our treasured relationships & because of their trustworthiness & integrity, clients & their referrals utilize the Rocco Team’s proficiency for the industry time & time again.

Their legacy is making home dreams come true & they strive to exceed expectations in all they do.

Website | LinkedIn

Tony Van Gelder, CFP, Owner & Financial Advisor, Van Gelder Financial

Van Gelder Financial (VGF) is an Atlanta based financial services firm which was launched in 1988 with the objective to offer outstanding financial planning and advice to clients.

Tony has always had a passion for personal finance and spent the first 10 years of his professional career within corporate finance for the medical industry. His career path gave him the opportunity to work in America, Asia, and Australia where he gained valuable experience in understanding how finance impacts various cultures and the international business community.

Tony is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP^®) and holds Series 7 and 66 securities designations. Tony also maintains his life insurance license across various states. He graduated with a B.S. in Finance and Operations Management from Indiana University and received his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

Tony, along with his wife and two sons currently live in Atlanta, GA where he is now the owner and lead advisor for Van Gelder Financial. In his spare time Tony enjoys golfing, reading, and teaching his boys the love of sports.

Company website | LinkedIn

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Announcing the Good2Give Podcast, with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

June 30, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Announcing the Good2Give Podcast, with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 677)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia were returning guests with host John Ray to discuss the work of the Foundation. They discussed what a Community Foundation does and how it serves donors, nonprofits, and the community at large. They also announced the debut of a new podcast, the Good2Give Podcast, which will celebrate “the magic of giving,” donors and non-profit leaders, and the vital causes they care about.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving our world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

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**DePriest Waddy, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia**

DePriest has a long history of leadership in the nonprofit sector. He has served almost 30 years in leadership roles at various nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies, including the American Hospital Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity, and, most recently, Families First.

Before joining the Community Foundation in June 2022, DePriest was CEO of Families First, a 131-year-old nonprofit serving at-risk children and families throughout Georgia, the United States, and abroad.

DePriest received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Alabama and his MBA from Kennesaw State University. He is a Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2015 alumnus, as well as a Leadership Birmingham Class of 2019 alumnus and Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022. He has been named to the Atlanta 500 in 2021 and 2022, Atlanta Magazine’s annual list of the area’s most powerful leaders. He was also awarded the Georgia Titan 100 in 2022. He and his wife, Carol, have one married daughter and two granddaughters.

DePriest’s dream for the Community Foundation: “Continuing to help meet the increasing needs resulting from complex family problems.”

Maria is a trainer and facilitator for leadership development, strategic planning, and capacity building. With almost a decade of experience at the world’s most trusted leadership company, Franklin Covey, Maria has been certified in over a dozen leadership courses. She has also served as an ad-hoc faculty member for the Georgia Center for Nonprofits since 2019.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

The work of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia
Charitable Giving
DePriest’s journey to CFNEG
Understanding the needs of donors
The debut of the Good2Give Podcast

DePriest Waddy, Maria Walden-Sullivan, and Scott Jordan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

April 5, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

DePriest Waddy, Maria Walden-Sullivan, and Scott Jordan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 629)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, DePriest Waddy, Maria Walden-Sullivan, and Scott Jordan of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia, joined host John Ray to discuss the work of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia. They described a donor-advised fund and how these funds allow individuals to develop a charitable legacy, how the Foundation makes charitable giving easier and more organized, its work with local non-profits, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving our world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

DePriest’s dream for the Community Foundation: “Continuing to help meet the increasing needs resulting from complex family problems.”

Maria is a trainer and facilitator for leadership development, strategic planning, and capacity building. With almost a decade of experience at the world’s most trusted leadership company, Franklin Covey, Maria has been certified in over a dozen leadership courses. She has also served as an ad-hoc faculty member for the Georgia Center for Nonprofits since 2019.

**Scott Jordan, Board of Director, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia**

In 1999, Scott was accepted into the SunTrust Bank (now Truist) Management Associate Program. Upon graduation, he served in various roles including Financial Services Representative and Account Executive. He transitioned to BB&T (now Truist) in 2001 and served as a Financial Center Manager and Business Banker.

Scott was recruited by Accenture in 2004 as part of a new team focused on Bank Mergers & Acquisitions. He returned to BB&T (now Truist) in 2005 and spent the next 16 years in various business development and leadership roles including Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, Market President – of North Metro Atlanta, Market President – of Central Atlanta, and Market President – of Northeast Metro Atlanta.

Currently, he is leading the newly created North Metro Atlanta Banking/Financial Services Division for Pinnacle Financial Partners.

Scott currently serves on the Boards of Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, North Fulton Community Charities, Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership Forsyth. Furthermore, he is a graduate of Leadership North Fulton, Leadership Gwinnett, Leadership Forsyth, and Leadership Atlanta.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Nesha Mason, The Drake House (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 9)

Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House

The Drake House

Topics Discussed in This Interview

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 8)

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 7)

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Chris McChesney, Author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution and Global Practice Leader at Franklin Covey

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Maria Walden-Sullivan, Director of Development, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Marissa Greider, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 5)

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

Marissa Greider, Senior Director of Philanthropy, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

SignatureFD

Elizabeth Burdette, Director of Giving, SignatureFD

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Emory Morsberger, Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, Nvestfit (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 4)

Helping Ukraine

Emory Morsberger, Founder, Helping Ukraine

Nvestfit

Samuel Richmond, M.S., CFP, President, Nvestfit

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 2)

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation

Brian King, Chairperson Elect, Alpharetta Rotary Foundation, and President, Engineering 303, LLC

Katie Rocco, Director, Alpharetta Rotary Foundation and Realtor, The Rocco Team, Keller Williams North Atlanta

Tony Van Gelder, CFP, Owner & Financial Advisor, Van Gelder Financial

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Announcing the Good2Give Podcast, with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 677)

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

DePriest Waddy, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Maria Walden-Sullivan, Director of Development, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

DePriest Waddy, Maria Walden-Sullivan, and Scott Jordan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 629)

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

DePriest Waddy, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Maria Walden-Sullivan, Director of Development, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Scott Jordan, Board of Director, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

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Chris McChesney, Author of

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 677)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 629)