LEAD UP PODCAST

Lead Up was created to feature the incredible people leading Gwinnett County. This podcast gives listeners an inside look at initiatives, programs, and organizations that truly impact our community while showcasing the leaders behind them.

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Lead Up – Episode 13
Chairwoman Alisa Toney
Leadership Gwinnett Foundation Board of Directors
Sr. Director of Development, PCOM

Join us for a candid conversation as we sit down with Alisa Toney, a pivotal figure in higher education advancement and community leadership. With over two decades of experience, Alisa currently serves as the Senior Director of Development at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Our dialogue unravels her strategic initiatives and dedication to fostering relationships within PCOM and beyond.

As we delve deeper, we explore Alisa’s role as Chairwoman of the Leadership Gwinnett Foundation board, reflecting on her journey from Memphis, Tennessee, to becoming an influential figure in Gwinnett County. From academic achievements to active involvement in esteemed organizations like CASE and AFP, Alisa’s narrative resonates with inspiration and commitment. Join us as we uncover the layers of Alisa Toney’s leadership journey, rooted in dedication, impact, and community upliftment.

Lead Up – Episode 12
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson
Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners 

Nicole Love Hendrickson, LG Class of 2010, was elected chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners in 2020, making her the first African American to hold this position in Gwinnett. As the Commission Chair, she leads the Board in setting the direction and formulating policies for County government. She oversees the creation and adoption of the County’s more than $2 billion budget, and she ensures Gwinnett’s superior services reach — all its nearly 1 million residents.

Chairwoman Hendrickson has rolled out various impactful initiatives in our community, she is active on several local and statewide boards, and she has received numerous accolades for her service and leadership. Today, she’s sitting down with us for a candid conversation about her leadership within the community that we love.

Lead Up – Episode 11
Dr. Babak Mostaghimi
Gwinnett County Public Schools

Gene technology, chatbots, virtual reality, facial recognition… There is no denying Artificial Intelligence is going to revolutionize almost every facet of modern life. So what does that mean for our future generations and how can our schools help prepare students for success?

Dr. Babak Mostaghimi, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education & Student Support at Gwinnett County Public Schools joins us for a conversation about how our public schools are tackling the ever-changing world of technology as it relates to educating our young folks and ultimately preparing them for careers.

Lead Up – Episode 10
Jennifer Hibbard
View Point Health

In this incredibly timely discussion, Jennifer Hibbard, Chief Executive Officer at View Point Health, tells us all about this community behavioral health center located close to home. View Point Health provides services to individuals who need treatment and support to cope with mental illness, substance abuse, and intellectual and developmental disabilities – specifically to those who are from under resourced communities.

Jennifer has worked at View Point for over 19 years, beginning her career as an intake clinician at one of the mental health outpatient centers. Listen in for Jennifer’s story, an overview of View Point Health, and some leadership tips from this rockstar leader!

Lead Up – Episode 9
Kelly Greer Brewer
Eagle Ranch

If you haven’t heard of this incredible community resource, you’re in for a treat! Join us for a conversation with Kelly Greer Brewer (LG99), Director of Development and Outreach at Eagle Ranch, one of the Southeast’s largest residential children’s programs. Eagle Ranch is designed to give children the structure, stability and time needed to work through a crisis situation. Kelly has more than 15 years of experience in raising funds and awareness for notable causes, and prior to joining Eagle Ranch, she was Publisher of Gwinnett Magazine.

Lead Up – Episode 8
Nick Masino
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

We’re sitting down with Nick Masino, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, and graduate of the Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2011. Nick is no stranger to economic development and community relations. He served as Georgia’s youngest mayor for the city of Suwanee for 8 years. He then served as the Chief Economic Development Officer for Partnership Gwinnett, bringing over 15,000 jobs and more than over a billion dollars in investment to Gwinnett. Join us for a conversation about the Chamber’s role in our community and Nick’s unique leadership journey!

Lead Up – Episode 7
Mason Ailstock
Rowen Foundation

Mason Ailstock, President & CEO of the Rowen Foundation, is sitting down to chat with us about this incredible knowledge community that’s coming to Gwinnett. Mason has a unique background – he was the COO of Research Triangle Park in North Carolina and the Past President of the Association of University Research Parks. So he’s the perfect man for the job! Listen in to hear more about Mason’s leadership journey and Georgia’s new hub for the intersection of business and innovation know as Rowen.

Lead Up – Episode 6
Antonio Molina
Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

On this episode, Antonio Molina, Attorney at Law with NGUYEN & PHAM, LLC and Chairman of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is joining us for a conversation about servant leadership. Antonio has an inspiring leadership and civic journey and he has served in many volunteer capacities and has received many awards and accolades for his contributions. Just to name a few, he was a recipient of the Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 under 40 award, he was the Georgia Perimeter College’s Alumnus of the Year in 2014, and he was recognized by Congressman Hank Johnson with the Community Champion Award.

Lead Up – Episode 5
Bryan Ginn & Andrea Mann
PCOM Georgia

On this episode of Lead Up, we have a couple of folks joining us from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia, Mr. Bryan Ginn, the Chief Campus Officer and Dr. Andrea Mann, the Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the Osteopathic Medicine Program. Mr. Ginn oversees the coordination of campus operations with the institution’s senior leadership in Philadelphia and Dr. Mann directs the activities of the clinical and bio-medical sciences departments. We are delighted to hear a bit about their leadership roles and this fantastic higher education institution, right here in Gwinnett!

Lead Up – Episode 4
Dr. Jann Joseph
Georgia Gwinnett College

We’re sitting down for a conversation with Dr. Jann Joseph, the President of Georgia Gwinnett College. Dr. Joseph has a unique and inspirational story to tell and has spent her career working to increase educational opportunities and student success. We are delighted to have Dr. Jann Joseph joining us on our podcast to share a bit about her leadership journey and a fantastic higher education institution, right here in Gwinnett.

Lead Up – Episode 3
Dr. Calvin J. Watts
Gwinnett County Public Schools

On this episode of Lead Up, we are sitting down with Dr. Calvin J. Watts, Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Superintendent and Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2007 graduate. Dr. Watts shares a bit about his professional and personal journey in leadership, life lessons, and education. Join us for a lively discussion about the Look, Listen, and Learn Tour, how GCPS is tackling their biggest challenges, and Dr. Watts’ commitment to our students.

Lead Up – Episode 2
Kevin Jones & Abby Wilkerson
Glance Gwinnett

On our second episode of Lead Up, we are showcasing our Glance Gwinnett volunteer Co-Chairs, Kevin Jones, Assistant Vice President / Branch Manager of Georgia Banking Company & 2019 Glance Gwinnett graduate, and Abby Wilkerson, Public Information Officer for the City of Suwanee & 2016 Glance Gwinnett graduate. Join us as we are dive into the 2.5-day community program and spotlighting the work these two leaders are doing to inspire civic involvement.

Lead Up – Episode 1
Major Michelle Anglin & Rachael Warnsley
Gwinnett Police Department Community Affairs

On our first episode of Lead Up, we are showcasing two powerful women leaders and spotlighting the work they are doing within our police department as it relates to community outreach and crime prevention. We have joining us Rachael Warnsley, Gwinnett Police Department’s Outreach Manager for Community Affairs and LG Class of 2018, and Major Michelle Anglin with Gwinnett PD and 2020 graduate of Glance Gwinnett.