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2021 GNFCC Nonprofit Award Winners: Holly York, North Fulton Community Charities and Amy O’Dell, Jacob’s Ladder

August 9, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2021 GNFCC Nonprofit Award Winners: Holly York, North Fulton Community Charities and Amy O’Dell, Jacob's Ladder

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2021 GNFCC Nonprofit Award Winners: Holly York, North Fulton Community Charities and Amy O’Dell, Jacob’s Ladder (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 65)

The two winners of the 2021 GNFCC Nonprofit of the Year were welcomed to this edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider. Holly York, Executive Director with North Fulton Community Charities, and Amy O’Dell, Founder of Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopment School and Therapy Center, joined host Tori Kerlin, Communications Coordinator at GNFCC, to discuss the tremendous work their respective organizations do. The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

North Fulton Community Charities, Holly York, Executive Director

**Holly York, Executive Director, North Fulton Community Charities**

North Fulton Community Charities assists residents living in North Fulton serving the cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park and Roswell with short-term emergency needs. NFCC collaborates with many local providers to provide the resources necessary to help individuals and families remain stable in our community. NFCC provides services in English and Spanish.

Since 1983, North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) has addressed homelessness and hunger in North Fulton. Each year the agency serves close to 10,000 individuals with emergency need in the cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park and Roswell.

Qualified residents can receive:

Emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, medical care, transportation and other necessities.
Food and staples
Clothing using vouchers to purchase clothing from the NFCC Thrift Shop.
Education for workforce development and life skills workshops to help move toward financial stability and self-sufficiency.

Website | Holly York Linkedin

Jacob’s Ladder Center, Amy O’Dell, Founder and Executive Director

Jacob’s Ladder is a non-profit SAIS-SACS accredited private school serving pre-k through 12th-grade students, as well as a therapy center serving infant through young adult students.

Our campuses throughout Metro Atlanta offer full-time and part-time enrollment options in a variety of learning environments, with levels of support ranging from a 1:1 to a 6:1 student-teacher ratio.

We also offer various full-time and part-time remote enrollment options, facilitated either in-home or virtually, serving students and their families locally, nationally, and internationally.

In addition to serving students and their families directly, Jacob’s Ladder is committed to encouraging and empowering the global special needs community through research, training, certification, and licensure.

Every day, our students overcome challenges and reach goals once thought impossible:

those who have struggled with social cues begin establishing eye contact and engaging with the world around them in a meaningful way,
those who have struggled to grasp language begin communicating not only their wants and needs but also their original thoughts and feelings in ways that ensure that they know they are heard and understood by those around them,
those who have struggled relationally due to anxiety or frustration begin managing their emotions and thriving in a group setting,
those who have struggled with intrinsic motivation begin to discern their unique passion and purpose, and to embrace that each day is a beautiful opportunity to work towards that which they personally care about, and
those who have struggled to learn in previous educational settings take steps towards unprecedented academic achievement.

Our Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care has transformed the lives of thousands of families and counting because it is grounded in science and guided by love.

Ms. Amy O’Dell is the founder of Jacob’s Ladder, designated as a 501(3) in 1999. The model, now trademarked and recognized nationally and internationally, was developed in response to critical developmental challenges faced by her own son, Jacob.

Ms. O’Dell holds a degree in Activity Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Clemson University. She is a licensed Professional Counselor with extensive training on the Neurodevelopmental process and is certified as a Neurodevelopmental consultant. She has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings, including Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta, and later at Woodridge Psychiatric Hospital in Clayton, Georgia, where she held the positions of Director of Activity Therapy and the Director of Adolescent Psychiatric Services. She is a recognized national leader in the field of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, and a sought-after speaker at national and international forums.

Governor Nathan Deal appointed Ms. O’Dell to serve on the Board of Directors of Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency as the expert in the field of Autism where she served a 3-year term. Ms. O’Dell currently serves on the Zac Brown Camp Southern Ground Board of Advisors for the Autism focus and the Board of Directors for HINRI.

Website | Amy O’Dell LinkedIn

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

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

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

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

Brandon Beach, North Fulton CID

June 30, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Brandon Beach, North Fulton CID

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Brandon Beach, North Fulton CID (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 63)

North Fulton CID Executive Director Brandon Beach joined host Kali Boatright to discuss his career journey, the history of the North Fulton CID, infrastructure improvements the organization has funded, wider transportation projects which are improving the quality of life in North Fulton, and much more. The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

The North Fulton Community Improvement District (NFCID)

The North Fulton Community Improvement District (NFCID) is a self-taxing district that was formed in 2003 by a group of business leaders committed to maintaining and enhancing the North Fulton community. With the goal of investing in a more vibrant and sustainable North Fulton, the CID advances infrastructure projects that enhance the livability, walkability and drivability of the entire community. The NFCID spans from Mansell Road north to McGinnis Ferry Road, serving as a catalyst for transportation planning, investment and improvement.

Commercial property owners within the District’s boundaries pay a voluntary tax, which funds the NFCID’s efforts. The CID’s mission is to work continuously to improve the economic viability of its district. This includes the development of efficient transportation services, with an emphasis on access, mobility, diversification and modernization.

The NFCID partners with the three cities that fall within its boundaries – Alpharetta, Milton and Roswell – to design and implement projects that improve the community of North Fulton. The NFCID regularly solicits input from its members for new projects and any member can submit requests to the NFCID for consideration.

Since its inception, the NFCID has leveraged more than $22 million to advance more than $116 million worth of transportation and infrastructure improvements. The North Fulton CID is committed to further enhancing the community and improving the quality of life for the nearly 400 property owners along the Georgia Highway 400 corridor and North Fulton’s more than 270,000 employees.

Website

Brandon Beach, Executive Director, North Fulton Community Improvement District

Brandon Beach was named Executive Director of the North Fulton Community Improvement District (CID) in January 2018. Previously, he was President of the North Fulton CID and President & CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the North Fulton CID has invested more than $20 million to help bring more than $100 million in new infrastructure for the District area.

Beach was also elected to the State Senate in 2013. He represents District 21 which includes portions of Cherokee and Fulton counties. Senator Beach is the Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He is also a member of the Economic Development, Higher Education and Science and Technology committees. Senator Beach served as the Chairman of the Public Private Partnership Committee (P3 Committee). Under his leadership, the P3 Committee was able to acquire key local transportation projects approved for Cherokee and North Fulton.

In 2001, Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Sen. Beach to the board of Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). In 2008, he was selected to chair one of GRTA’s most important committees — The Land Development Committee. In this role, Sen. Beach is responsible for leading a review of every significant development brought before the 16-county area that GRTA serves. Sen. Beach was elected to the Board of the GDOT by state legislators from the 6th Congressional District in 2008. Senator Beach is a member of numerous community boards including the Regional Business Coalition, Grady Hospital Board of Visitors, the Greater Metro Atlanta American Heart Association, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Encore Park and the Historic Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Senator Beach received an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Business Administration degree from Centenary College. He is also a graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute and a former member of the Alpharetta City Council and the Alpharetta Planning and Zoning Commission.

He and his wife, Shuntel, have two children and have lived in Alpharetta for the past 24 years.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

All Things Johns Creek, with Chris Cannon, Director of Economic Development, and Stacey Gross, Johns Creek CVB

April 30, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

All Things Johns Creek, with Chris Cannon, Director of Economic Development, and Stacey Gross, Johns Creek CVB

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All Things Johns Creek, with Chris Cannon, Director of Economic Development, and Stacey Gross, Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 62)

Stacey Gross and Chris Cannon joined host Kali Boatright to share the city’s vibrant qualities which attract new business and residents, exciting developments such as the Town Center Master Plan, and much more. The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Chris Cannon, Director of Economic Development, City of Johns Creek

Johns Creek has become the 10th largest city in Georgia through well-planned growth. Not the biggest city in the state, but tactically one of the most inviting, 2016 marked the tenth anniversary of incorporation and cityhood. In such a short span, the city has continued to strengthen its foundation and reputation with its exceptional and highly ranked school system, highly acclaimed medical facilities and a large, diverse international population. Public Safety delivers the highest level of quality service to more than 80,000 residents and nearly 2,000 businesses.

Johns Creek is meeting its mission of being an exceptional city, not only in Georgia but in the entire country.

City website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Chris Cannon LinkedIn

Stacey Gross, Executive Director, Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau

**Stacey Gross, Executive Dir., Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau**

The Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau (JCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization of Johns Creek, Georgia. Their mission is to serve as an economic catalyst by marketing the city as a destination for business and leisure travel.

The JCCVB is a501(c)(6) nonprofit, enacted on January 22, 2008 by Resolution 2008-01-05 by the Mayor and Council to promote tourism in the city.

Check-out 2020 JCCVB Tourism Fact Sheet for more information about how JCCVB is funded and how tourism is economic development for Johns Creek.

The JCCVB is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised fully of volunteers who work or live in Johns Creek and have expertise in hospitality, arts, marketing and business.

Company website | Stacey Gross LinkedIn

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

Fulton County Schools Update with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

April 5, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Fulton County Schools Update with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney

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Fulton County Schools Update with Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 60)

Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney shared updates about the Fulton County School System, including Finish Strong, an effort to stress the importance of graduating high school, plans for in-person learning, the support of the community in the last year, and much more.

Dr. Looney joined the host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright, on this edition of The GNFCC 400 Insider, presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Fulton County Schools

Fulton County Schools (FCS) is the fourth largest school system in Georgia with more than 14,000 full-and part-time employees, including more than 7,500 teachers and other certified personnel, who work in 106 schools and administrative and support buildings.During the 2019-20 school year, approximately 93,500 students will attend classes in 59 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 18 high schools (includes two open campus high schools) and 10 charter organizations (some charters have multiple campuses but are considered one school).

School System website | Facebook | Twitter

Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent, Fulton County Schools

Dr. Mike Looney joins Fulton County Schools after recently serving as Superintendent of Williamson County Schools in Tennessee, where he was named 2015 Superintendent of the year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS).

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Master’s degree in Education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Dr. Looney earned his Educational Specialist Degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama.

Dr. Looney’s work has been presented for regional and national audiences on a wide range of educational and leadership topics.

He has served on several distinguished panels including President George W. Bush’s National Reading Leadership Panel in Washington D.C.

Dr. Looney also served as Superintendent of the Butler County School District in Alabama. Under his leadership the school district realized significant student achievement gains, improved the graduation rate, and established the district’s first magnet school. In recognition of his work there, he was selected as Greenville, Alabama’s Citizen of the Year in 2008.

Before arriving at Butler, he was Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Montgomery Public Schools. Under his leadership, the district of 61 schools and 31,000 students received national notoriety for its improvement in reading achievement scores.

Dr. Looney, a public educator since 1994, has also served in the roles of classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal. During his tenure as principal, his school was recognized for closing the achievement gap for underprivileged and minority students. His school was highlighted at both the state and national levels and was named a National Title I Distinguished School.

Prior to entering the field of education, he served as finance manager for a privately-held corporation with fifty employees in Anniston, Alabama. His responsibilities included corporate finance, marketing, and human resource management.

Dr. Looney is a military veteran having served for seven years in the United States Marine Corps before being honorably discharged with a service-related injury. His military service was distinguished by four meritorious promotions which included his being selected as the Marine of the Year for MCRS Montgomery serving Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. In addition to other medals and ribbons, Dr. Looney was the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His military duties took him all over the world and included a six-month tour on the USS Raleigh with the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Amphibious Force. He is the father of four grown children.

LinkedIn | Twitter

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

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

Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: COVID-19 Vaccine Update from the Centers for Disease Control

April 1, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: COVID-19 Vaccine Update from the Centers for Disease Control

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Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: COVID-19 Vaccine Update with the CDC, with Amanda Cohn, MD, and Michelle Wilson, Centers for Disease Control (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 59)

CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amanda Cohn offered an update on the Covid-19 vaccine rollout and CDC Senior Advisor Michelle Wilson joined the call as well. Today’s program was sponsored by The City of Alpharetta and Logic Speak. The host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright, and the show is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and North Fulton Business RadioX served as the media sponsor for this event.

Amanda Cohn, MD, Chief Medical Officer, COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dr. Amanda Cohn currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) and Executive Secretary of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. She previously served as the Deputy Director of NCIRD’s Immunization Services Division. Dr. Cohn came to the CDC in 2004 as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer and joined the Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch in 2006, where she focused on prevention and control of meningococcal disease, both domestically and internationally. She is board certified in Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

She obtained her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed a residency in pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts.

CDC website | Amanda Cohn LinkedIn

Michelle Wilson, Senior Advisor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

**Michelle Wilson, Senior Advisor, CDC**

Michelle Wilson is a Senior Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer. Her work focuses on strategic external relations as she directs CDC’s Georgia Relations work. Michelle has worked at CDC for 20 years, including the past seven years in the Office of Appropriations, most recently serving as Congressional Team Lead – leading activities related to the Agency’s appropriations outreach strategy with Congress.

During her CDC tenure, Michelle has worked in policy at all levels of the Agency, including time in Washington, D.C. – focusing on government relations, budget, appropriations, and non-federal partnerships. Prior to coming to CDC in 2001 as a Presidential Management Intern, Michelle worked at several large health related non-profits and practiced front-line social work in California in Los Angeles and Yolo Counties.

She is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.

CDC Website | Michelle Wilson LinkedIn

Lindsey Petrini, Board Chair, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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

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

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

Workforce Development Taskforce, with Misty Fernandez, Georgia Power, and Samir Abdullahi, Select Fulton

March 1, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Workforce Development Taskforce, with Misty Fernandez, Georgia Power, and Samir Abdullahi, Select Fulton

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Workforce Development Taskforce (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 58)

The Greater North Fulton Chamber’s Economic Recovery Task Force was created to connect businesses and jobseekers to much-needed resources. Misty Fernandez, North Fulton Area Manager for Georgia Power serves as the Chair of the Chamber’s Workforce Committee. Samir Abdullahi is the Deputy Director of Economic Development for Select Fulton and also serves on the Workforce Committee.

Misty and Samir joined the host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright, on this edition of The GNFCC 400 Insider, presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and North Fulton Business RadioX served as the media sponsor for this event.

Samir Adbullahi, Deputy Director, Select Fulton

Samir Abdullahi is Deputy Director of Economic Development at Select Fulton. It is Fulton County, Georgia’s economic and workforce development initiative that drives collaboration among public and private partners in order to generate inclusive growth, opportunities, and prosperity for the Metro Atlanta region.

Select Fulton does this by fostering the creation of middle and high-skill jobs in our key industries, preparing our residents for those opportunities, and accelerating the growth of connected and sustainable commercial development. Additionally, Select Fulton provides collaborative economic development leadership to promote a globally competitive, prosperous, and growing Fulton County economy to improve the wellbeing of our residents and communities.

Company website, LinkedIn

Misty Fernandez, Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility, serving 2.3 million customers in 155 of 159 counties in Georgia. Georgia Power’s rates remain well below the national average.

Misty Fernandez is an energy industry professional with 20+ years of experience across the customer service, environmental compliance, and charitable giving arenas. As an Area Manager for Georgia Power Company, she collaborates with business and community leaders in lifting and growing the communities where they live, work, and serve.

Company website, Select Georgia website, LinkedIn

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: 2021 Economic Outlook with Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University

January 26, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: 2021 Economic Outlook with Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University

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Wellstar Chamber Luncheon Series: 2021 Economic Outlook with Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 55)

Georgia State University’s Dr. Rajeev Dhawan joined this GNFCC WellStar Chamber Luncheon to offer his perspective on the metro Atlanta, Georgia, and national economies. He also commented on singular advantages which North Fulton possesses which aid in recovery, and why he believes a national recovery will not begin in earnest until 2022.

The host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright, and the show is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and North Fulton Business RadioX served as the media sponsor for this event.

Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University

**Professor Rajeev Dhawan, Georgia State University**

Professor Rajeev Dhawan wears a dual hat as holder of the Zwerner Chair of Economic Forecasting and as Director of the Economic Forecasting Center at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

As director of one of the country’s premiere forecasting centers, Dhawan develops forecasts for the U.S., Southeast regional and local metro Atlanta economies. These forecasts are regularly published and presented to business executives and the media at the Center’s popular, well-respected quarterly forecasting conferences.

Dr. Rajeev Dhawan has served as an advisor to several local and state government agencies and numerous publicly-held companies such as Coca-Cola, Georgia Power, Raymond James and Turner Broadcasting, among others. He currently serves as the chair of the advisory committee for regional growth for the Atlanta Regional Commission and is also a member of the Georgia Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors since 2003.

Dr. Dhawan’s academic research analyzes U.S. business cycles with a special emphasis on the role of credit markets on growth and survival of small firms.

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2020 Chair Alan Najjar and 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini

December 17, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2020 Chair Alan Najjar and 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini

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GNFCC Year in Review and Leadership Transition: An Interview with 2020 Chair Alan Najjar and 2021 Chair Lindsey Petrini (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 54)

On this edition of the “GNFCC 400 Insider,” GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright is joined by Alan Najjar, GNFCC’s 2020 Chair, and Lindsey Petrini, GNFCC’s 2021 Chair. Alan and Lindsey offer a GNFCC Year in Review for 2020 and discuss their leadership transition. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Alan Najjar, Director of Business Development, Smith & Howard

Alan Najjar has overseen the business development efforts of Smith & Howard since 2011. He started his career in banking after graduating from the University of Georgia. A veteran of the Atlanta banking and business community, Alan has held executive level leadership positions at SunTrust Bank and other Georgia financial institutions. Prior to joining Smith & Howard, he was the EVP and Chief Operating Officer of an Atlanta-based financial services company.

Alan is the outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors for The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and is a trustee emeritus for Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation and Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. He is active in numerous civic, social, and academic organizations. Alan and his wife, Donna, are long-time residents of Gwinnett County, and when away from the office, Alan most enjoys sunrises on the lake and time with his family.

Lindsey Petrini, Chief Operating Officer, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

**Lindsey Petrini, Wellstar North Fulton**

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

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

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

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Connected Vehicles, with Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission, Bryan Mulligan, Applied Information, and Brad Stertz, Audi America

November 18, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Connected Vehicles, with Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission, Bryan Mulligan, Applied Information, and Brad Stertz, Audi America

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WellStar Chamber Luncheon Series: Connected Vehicles, with Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission, Bryan Mulligan, Applied Information, and Brad Stertz, Audi America (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 52)

Guests for this GNFCC WellStar Chamber Luncheon included Kerry Armstrong of the Atlanta Regional Commission and Bryan Mulligan, Applied Information, broadcasting from the new Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory. They were joined by Brad Stertz, Audi America, and the three of them discussed new safety technology connecting vehicles with their environment. These capabilities are already in Alpharetta fire trucks, are planned for school zones and school buses, and are being tested in passenger cars by Audi.

The host of “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright and the show is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and North Fulton Business RadioX served as the media sponsor for this event.

Kerry Armstrong, Chairman, Atlanta Regional Commission

**Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission**

Kerry Armstrong has served on the Atlanta Regional Commission since 2008, and is currently serving his second term as the ARC Board Chairman. During his tenure on the ARC Board he served on numerous Commission Committees and as Co-Chair of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board.

Professionally, as a Managing Director – Development Partner with Pope & Land Real Estate, Mr. Armstrong is involved in the development, marketing, leasing, and management of commercial real estate investments. He joined Pope & Land in 2012, and his commercial real estate career spans three decades

He is also actively involved in numerous civic, educational, and charitable organizations. He is the Chairman of the North Fulton Community Improvement District, and was recently appointed by the Speaker of the House of the Georgia General Assembly to serve on the State of Georgia’s Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act Guidelines Committee. He serves as a Director and Past Chair of the Council for Quality Growth, as a Director and Past Chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and is a Director for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Armstrong also serves on the board of the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation, The ATO Foundation and the Richmond Property Group. He is the current Chairman of the Administrative Council and serves on the Finance Committee of his church.

Bryan Mulligan, President, Applied Information, Inc.

Bryan Mulligan is the President and Founder of Applied Information, which he established in 2011 to meet the need for a technology company that can apply the new wireless, Internet-of-Things, cloud computing, and connected vehicle technologies into modern solutions for the transportation sector. Applied Information has established technologies in multiple sectors in transportation, including intersection management, connected vehicle priority/preemption systems, pedestrian safety, mobile data acquisition, parking, and ITS management.

Bryan continues to provide leadership in the US and international transportation industries through his continued chair, and leadership, of the NEMA 3TS Transportation Section. NEMA (the National Electrical Manufacturers Association) is the leading US trade association in the transportation sector, and is one of the co-owners of the NTCIP suite of standards. Bryan is also a member of the NTCIP Joint Committee and the NEMA Head of Delegation.

Applied Information is a leading developer of connected, intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions designed to improve safety, reliability, and mobility. Applied Information’s Glance Smart City Supervisory System™ platform allows cities to manage all their traffic and ITS assets on one web-based application. This includes 5 key areas: Traffic Intersections, School Beacons, Parking Guidance System, Mobile Vehicle Assets, and ITS devices. AI’s Glance TravelSafely™ smartphone app connects drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians for a safer commute.

Brad Stertz, Director of Government Affairs, Audi America, Co-Founder and Chair, Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE)

Brad Stertz is Director of Audi America Government Affairs in the Washington D.C. office. He represents Audi interests on a range of rapidly evolving topics, including automated vehicle testing and deployment, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, connected vehicle technologies, safety, cybersecurity, emissions regulations, and trade. Notably, he has framed early public perceptions of automated driving, including the first opportunity journalists had to experience hands-free performance at highway speeds during a January 2015 test drive from Palo Alto, CA to Las Vegas. Currently, he is co-chair of Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE), a coalition of diverse innovators and mobility stakeholders uniting to better equip the public and policymakers about the transportation revolution ahead. He has been instrumental in furthering partnerships between Audi and leading technology innovators, while remaining closely aligned with the AUDI AG global government affairs and technical development teams in Ingolstadt, Germany.

In 2008, Stertz joined Audi to lead Corporate Communications. In that role, he was responsible for building awareness about the progressive strides made by Audi advanced technologies. Before joining Audi, Stertz held a variety of management, editing, and reporting positions at prominent U.S. newspapers. He was a senior manager with Tribune Company, led award-winning coverage as assistant managing editor in charge of news, Washington bureau chief, and automotive editor at The Detroit News. His extensive experience with the automotive industry began with his stint as a staff reporter in the Wall Street Journal’s Detroit bureau.

Mr. Stertz is the co-author of the best-selling book Taken for a Ride: How Daimler-Benz Drove Off With Chrysler. Fortune magazine counted this account of the ill-fated DaimlerChrysler merger among history’s 75 “Smartest Books We Know.” Mr. Stertz graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. He lives with his family in Purcellville, VA.

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