2022 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
LA TUNYA GOODWIN - PRESIDENT La Tunya served Sparta as the Georgia Power Local Manager. Her objective is to champion local businesses and homegrown entrepreneurs to increase their bottom line. Additional goals include building community capacity, enhancing the local economy, and working with committed individuals to build shared visions of the future that retain and attract the best in Sparta-Hancock County.
Locally, she is Chair of the Sparta-Hancock Development Authority and is the Executive Secretary for the Family Connection-Communities of Schools in Hancock County, Inc. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Hancock Health Improvement Partnership and the Sparta LIONS Club.
Regionally, she serves on the CSRA Regional Commission, leads WorkSource East Central Georgia Workforce and is Vice-Chair of both Oconee Fall Line Technical College Executive Board and the CSRA Unified Development Authority.
Statewide, she is a GA Chamber Ambassador and 2nd Vice President of the Southeast Employment and Training Association.
CONTACT: spartahancockchamber@gmail.com 478-357-1093
PATRICIA MORGAN - SECRETARY Pat worked as a Financial Analyst for the Coca-Cola Company for 25 years before retiring. After retirement, she started a second career in Food Service for the Atlanta Postal Service where she served 1500 employees. She continues to work in the food service field, catering for private parties and community events.
After being away for many years, Pat moved back to Sparta to care for her mother. She became involved in community organizations such as, the Second Shiloh Women's Auxiliary, where she serves as the organization's Secretary, Vice President of the Executive Democratic Committee, a representative of the Hancock County State Democratic Party and Secretary of the Sparta Hancock Community Development Group.
Pat was born and raised in Sparta and is dedicated to the growth, revitalization and betterment of her hometown.
BOARD MEMBERS
GERALD McCOWN - With fifteen years experience in Business Development, Gerald has worked with government consulting firms in Washington DC, Falls Church, VA, and Atlanta, GA. His experience as Director of Business Development resulted in extended in relationships with the Small Business Administration and partnerships with small firms whose skill sets enhanced corporate capabilities.
With twenty years of federal and state contracting experience as a Senior Contracts Analyst, Contracting Officer and Grants Reviewer, Mr. McCown represented the Department of Defense, the District of Columbia government, the District of Columbia General Hospital, the District of Columbia Fire & EMS and the Housing Authority of the city of Houston.
A graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, he earned his B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Urban Planning.
Gerald is also a graduate of American International Technical Institute in Atlanta, GA (Catastrophe Adjustor Training) and a graduate of PLC Training of Atlanta, GA (Property and Casualty).
Mr. McCown, originally from New York City, established residency in Hancock County in 1968 and upon graduating from Sparta High School, departed to further his growth. Recently returning, Gerald recognized the need for Sparta / Hancock County to succeed. The Sparta/Hancock County Chamber of Commerce is the chosen path.
WILL MINTER - Will is the owner of the Lone Branch Farm in Hancock's Linton Community. He retired as Division Manager of the Oakridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN, operated by UT Battelle and Lockheed Martin. While there, Will was nationally recognized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) with a lifetime achievement award for Small Business Contracting and Science Education.
Mr. Minter served as Vice Mayor of Oak Ridge, and in elected positions as City Councilman and a member of the Board of Education. He served as Chairman of the City Council Economic Development Committee for Oak Ridge. He also served on the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities, as well as, on it's advisory committee.
Will was appointed by the Governor of Tennessee to serve on the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance Commission and is a past President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.
Will served on the National Black Leadership Forum with Coretta Scott King, Dr. Joseph Lowery and fifteen other national leaders. He was awarded "Black Engineer of the year" by Career Magazine.
MARIA RODRIGUEZ - Maria E. Rodriguez is the owner of RoomsULove, located in Downton Sparta, 12699 Broad St.
I opened RUL in 2010, selling home decor and accessories.
My husband, Bill and I moved to Sparta from Fort Lauderdale, FL. We found our historical home on the internet and it is now our "forever home".
I was a certified Cosmetologist and owner of a beauty shop. My passion is decorating and gardening. I worked at a large beautiful furniture store in Fort Lauderdale, FL., as a Decorator and Sale Associate for over 16 years.
I wanted to continue my passion for decorating here at my small store in Sparta, small in size, large in customer satisfaction and lots of treasures to be found.