Business RadioX ®

Helen Panos on K-12 Tutoring and Executive Functioning

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Helen Panos, Dynamis Learning, on K-12 Tutoring, Executive Functioning Coaching, and Educational Advocacy (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 925), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Helen Panos on K-12 Tutoring and Executive Functioning
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Helen Panos, Dynamis Learning, on K-12 Tutoring, Executive Functioning Coaching, and Educational Advocacy (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 925), with host John Ray

Helen Panos, Dynamis Learning, on K-12 Tutoring, Executive Function Coaching, and Educational Advocacy (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 925)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Helen Panos, Founder and CEO of Dynamis Learning, a K-12 tutoring company serving students nationwide. Helen, who spent 25 years in Fulton County schools as a middle school teacher, gifted program lead, and 504 chair, launched Dynamis Learning 10 years ago to address gaps she witnessed in traditional classroom settings.

The conversation explores how Dynamis Learning differs from large tutoring companies through three key services: one-on-one virtual tutoring across all subjects, executive function coaching for students who struggle with organization and time management, and educational advocacy to help families navigate 504 plans and secure necessary accommodations. Helen shares compelling success stories, including a student who improved her SAT score by 300 points after receiving extended time accommodations, and she explains how executive functioning skills help students manage ADHD, working memory issues, and the demands of accelerated coursework.

Helen discusses the rise of ADHD diagnoses, the pressures of accelerated math programs in middle school, and why early intervention with executive functioning strategies prevents frustration and academic struggles. She also announces her podcast, Smart Parents Successful Students, which addresses common challenges parents face supporting their children’s education.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Dynamis Learning offers three core services that set it apart from large tutoring companies: personalized one-on-one tutoring, executive function coaching to teach organizational and time management skills, and educational advocacy to help families secure 504 accommodations for students with ADHD and learning disabilities
  • Executive functioning skills address common challenges like task initiation, working memory, organization, and emotional control, which are particularly critical for students with ADHD who face demands from accelerated coursework, sports, and extracurricular activities
  • Early intervention with executive function coaching helps students develop lifelong skills they’ll need in college and careers, while advocacy services connect tutors directly with teachers to identify specific student needs and secure appropriate accommodations like extended test time
  • Helen identified concerning educational trends before COVID, including the rapid expansion of accelerated math programs that push students through algebra and geometry in a single year, often requiring tutoring support just to survive the pace

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Helen Panos
02:02 Helen Panos introduces Dynamis Learning and its nationwide K-12 tutoring services
03:13 How COVID enabled virtual tutoring to become 95% of the business
03:41 Helen’s background: 25 years in Fulton County schools as a gifted lead and teacher
04:43 Educational issues Helen identified before COVID, including curriculum acceleration
06:50 Different levels of giftedness and diagnostic challenges in schools
07:59 Helen explains educational advocacy and 504 plans for students with disabilities
10:06 Success story: Student gains 300 points on SAT after securing extended time accommodations
12:18 How Dynamis Learning differs from large tutoring companies
13:27 Executive function coaching: definition and core skills
16:01 Strategies and tools executive functioning coaches use with students
18:36 Success stories from executive function coaching clients
21:33 Why executive functioning skills are lifelong, not tied to specific subjects
22:26 Benefits of early intervention with executive functioning skills
23:35 Helen’s podcast: Smart Parent Successful Students
24:32 Signs that indicate parents should reach out for tutoring or coaching support
25:53 Success story: Addressing reading gaps before gifted program testing
27:55 How to contact Dynamis Learning

Helen Panos, Founder and CEO, Dynamis Learning

Helen Panos, Founder and CEO, Dynamis Learning
Helen Panos, Founder and CEO, Dynamis Learning

Helen Panos is an accomplished educator with over 25 years of experience in a public school system. She began Dynamis Learning, her K-12 nationwide tutoring/SAT/ACT and parent advocacy business, 10 years ago. She is passionate about helping children reach their potential. She listens to what a parent needs and matches them with the right type of tutor. This tutor helps customize a program that will motivate and move the child forward in their academics with ease. Helen is a part of the business and currently has 20 tutors on the Dynamis Learning staff, which can help with a variety of subjects.

You can find Helen regularly on her Dynamis Learning Facebook page, where she does Facebook Lives. The topics are those that she has heard most parents struggle with when it comes to their kids being successful in school and in life! She also hosts her own podcast, Smart Parents Successful Students, which can be found on Spotify and her YouTube channel.

LinkedIn

Dynamis Learning

Dynamis Learning is a K-12 nationwide tutoring/SAT/ACT prep/advocacy and executive function company. Our team of 20 tutors mainly work virtually, and they encompass a variety of subject matter knowledge from reading to math/science and study skills. They are also able to tutor students in person in the metro Atlanta area, whether at a library or in their home. Advocacy is a big part of what Dynamis offers families; thus, they are pleased to provide resources and specialized support for a child when needed. In 2025, their service offerings grew to add individualized executive function coaching for 6th-12th graders and college essay writing. Soon, Dynamis will also provide small-group executive function coaching for 3rd–5th graders.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

GNFCC Leadership Transition: 2025 Highlights and 2026 Priorities

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GNFCC Leadership Transition: Kali Boatright Talks 2025 Highlights and 2026 Priorities with Outgoing Chair Dean Collins and Incoming Chair Laura Madajewski, on the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
BRX National
GNFCC Leadership Transition: 2025 Highlights and 2026 Priorities
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GNFCC Leadership Transition: Kali Boatright Talks 2025 Highlights and 2026 Priorities with Outgoing Chair Dean Collins and Incoming Chair Laura Madajewski, on the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

GNFCC Leadership Transition: Kali Boatright Talks 2025 Highlights and 2026 Priorities with Outgoing Chair Dean Collins and Incoming Chair Laura Madajewski (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 111)

Host Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber, marks a year-end leadership transition by reflecting on 2025 accomplishments and previewing 2026 priorities with outgoing Chair Dean Collins (Axis Infrastructure) and incoming Chair Laura Madajewski (HLB Gross Collins).

Dean looks back on a strong Chamber year, including continued momentum around regional collaboration and economic development, plus the Strategic Leadership Visit that took investor-level members to Mesa and Scottsdale to learn from innovation, redevelopment, and the role of arts, culture, and sports as economic drivers.

Laura shares her 2026 theme, “Forging Our Future,” and outlines what comes next: revisiting strategic planning, moving through the Chamber’s reaccreditation process, and revamping the NextGen (Young Professionals) program with stronger engagement, expanded programming, and an enhanced mentor match.

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

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • This is a true handoff episode: what 2025 proved, what 2026 will prioritize, and what continuity looks like when leadership changes without losing momentum.
  • “Forging Our Future” is not a slogan; it’s an operating stance: Laura Madajewski’s theme is about building forward, not maintaining.
  • 2026 is a “systems year,” not a “more events” year: strategic planning refresh, reaccreditation work, and tightening how the Chamber measures and delivers impact.
  • NextGen is being rebuilt with intention: stronger engagement, refreshed programming, and a more meaningful mentor match approach.
  • The Chamber’s regional work keeps expanding: continued collaboration and economic development focus that goes beyond any one city.
  • Chair advice you can steal for your own leadership role: clear the calendar, show up, stay close to members, and ask the questions you need to ask.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Laura Madajewski and Dean Collins
Laura Madajewski and Dean Collins

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:41 Meet the 2025 and 2026 Chairs
01:42 Dean Collins Reflects on 2025
03:08 Laura Madajewski’s Journey and Vision
05:28 Accomplishments and Goals for the Chamber
08:47 Forging the Future: 2026 Plans
13:03 Public-Private Partnerships and Community Impact
17:41 Advice for the Incoming Chair
20:46 Leadership Styles and Final Thoughts
24:21 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Laura Madajewski, 2026 Chair, and Principal, HLB Gross Collins P.C.

Laura Madajewski, 2026 Chair, and Principal, HLB Gross Collins P.C.
Laura Madajewski, 2026 Chair, and Principal, HLB Gross Collins P.C.

Laura E. Madajewski, CPA, MBA, is a Principal in the Audit and Advisory department at HLB Gross Collins P.C., bringing more than 16 years of public accounting experience with a focus on audits and financial statement preparation. She is known for helping clients strengthen internal controls, enhance governance and oversight, and streamline operations, approaching each engagement as a trusted advisor who tailors assurance and accounting solutions to the client’s specific needs.

Laura leads the firm’s Manufacturing, Distribution and Supply Chain Practice as well as its Employee Benefit Practice, and she has significant experience serving nonprofit organizations, including private schools, religious organizations, trade associations, and foundations.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys charitable and volunteer work throughout the Atlanta and North Fulton communities. She serves on the advisory board of Golf for The Kids, is Treasurer and a volunteer on the Board of Directors of The Drake House, has served as President and Secretary of the Song of Atlanta Show Chorus Board, and is President of the Sanctuary at Rivermont Homeowners’ Association Board of Directors.

She earned both her BBA and MBA in Accounting from Kennesaw State University.

LinkedIn

Dean Collins, 2025 GNFCC Chair, and Founder & President, Axis Infrastructure

Dean Collins, 2025 GNFCC Chair, and Founder & President, Axis Infrastructure
Dean Collins, 2025 GNFCC Chair, and Founder & President, Axis Infrastructure

Dean Collins is the Founder and President of Axis Infrastructure, a firm he established in 2016 to address critical needs in the transportation and site development industries. With over 25 years of experience, Dean has cultivated a deep understanding of the complexities involved in land development projects, positioning Axis as a leader in the field. Under his leadership, Axis Companies has developed a comprehensive “Development Suite” that offers tailored services in land development, project management, and construction management, enabling clients to choose between individual services or complete turnkey solutions.

Before founding Axis, Dean served as Vice President and Director of Facilities at TYLIN International for nearly 23 years. In this role, he successfully led business development and design efforts for vertical projects across the Americas, managing a diverse team of architects, engineers, and construction managers. His extensive background in project management and design has been instrumental in shaping Axis Companies’ innovative approach.

Dean holds an Associates degree in Engineering from the State University of New York at Delhi and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC)
Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is 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 1,400 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.

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, GNFCCAs a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their 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, follow this link.

Sue Yeh Johnson on Using AI for Team Trust and Alignment

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Sue Yeh Johnson, Yeh and Johnson Consulting, on Using AI to Decode Trust Breakdowns, Team Alignment, and Relational Intelligence (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 923), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Sue Yeh Johnson on Using AI for Team Trust and Alignment
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Sue Yeh Johnson, Yeh and Johnson Consulting, on Using AI to Decode Trust Breakdowns, Team Alignment, and Relational Intelligence (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 923), with host John Ray

Sue Yeh Johnson, Yeh and Johnson Consulting, on Using AI to Decode Trust Breakdowns, Team Alignment, and Relational Intelligence (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 924)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Sue Yeh Johnson, Founder of Yeh and Johnson Consulting, to discuss Relational Intelligence (RI) and how leaders can decode the hidden dynamics that stall decisions and erode trust. Sue shares how her proprietary AI tool, built on 25 years of consulting experience with Fortune 500 companies, helps leadership teams spot early warning signs like silent resistance, power shifts, and trust breakdowns before they become costly problems. She explains the concept of the “shadowstack,” the unofficial power structures that run organizations but don’t appear on org charts, and how leaders can avoid “techno-feudalism” by keeping humans at the center of decision-making.

Sue discusses practical ways to surface friction inside teams, including one powerful question leaders can ask this week to expose hidden misalignment. She also shares her work as co-founder of Atlanta Women in AI, creating community and support for women navigating AI-driven workplace changes. Throughout the conversation, Sue emphasizes that performance breakdowns are rarely about technology—they’re about relationships and alignment.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Relational Intelligence helps leaders decode trust signals, power shifts, and silent resistance before they escalate into costly decision delays and misalignment.
  • The “shadowstack” represents the unofficial power structures and influence networks that actually run organizations but aren’t visible on org charts.
  • Billions of dollars are wasted when teams nod in agreement during meetings but silently disagree and fail to execute decisions.
  • One simple question to surface hidden friction: “What’s something we keep revisiting that should already be resolved?”

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Sue Yeh Johnson
02:13 Sue Yeh Johnson introduces Yeh and Johnson Consulting
02:49 Sue’s career arc and passion for Relational Intelligence work
03:06 What is Relational Intelligence (RI) and how it works
03:56 Common relational issues inside companies
04:23 Defining misalignment with real-world examples
05:28 Volatility, velocity, and communication challenges in today’s business environment
06:35 Decoding power shifts, trust breakdowns, and silent resistance
09:04 How Sue’s proprietary AI tool decodes relational signals
11:14 What Relational Intelligence reveals that dashboards and reports miss
13:50 The “shadowstack” and techno-feudalism in leadership
16:44 How relational breakdowns actually show up inside teams
19:56 One relational move leaders can make this week
21:38 Sue’s background and 25-year career journey
25:39 Atlanta Women in AI and building community
27:21 Success stories in mentoring and developing leaders
28:20 How Sue’s platform works and future scaling plans
29:47 Contact information for Yeh and Johnson Consulting

Sue Yeh Johnson, Founder

Sue Yeh Johnson on North Fulton Business Radio
Sue Yeh Johnson, Yeh and Johnson Consulting

Sue Yeh Johnson is a strategist, advisor, and expert in reading the room—especially when the most important dynamics go unspoken.

As co-founder of Yeh & Johnson Consulting, she partners with leadership teams, boards, and founders to surface and resolve the relational friction that slows decisions, erodes trust, or quietly stalls momentum. Her specialty is Relational Intelligence—a strategic discipline that translates trust signals, power shifts, and unspoken dynamics into clear insight leaders can act on.

With 25 years in systems strategy and a decade in executive coaching, Sue brings both depth and precision to high-stakes moments. Whether supporting a founder transition, navigating board dynamics, or aligning a fast-scaling team, she helps ambitious organizations move faster—by naming what others avoid.

She is also a founding voice for Atlanta Women in AI, where she advocates for human-centered technology, inclusive leadership, and putting relational signals at the core of innovation.

Sue is known for making sense of complex rooms, surfacing what’s unsaid, and helping leaders move with clarity and integrity. Based in Atlanta, she’s an avid pattern-watcher and a firm believer that the most powerful insights show up between the bullet points—not in them.

LinkedIn

Yeh & Johnson Consulting

Yeh & Johnson helps leaders act on what others avoid. They specialize in Relational Intelligence (RI)—a strategic toolkit for uncovering the hidden dynamics that slow decisions, erode trust, and stall execution across teams and leadership groups.

In an era of volatility and constant change, traditional tools often miss the mark. The firm equips leaders to navigate uncertainty by decoding human signals—power shifts, trust breakdowns, and silent resistance—and translating them into clear, actionable strategy.

Their work is grounded in a core truth: today’s biggest performance losses aren’t operational—they’re relational. Research shows that poor communication can waste up to $75 million per $1 billion spent, and 75% of cross-functional teams underperform due to misalignment. Yeh & Johnson helps clients address these breakdowns before they cost time, talent, or traction.

They work with growth-stage tech firms, public sector innovators, and mission-driven CEOs navigating high-stakes decisions—where trust and alignment are critical.

Website | Company LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star rated book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Keith Scott, KLSA, on Modernizing Government Operations

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Keith Scott, K.L. Scott & Associates (KLSA), on Modernizing Government Technology, Strategic Planning, and Citizen Experience (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 922), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Keith Scott, KLSA, on Modernizing Government Operations
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Keith Scott, K.L. Scott & Associates (KLSA), on Modernizing Government Technology, Strategic Planning, and Citizen Experience (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 922), with host John Ray

Keith Scott, K.L. Scott & Associates (KLSA), on Modernizing Government Technology, Strategic Planning, and Citizen Experience (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 922)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Keith Scott, CEO of K.L. Scott & Associates (KLSA), a management and IT consulting firm based in Alpharetta. With over 32 years of experience, Scott helps federal, state, and local government agencies modernize their technology systems, break down operational silos, and deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve.

Scott discusses how government agencies face unique challenges, including aging technology infrastructure, workforce turnover with a third of government employees retiring in the next five years, and the need to compete with private sector organizations for top talent. He explains how KLSA helps agencies leverage data-driven decision-making, implement AI readiness assessments, and create strategic plans that survive beyond election cycles. Scott shares success stories, including helping a Maryland state agency redesign their customer call center operations and helping a Midwestern city retain talent by improving community engagement processes.

The conversation covers the importance of citizen feedback loops, how government agencies can attract mission-driven talent despite salary limitations, and the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI implementation in the public sector. Scott also discusses his Citizen Experience Podcast and the KLSA Academy, which provides training in AI skills, executive leadership, and workforce development for government employees.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Government agencies must establish citizen feedback loops to understand how their services are being received and identify areas for improvement, rather than relying solely on outlier complaints or praise.
  • The government workforce faces a critical challenge with roughly a third of employees retiring within five years, creating a knowledge vacuum that requires succession planning and strategies to attract mission-driven talent.
  • AI presents opportunities for government agencies to accelerate outcomes and improve efficiency, but requires proper readiness assessments and business cases beyond basic chatbot implementations.
  • Cybersecurity and data vulnerability represent the biggest challenge facing government today, with increasing threats from automated attacks, account theft, and voice impersonation targeting vulnerable populations.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Keith Scott
02:12 Keith Scott introduces KLSA and how the firm helps government agencies
03:07 Keith Scott’s career background from software developer to MBA to consulting
04:24 KLSA’s history serving 35-40 municipalities and federal agencies since 2013
05:12 The importance of citizen feedback loops in government service delivery
06:08 Challenges with continuity in government beyond election cycles
08:00 Why government agencies care about citizen experience and compete for taxpayer revenue
10:14 How community planning affects economic vitality, using Alpharetta’s North Point Mall area as an example
11:15 Data-driven decision-making and addressing legacy systems in government
12:35 Citizens compare government services to private sector experiences like Amazon
13:14 Breaking down silos between government departments like fire, education, and parks
15:13 Workforce challenges with government employees retiring and knowledge transfer
16:27 Attracting mission-driven talent versus competing on salary with private sector
17:17 How COVID affected younger workers’ need for mentorship and community
18:20 AI opportunities in government and building agentic AI tools
20:05 Big picture challenges facing government, including cybersecurity threats
21:20 The Citizen Experience Podcast and KLSA Academy
23:05 Symptoms that indicate a government agency needs strategic planning help
24:44 Success stories, including Maryland customer service redesign and Midwestern city talent retention
26:48 Contact information for KLSA

Keith L. Scott, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Keith L. Scott
Keith L. Scott

Keith L. Scott is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of K.L. Scott & Associates (KLSA), an Atlanta-based management and information technology consulting firm that helps government agencies modernize systems, strengthen operations, and deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve. With more than 32 years of experience at the intersection of technology, strategy, and public service, he is recognized as a trusted advisor to federal, state, and local government leaders navigating complex, high-stakes transformations.

Keith began his career in consulting with leading global firms, including Deloitte and Gartner, where he refined his analytical rigor, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence. In 2013, he co-founded KLSA to bring large-firm expertise with the speed, flexibility, and personal attention of a boutique consultancy. Under his leadership, the firm has grown into a national advisory partner with offices in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., supporting more than 30 public-sector organizations and earning distinctions such as SBA 8(a) certification, ISO 9001 quality certification, and a GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract.

His work centers on helping government agencies modernize technology, leverage data and AI for better decision-making, improve organizational performance, and enhance the citizen experience. Keith’s leadership philosophy reflects a balance of analytics and empathy, ensuring that every modernization effort stays rooted in people, impact, and community outcomes.

Keith also serves as the host of The Citizen Experience Podcast, where he interviews leaders, innovators, public officials, and industry experts about government transformation, technology, and the future of public service. His thought leadership has positioned him as a sought-after advisor on topics ranging from AI adoption to strategic planning to operational excellence in government.

He holds a B.S. in Computer Science, an MBA in Organizational Strategy, and certification in Business Analytics. When he is not advising clients, speaking, or recording new podcast episodes, he is committed to mentoring emerging professionals and supporting community-driven initiatives.

LinkedIn

K.L. Scott & Associates (KLSA)

K.L. Scott & Associates (KLSA) is a management and information technology consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with an additional office in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2013, the firm helps government agencies and mission-driven organizations modernize their technology, improve operational performance, and deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve. Guided by the belief that effective government strengthens quality of life for all residents, KLSA blends data-driven insight with practical, people-centered solutions.

KLSA provides a full range of consulting services including IT modernization, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, strategy and operational improvement, organizational design, change management, workforce development, and program implementation support. The firm’s approach combines rigorous analysis with empathetic leadership, ensuring that every recommendation can be successfully executed and sustained.

KLSA holds several key federal certifications and contracting vehicles, including SBA 8(a) status, ISO 9001 quality certification, and the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract. These designations reflect the firm’s disciplined management practices and make it easy for government customers to partner with them. KLSA also supports clients through its 8(a) joint venture, K2K Ohana, which expands delivery capacity across digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI enablement, and mission-critical federal programs.

The firm has delivered successful outcomes for more than 30 federal, state, and local agencies across the country. Their work spans sectors such as human services, public safety, transportation, education, and finance, helping government leaders respond to modernization pressures, rising citizen expectations, and evolving workforce needs.

Driven by a commitment to service, ethics, and measurable impact, KLSA continues to help public-sector organizations operate more efficiently, use data more intelligently, and deliver a better citizen experience.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star rated book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Working Yet Homeless in North Fulton

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Nesha Mason, The Drake House, and Joy Monroe, SPARC, on Attainable Housing, Working Families Experiencing Homelessness, and the Economy Hotel Evacuation, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Working Yet Homeless in North Fulton
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Nesha Mason, The Drake House, and Joy Monroe, SPARC, on Attainable Housing, Working Families Experiencing Homelessness, and the Economy Hotel Evacuation, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray

Nesha Mason, The Drake House, and Joy Monroe, SPARC, on Attainable Housing, Working Families Experiencing Homelessness, and the Economy Hotel Evacuation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 919)

Nesha Mason, President of The Drake House in Roswell, and Joy Monroe, founder of the Single Parent Alliance and Resource Center (SPARC), join host John Ray to discuss the crisis of working families experiencing homelessness in North Fulton and the broader Metro Atlanta region. The conversation explores the challenges facing single mothers and their children who are living in extended-stay motels, the barriers to attainable housing, and the impact on the local workforce and business community.

The discussion highlights the May 2025 evacuation of the Economy Hotel in North Fulton, which displaced over 100 families, and the book There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America by Brian Goldstone. Nesha and Joy explain why families become trapped in extended-stay motels despite working full-time jobs, the devastating effects on children living in these conditions, and the urgent need for more attainable housing solutions in North Fulton.

They also discuss the Motel to Home Alliance, the North Fulton Improvement Network, and practical ways community members can get involved, including participating in comprehensive planning processes, listening to the North Fulton Voices podcast, and supporting nonprofit collaboration to address this growing crisis.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Single mothers and families experiencing homelessness in North Fulton are often employed full-time but cannot afford the security deposits and first month’s rent required to move from extended-stay motels into apartments, creating a trap that keeps them homeless despite working.
  • Extended-stay motels were originally built for traveling salesmen, not families, yet they now house families in 200–250 square feet with no kitchens, inadequate sleeping arrangements, and exposure to crime, violence, and other adverse childhood experiences that impact children’s health, education, and well-being.
  • The May 2025 evacuation of the Economy Hotel displaced over 100 families, and none could be relocated within North Fulton, disrupting their jobs, children’s schools, and entire support systems while removing essential service workers from the local workforce.
  • North Fulton’s attainable housing shortage affects the entire community, as CNAs, home health aides, daycare workers, teachers, servers, and other essential workers cannot afford to live where they work, reducing workforce availability and increasing costs for businesses and residents alike.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guests, Nesha Mason and Joy Monroe
02:21 Nesha Mason introduces The Drake House and its mission to support single mothers experiencing homelessness
03:12 Joy Monroe introduces SPARC and its housing stability and economic mobility programs
04:54 Joy Monroe shares her personal experience as a single parent living in an extended-stay motel
06:41 The federal classification of families in motels as homeless
08:12 How extended-stay motels become traps for working families
09:07 SPARC’s motel-to-home program and the Motel to Home Alliance
10:42 Barriers to qualifying for apartments, including evictions and credit scores
13:00 The book There Is No Place for Us by Brian Goldstone and the Drake House book club
15:09 The May 2025 evacuation of the Economy Hotel in North Fulton
21:50 The trauma of relocating families outside of North Fulton and its impact on their jobs and children’s schools
23:27 Dispelling myths about families experiencing homelessness
26:39 Effects on children living in extended-stay motels
29:39 Principals allowing children to sleep in class because motels prevent adequate rest
31:08 Extended-stay hotels were never designed for families
33:27 The lack of attainable housing as the root cause of working homelessness
36:02 The cost to North Fulton businesses of losing service workers
39:02 A teacher who cannot afford to live in North Fulton on her salary
40:22 The need for creative housing solutions beyond just apartments
43:16 How community members can get involved through comprehensive plans and the North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN)
45:35 The importance of engaging at the local level in zoning and comprehensive plans
46:15 How to connect with The Drake House and SPARC

Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House

Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House

Nesha Mason brings a diverse skill set with more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Nesha worked as an operations director in the private sector before transitioning to public service, serving as Mayor for the City of Abilene, Kansas. After her tenure as an elected official, Nesha served as program director for a county-wide nonprofit developing programs that united the medical and early childhood communities. Upon relocation to the Atlanta area in 2013, she served as a Fulton County educator and then transitioned to executive director of a statewide educational foundation focusing on unifying education and workforce development.

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 her leadership, the organization has expanded from housing and support to offering a comprehensive pathway from homelessness to stability. She has enhanced programming, upgraded facilities, and forged vital partnerships to create a community of support for families in need. Nesha also spearheaded the North Fulton Housing Collaborative, uniting nonprofits for greater impact. Her fiscal expertise has grown The Drake House’s budget by 78.5%, ensuring quality care and lasting change for vulnerable families.

LinkedIn

The Drake House

The Drake House provides a short-term crisis and an affordable housing program for single mothers and their children experiencing homelessness in North Metro Atlanta. Their educational, empowerment and mentoring programs assist families in becoming financially self-sufficient and contributing members of the community. The Drake House is the only agency in the area offering an emergency residential program, serving approximately 50 families with 100 children per year. The Drake House envisions a community where every family has the opportunity to recover quickly with dignity from their homeless situation.

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn

Joy Monroe, Founder, Single Parent Alliance and Resource Center (SPARC)

Joy Monroe, Founder, Single Parent Alliance and Resource Center (SPARC), on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
Joy Monroe, Founder, Single Parent Alliance and Resource Center (SPARC)

Joy Monroe is the founder of the Single Parent Alliance and Resource Center (SPARC). Joy started SPARC after moving to Georgia from New York and realizing that her support system had been essential to her success as a single parent. When she relocated to Atlanta with what she thought was a solid plan, she discovered that Atlanta requires employment before securing housing, unlike New York, where cash payments are accepted. The situation led to Joy and her sons living in an extended-stay motel while she secured employment and housing.

On the morning they were scheduled to move into their new apartment, Joy and her sons were hit by a truck. Though they only stayed in the motel for an additional week, that experience galvanized for her how precarious life is for families at extended-stay motels. Even when doing everything right with a solid plan, one unexpected event can trap families in a cycle they cannot escape. Joy also learned that families living in extended-stay motels are federally classified as homeless, even though she did not feel homeless at the time. This personal journey inspired her to create SPARC, which began as a support group in her living room and has grown into an organization serving single parents throughout Metro Atlanta with programs focused on housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being.

LinkedIn

Single Parent Alliance and Resource Center (SPARC)

The Single Parent Alliance and Resource Center (SPARC) helps single parents, strengthens families, and builds futures through programs that focus on housing stability, economic mobility, and family health. SPARC’s Motel to Home program helps families transition from extended stay motels into stable, permanent housing through outreach, housing assistance, and aftercare support. Families receive help overcoming barriers such as deposits and moving expenses with ongoing guidance to maintain stability. The Motel to Home Alliance, a coalition of partner agencies, ensures that 88% of families receiving housing assistance maintain stable housing after a year.

The Financial Achievement Club is offered as part of SPARC’s aftercare services, where families that have been housed participate in a program to encourage savings and build an emergency account to guard against future homelessness. SPARC also brings programs and services directly to where families live and play, including free afterschool programs at apartment complexes and community events like SPARC in the Park where single parents can participate in educational workshops and build their support networks.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star rated book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

The Music Studio Atlanta Opens in Johns Creek

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Cecilia Rowe, The Music Studio Atlanta, on Music Education and Opening a Third Location in Johns Creek, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
The Music Studio Atlanta Opens in Johns Creek
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Cecilia Rowe, The Music Studio Atlanta, on Music Education and Opening a Third Location in Johns Creek, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray

Cecilia Rowe, The Music Studio Atlanta, on Music Education and Opening a Third Location in Johns Creek (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 917)

North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray welcomes Cecilia Rowe, CEO of The Music Studio Atlanta, one of Georgia’s largest privately owned music schools, serving more than 1,500 students across Metro Atlanta. The company offers instruction in piano, voice, guitar, drums, strings, and select woodwinds through both studio locations and in-home lessons.

Cecilia discusses her family’s four-generation musical legacy, the company’s rigorous hiring process for educators, and how performance opportunities like open mics and recitals build student confidence. She shares a transformation story of a young student who went from crying at her first recital to confidently performing at The Strand theatre, illustrating how music education develops discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence that benefit children throughout their lives.

The Music Studio Atlanta currently operates studios in Vinings and East Cobb and is opening its third location on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek in December 2025. Cecilia also discusses her book, Don’t Miss Your Child’s Musical Window, which addresses when to start music education, how to choose the right instrument, and how to make music a lifelong love.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Starting music education early creates stronger neural pathways similar to learning a second language, increasing the likelihood of a lifelong musical journey
  • The relationship between student and teacher is the most critical factor in sustained engagement with music lessons, more important than temporary motivation lapses
  • Performance opportunities in family-friendly, low-pressure environments help students develop confidence that translates to presentations, public speaking, and other areas of life
  • Music education builds foundational life skills, including self-confidence, discipline, commitment, and perseverance, that benefit children in all aspects of their development

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:19 John Ray introduces the show and guest Cecilia Rowe
02:20 Cecilia Rowe introduces The Music Studio Atlanta and its locations
02:38 Cecilia’s family musical legacy from 1920s UK to present day
04:11 How Cecilia transitioned from corporate work to teaching music
05:41 What music education brought Cecilia as a student: confidence, discipline, and risk-taking
07:38 Cecilia’s love of teaching beginners and starting the family business
08:35 Instruments offered: piano, voice, guitar, drums, strings, and woodwinds
09:18 How parents choose the right instrument for their child
10:08 Discussion of Cecilia’s book Don’t Miss Your Child’s Musical Window
11:14 The studio experience: homey, safe, and child-friendly
12:10 The rigorous hiring process for educators who are musicians
13:52 Matching students with the right teacher for their style and goals
14:32 Open mics at Cecilia’s husband’s pizzeria and their purpose
16:05 Recitals as “fancier open mics” with themes and formal performances
17:30 In-home music lessons: 30 years of service to Atlanta families
18:34 How parents decide between studio and in-home lessons
20:04 Service radius for in-home lessons in Johns Creek area
21:37 Signs that a student needs to change teachers or programs
23:23 The importance of not quitting: commitment and perseverance in music
24:40 Who should engage with The Music Studio Atlanta
26:18 Success stories: improved reading skills and confidence transformation
28:59 New Johns Creek location details and ribbon-cutting event

Cecilia Rowe, CEO, The Music Studio Atlanta

Cecilia Rowe, CEO, The Music Studio Atlanta
Cecilia Rowe, CEO, The Music Studio Atlanta

Cecilia is a seasoned marketing and child-focused business professional with over three decades of experience and the owner of the multi-award-winning company, The Music Studio Atlanta. One of Georgia’s largest privately owned music schools, currently teaching more than 1,500 students both in-studio and at-home, the Music Studio Atlanta currently has locations in the Vinings and East Cobb areas and has expanded to open a third location in December 2025, in Johns Creek/Alpharetta.

After moving to Atlanta in 1989, Cecilia and her family started an in-home music lessons business, Courtnay & Rowe In-Home Music Academy, and spent 20 years teaching piano, voice, and guitar. She later became sole owner, and she merged it with the studio locations of The Music Studio Atlanta to create its current multi-location model. The Music Studio Atlanta is proud to have received five community awards last year, and this year the company has already been honored with four more.

Cecilia is passionate about creating safe spaces and family-friendly experiences for music education and aims to inspire children of all ages to build self-confidence, experience joy, and learn valuable life lessons through music. She recently was honored by the Cobb County Chamber with Women’s Owned Business of the Year as well as her third year in a row being awarded with Top 25 Business in Cobb.

In addition, Cecilia wrote a book as a musical resource for families, but also highlighting her musical journey and her family’s musical legacy. The book, Don’t Miss Your Child’s Musical Window, is also the motto of Cecilia’s life.

LinkedIn

The Music Studio Atlanta

The Music Studio Atlanta is one of Georgia’s largest privately owned music schools, teaching more than 1,500 students both in-studio and in-home across Metro Atlanta. The company believes that music lessons should be fun while encouraging self-confidence, self-expression, and proficiency through performance opportunities. Students learn to focus, take risks, and persevere when the going gets tough and are rewarded for these efforts with an exclusive proprietary reward system as well as recognition for recital and other performance achievements. The Music Studio Atlanta sets goals like recitals and open mics to inspire students to practice more, learn faster, and gain self-confidence through performance opportunities. The company currently operates studios in Vinings (the flagship location since 2011) and East Cobb/Marietta (since 2022) and is opening a third location in Johns Creek/Alpharetta in December 2025 at 10945 State Bridge Road.

The Music Studio Atlanta offers comprehensive music education in piano, voice, guitar (including bass, ukulele, acoustic, and electric), drums, strings (violin, viola, and cello), and select woodwinds, with approximately 85 teachers across the organization. The Music Studio Atlanta has received multiple community awards and is proud to be affiliated with the National Association for Music Education, Georgia Music Educators Association, and Music Teachers National Association.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their markets, communities, and professions. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, and it is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the complete 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, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star rated book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Meisha Marshall on Helping Couples Reconnect and Trust Again

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Meisha Marshall, Renew Mindset Coaching, on Rebuilding Trust and Connection for Adult Children of Divorce, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Meisha Marshall on Helping Couples Reconnect and Trust Again
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Meisha Marshall, Renew Mindset Coaching, on Rebuilding Trust and Connection for Adult Children of Divorce, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray

Meisha Marshall, Renew Mindset Coaching, on Rebuilding Trust and Connection for Adult Children of Divorce (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 916)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Meisha Marshall, a marriage and relationship coach and the founder of Renew Mindset Coaching, where she helps couples argue less, trust more, and feel like a team again. Known for her non-clinical approach, Meisha specializes in helping adults from divorced families build the kind of closeness and stability they always wanted growing up.

In this episode, Meisha discusses how early experiences with parental divorce shape how adults show up in their relationships today. She shares practical tools couples can use to de-escalate conflicts, return to difficult conversations without turning them into arguments, and rebuild connection after trust has been damaged. Meisha also explains the common misconceptions people have about what makes relationships last and what real progress looks like for couples working to improve their connection.

Meisha describes her Renew Together Membership program, designed to give couples ongoing support and simple, everyday strategies they can use in real life rather than abstract theory. Her coaching focuses on making change feel doable for couples who feel stuck or disconnected.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Adults who grew up in divorced families often bring specific patterns and fears to their own relationships, including hypervigilance around conflict and difficulty trusting that problems can be resolved without ending the relationship.
  • Real progress in relationships shows up in small, everyday moves like taking breaks during arguments, returning to conversations with less defensiveness, and feeling more like teammates than opponents
  • One practical step for couples feeling stuck or like roommates is to ask each other “What’s one thing I could do this week that would make you feel more connected?” and then actually do that thing
  • The Renew Together Membership offers couples ongoing coaching and tools focused on practical application rather than theory, with support designed to maintain closeness long-term

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Meisha Marshall
02:24 Meisha Marshall introduces Renew Mindset Coaching
04:11 Meisha’s passion for helping adult children of divorce
06:31 How divorce impacts people without them realizing it
08:05 Effects on relationships beyond marriage
08:57 How divorce shows up differently based on age
13:36 Trust issues and the “trust recession”
15:27 Death by a thousand cuts vs. major betrayals
17:21 Common misconceptions about relationship coaching
19:22 How people engage with Meisha’s coaching
21:12 The Renew Together Membership program
23:47 Signs you need relationship coaching
25:02 Success stories from Meisha’s practice
27:25 Closing thoughts and contact information

Meisha Marshall

Meisha Marshall is a marriage and relationship coach and the founder of Renew Mindset Coaching, where she helps couples argue less, trust more, and feel like a team again. Known for her non-clinical approach, Meisha specializes in helping adults from divorced families build the kind of closeness and stability they always wanted growing up. Her coaching blends practical tools with honest conversations that make change feel doable, not distant.

LinkedIn

Renew Mindset Coaching

Renew Mindset Coaching helps couples find their way back to each other when conversations get hard. It’s built on the belief that real change happens through simple, everyday moves like knowing when to take a breather, coming back to talk without it turning into another argument, and finding small ways to feel close again after things go sideways. The coaching focuses on giving couples tools they can actually use in real life, not just theory. Many of the people they work with experienced parental divorce and are now determined to build something stronger and steadier for themselves and their kids.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant 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 $26 billion in assets and more than 280 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which helps them better understand the people. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their markets, communities, and professions. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, and it is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the complete 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, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star rated book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa

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GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa Through North Fulton Eyes, with Kristin Winzeler and Chris Burnett, on the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
North Fulton Studio
GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa
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GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa Through North Fulton Eyes, with Kristin Winzeler and Chris Burnett, on the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa Through North Fulton Eyes (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 110)

On this edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Rebekah Anderson recaps the Strategic Leadership Visit 2025 to Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona, through the eyes of two key North Fulton leaders, Chris Burnett of the City of Sandy Springs and Kristin Winzeler of True North 400. Each year, the Chamber convenes elected officials, business leaders, and civic partners for an in-depth look at another high-performing region, then brings those lessons home for North Fulton. Chris and Kristin share why trips like SLV matter for long-term economic competitiveness, relationship building, and a shared vision across city and county lines.

The conversation walks listeners through highlights of the Arizona visit, including Mesa’s approach to incubators and entrepreneurship support, higher education and workforce partnerships, library and mall redevelopments, and the role of intentional placemaking in creating vibrant districts. They also explore how sports-anchored assets such as spring training facilities can drive tourism, community identity, and volunteer engagement, and which ideas might translate most directly to North Fulton.

Chris and Kristin talk about the sessions that surprised them, the off-agenda moments that helped North Fulton leaders build relationships with each other, and what they learned most from seeing Scottsdale and Mesa up close. They close by updating listeners on current economic development priorities in Sandy Springs and major mobility and infrastructure projects along the Georgia 400 corridor and how regional collaboration can turn SLV insights into concrete wins for North Fulton.

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

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • The importance of the GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit in fostering relationships and a shared vision among North Fulton civic and business leaders cannot be overstated.
  • Mesa’s business incubators and education partnerships offer valuable insights that could guide talent and entrepreneurship initiatives in North Fulton.
  • The redevelopment of SkySong’s dead mall serves as a model for innovative mixed-use projects and has a significant long-term economic impact.
  • The insights from Scottsdale’s placemaking and the Chicago Cubs spring training complex shed light on tourism, volunteer engagement, and community identity.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Chris Burnett and Kristin Winzeler

0:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:28 Annual Strategic Leadership Visit (SLV) Overview
01:13 Meet the Guests: Chris Burnett and Kristin Winzeler
01:34 Understanding Economic Development and Community Improvement Districts
04:35 Insights from the SLV Trip to Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona
07:37 Mesa Business Builder and Economic Impact
10:27 SkySong Innovation Center and Regional Collaboration
15:32 Arts and Culture: A Surprising Economic Driver
22:02 North Fulton’s Entertainment Scene
22:30 Strengthening Relationships on the SLV Trip
23:49 The Value of Personal Relationships
25:15 Organic Moments and Key Takeaways
26:24 Fanboy Experience and Baseball Stories
28:09 The Importance of SLV Trips
32:53 Economic Development in Sandy Springs
35:13 Exciting Developments in North Fulton
38:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kristin Winzeler, Executive Director, True North 400

Kristin Winzeler, Executive Director, True North 400
Kristin Winzeler, True North 400

Kristin Winzeler is the Executive Director of True North 400, an organization dedicated to enhancing the North Fulton business district that includes Alpharetta, Roswell, and Milton. She originally joined the organization in 2012 and has played a pivotal role in its growth and rebranding from the North Fulton Community Improvement District to True North 400 in 2023. As Deputy Executive Director, she helped generate more than $30 million in infrastructure improvements that spurred over $217 million in new investments throughout the district. Winzeler manages and oversees both small and large projects, focusing on increasing area investment and improving mobility and access in the North Fulton region.

Her deep commitment to sustaining organizational growth and advancing regional development marks Winzeler’s leadership. She resides in Woodstock, Georgia, with her husband and three daughters. Her extensive experience in managing civic improvement projects and community economic development makes her an influential steward for True North 400’s vision of fostering a vibrant and accessible business environment in the North Fulton area. Kristin is known for her hands-on approach and strategic vision, which continue to benefit the region’s ongoing development and prosperity.

Website | LinkedIn

Chris Burnett, Director of Economic Development, City of Sandy Springs

Chris Burnett, City of Sandy Springs
Chris Burnett, City of Sandy Springs

Chris Burnett is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Sandy Springs, appointed in 2024. With over 40 years of experience in community banking, he has served as President and CEO of multiple Atlanta-area banks, including founding the Bank of Sandy Springs in 2013. Burnett has played a key role in the city’s economic growth initiatives, focusing on redevelopment projects such as the North End and City Springs Phase II. He previously served on the Sandy Springs City Council from 2016 to 2021 and remains actively involved in local organizations like the Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce and Special Olympics of Georgia. A longtime resident, he brings extensive knowledge of the community’s business environment and a strong commitment to its continued prosperity.

Before joining city government, Burnett dedicated decades to building and leading financial institutions, leveraging his expertise to foster business development and support local entrepreneurs and real estate ventures. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Georgia State University and completed graduate banking studies at Louisiana State University. His leadership combines financial acumen with community engagement, aiming to enhance Sandy Springs’ economic vitality and quality of life through strategic planning and collaborative initiatives with businesses and local stakeholders. Burnett’s blend of banking experience and civic service uniquely positions him to advance the city’s economic development goals.

Website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC)
Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is 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 1,400 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.

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, GNFCCAs a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their 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, follow this link.

Housing Affordability Tops Metro Atlanta Concerns

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Housing Affordability Tops Metro Atlanta Concerns: Inside the Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025 Survey, on the North Fulton Voices podcast
North Fulton Studio
Housing Affordability Tops Metro Atlanta Concerns
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Housing Affordability Tops Metro Atlanta Concerns: Inside the Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025 Survey, on the North Fulton Voices podcast

Housing Affordability Tops Metro Atlanta Concerns: Inside the Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025 Survey (North Fulton Voices, Episode 15)

For the first time since the Metro Atlanta Speaks survey began in 2013, housing affordability has emerged as the region’s top concern, edging out longtime leaders like traffic, crime, and the overall economy. In this edition of North Fulton Voices, hosts Jack Murphy and Kathy Swahn have a conversation with Ann Carpenter, Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the Atlanta Regional Commission, and Bill Huang, ARC data scientist and lead analyst for Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025.

Ann and Bill walk through how the survey is conducted across 11 Metro Atlanta counties, what has changed in this year’s results, and why residents are feeling the squeeze. They discuss numbers that catch your attention: more than 4,100 respondents, a sharp rise in pessimism about the next three to four years, and a striking share of renters who say they simply cannot afford to move within their own neighborhoods. They also highlight where the public sees causes and solutions, from zoning and investors to infill development and transit investment.

The conversation then shifts to North Fulton. Kathy and Jack connect the data to the on-the-ground reality of trying to obtain a home under four hundred thousand dollars or a rental under twenty-five hundred a month on a one hundred thousand dollar household income. They offer a concrete call to action for listeners: pay attention to comprehensive planning in cities like Alpharetta and Roswell, and use this data as a starting point for informed, practical conversations about housing affordability and missing middle housing.

To access the complete 2025 Metro Atlanta Speaks survey, follow this link.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Housing affordability is now the top concern in the Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025 survey, ahead of traffic, crime, and the broader economy.
  • Renters are feeling the strain most acutely, although homeowners also report rising pressure on housing affordability as well.
  • The ARC team prefers “housing affordability” rather than “affordable housing,” since the challenge spans a wide range of incomes and situations, not just subsidized units.
  • Residents express openness to solutions such as infill development, housing near job centers, and better transit options.
  • Vocal opposition to new housing often sounds louder than it is, and the broader public may be more supportive of change than public meetings suggest.
  • For North Fulton, the data helps frame the difficulty of finding attainable homes and rentals for the workforce that powers the local economy.
  • Local comprehensive planning is a key lever for shaping future housing options, and residents have an opportunity to bring real data into those discussions.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:35 Overview of the Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025 Survey
02:06 Key Findings from the Survey
04:00 Introducing the Guests: Ann Carpenter and Bill Huang
05:34 Deep Dive into Survey Methodology
07:12 Housing Affordability: A Growing Concern
12:05 Public Perception and Policy Implications
15:00 Traffic, Transportation, and Regional Growth
17:14 Future Directions and Community Engagement
33:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

Atlanta Regional Commission

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties, as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.

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

Ann Carpenter

Ann Carpenter, Atlanta Regional Commission
Ann Carpenter

Ann Carpenter is the Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the Atlanta Regional Commission. She leads the team responsible for producing data, analysis, and applied research to inform long-range planning for the eleven-county Metro Atlanta region. Ann has a strong background in housing and community development research and focuses on connecting high-quality data to real-world decisions related to transportation, housing, and regional growth. Before joining ARC, she worked at the Federal Reserve Bank as Assistant Vice President and Director of Community Development Research, where she addressed issues like affordable housing and community resilience. Ann has also worked closely with ARC during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves on regional advisory boards. She graduated from Georgia Tech and is deeply committed to enhancing the Atlanta region through data-driven planning and innovation.

LinkedIn

Bill Huang

Bill Huang, Atlanta Regional Commission
Bill Huang

Bill Huang is an urban data scientist at the Atlanta Regional Commission and the principal analyst for the Metro Atlanta Speaks survey. He designs and maintains data tools and analytical models that give practical advice to local governments and community leaders, helping them understand public sentiment, quality-of-life trends, and regional challenges like transportation, economic issues, artificial intelligence, and climate shifts. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Urban Analytics from Georgia Institute of Technology, Bill combines technical expertise with a multidisciplinary, people-centered approach to urban planning. He is also active in mentoring emerging urban planners, encouraging curiosity and strategic thinking in their work.

LinkedIn

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs—and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy
Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro.  Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

LinkedIn

Kathy Swahn

Kathy Swahn, President Emeritus, The Drake House
Kathy Swahn

Kathy has resided in the North Fulton area for almost 45 years. She has watched the community evolve from what was “unincorporated Fulton County” to a six-city bustling suburban community. Her history has been characterized by a focus on children: she was a stay-at-home mother who raised two daughters, she spent years in leadership roles in school PTAs and Girl Scouts, the National Charity League, the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and she served as chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy transitioned back to work by jumping into the non-profit world. She joined the team at North Fulton Community Charities, running their Holiday Program, becoming Development Director and successfully managing the $3 million capital campaign for their Elkins Road location. Along the way, she also served on the DFACS Board and chaired the board of the Fulton County Continuum of Care for four years.

After having the opportunity to join in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Kathy was surrounded with a dynamic group of folks who worked to create The Drake House. Since 2004, she served as board chair for the first four years, executive director for nine years, and is now retired. Over those years, The Drake House served over 500 single mothers with over 1,000 children and grew the assets of the organization to over $4 million.

Kathy continues to serve The Drake House on the Advocacy Committee, along with her work for NFIN.

She spends much of her time traveling to the DC area, where her children and grandchildren reside.

LinkedIn

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John Ray
John Ray

John Ray is a podcast show host and producer and owns North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset:  A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small-firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

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