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
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 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.
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.
About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
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.
As 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.
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
