A Profile in Leadership
Austell Police Chief Shameta Jones-Harrell
A Profile In Leadership
Shameta Jones-Harrell is the city of Austell’s first female chief of police. In fact, she is the first female police chief in Cobb County.
SHARPER FOCUS
Find out what’s going on throughout Cobb County with our news updates.
RECRUITING
As a small- or mid-sized business owner, you’ve likely been asked at some point, “What is your ‘Why’?”
THE DEFINED LEADER
When you lead only from urgency, you risk losing the one thing that keeps your organization grounded and growing: purpose.
12 ARTS & RECREATION
There are many services provided by the Cobb County Public Library System of which you likely aren’t taking advantage.
SENIOR LIVING
Don’t let someone else determine how your assets are distributed. Georgia Wills, Trusts, & Probate Firm LLC can help.
Strong women build strong communities through Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build.
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Cobb County’s tennis centers offer a variety of opportunities, including tennis academies, ALTA, and USTA teams for adults and juniors and lessons for all ages. 28
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
The Big Chicken has been a local landmark for more than 60 years.
ABOUT COBB COUNTY
Check out this section with important facts and figures about Cobb, as well as services available to homeowners and business owners.
FOCUS
Do you work too much? Our editor knows the feeling.
ATTENTION LEADERS OF COBB!
If you’re reading this, chances are you are a local business owner, industry executive, nonprofit leader, civic/government official, a leader in education, or community organizer. You’re an individual who is among Cobb County’s premier influencers.
Thus, we offer you an opportunity to share your entrepreneurial insights, your business acumen, and your thought leadership with a Leader Profile in Cobb In Focus. To learn more about our Leader Profile and other advertising possibilities, please contact Publisher Robyn Sobelson at RSobelson@nspmag.com.
Inspiring Leaders
BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
This issue’s cover feature on Austell Police Chief Shameta JonesHarrell is special for many reasons. It is special because, as the article states, she is the first female police chief in Cobb County. And it’s special to me because a close family member of mine is a police officer. When a member of your own family puts themselves in harm’s way to defend and protect the public, you tend to have a deeper appreciation for everyone who does that job.
For her part, Jones-Harrell said she began her law enforcement career after college because she loved the opportunity to make a personal impact on people’s lives. And now as a city leader, she can have an even great influence. Read her story beginning on page 22.
Our leadership focus continues with a look back at the impetus of the Women Build program from Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta and the program’s co-chairs, Kim Gresh, owner and president, S.A. White Oil Co.; and Stacey Chapman, principal, senior vice president and owner, CROFT & Associates. Read about them beginning on page 16.
Elsewhere in this issue, we continue with articles from our two, new columnists (pages 10 and 11), Qualified Applicants’ Meghan Ritchie and Leadership Coach Vicki Abelson. We hope you are enjoying their articles because we find their advice and insights invaluable for business owners. Additionally, we turn your attention to Cobb libraries, which offer many benefits for members beyond just checking out books. See page 12. Then read about a community sports opportunity with Cobb PARKS (page 26) and find out the history of a local landmark (page 28).
As always, the people of Cobb County — from everyday residents to business owners, to government officials, area volunteers, and more — continue to inspire and impress me. It’s a privilege to share their stories with you. So, if you have a story to share, please reach out. •
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SHARPER FOCUS
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in your community.
Atlanta Braves and NAPA Auto Parts Spend Volunteer Day
Beautifying Habitat Neighborhood in Mableton
Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta (Habitat NWMA), in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation and NAPA Auto Parts, joined forces in October through its Community Curb Appeal program to enhance Claxton Commons, a Habitat neighborhood established in 2002.
Volunteers dedicated their day to revitalizing the Mableton community by planting greenery, refreshing landscaping, painting, pressure washing and installing new mailboxes for six homes in need of repair and improved curb appeal.
“Our continuing partnership with Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta showcases the true impact of collaboration and teamwork,” said Danielle Bedasse, Atlanta Braves Vice President of Community Affairs and Atlanta Braves Foundation
Executive Director. “Last year, we joined forces to build a home for a local civil servant. This year, along with our great partner, NAPA Auto Parts, we are proud to support Habitat’s mission to bring people together to build homes, community, and hope through this beautification project.”
“There’s something special about rolling up your sleeves alongside neighbors to beautify a community. NAPA is committed to being more than just a business in the Atlanta area, we’re invested in making our neighborhoods stronger, one project at a time,” said Katheirne Wooten, Director of Partnership Strategy at NAPA. “We’re grateful to work with Habitat NWMA and the Atlanta Braves Foundation to bring this vision to life in Claxton Commons.
“Thank you to the Atlanta Braves Foundation and NAPA for investing your people, time, and resources to enhance a community,” said Kyle Huhtanen, CEO, Habitat NWMA. “This valuable partnership forms an awesome effort to forward our mission bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
A Golden Milestone: KBA Marks 50 Years
On October 30, the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) commemorated its 50th anniversary with a celebration at the Governor’s Gun Club.
The program featured remarks from key civic and business leaders, including Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling, 2025 KBA President Austin Porter, incoming 2026 President Jenni Brown, and a variety of historical KBA leaders and founding partners.
“KBA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration [was] one to remember, as we honor our past with immense appreciation and look forward to our future with tremendous anticipation — knowing our next 50 years as a business association will be even greater than our first 50 years,” said KBA President Austin Porter. “It’s time to win! It’s time to celebrate! And it’s time to keep building off the incredible success so many of our businesses now share together.”
The KBA is one of the region’s oldest and largest business associations, and has empowered more than 300 local businesses annually, providing critical platforms for area leaders to connect, drive growth, and strengthen the community. Learn more at kennesawbusiness.org
Capital City Bank Group Foundation Affwards $11,500 to Nonprofits In Cobb County
Capital City Bank Group (CCBG) Foundation has reinvested $11,500 into the Cobb County community, awarding grants to Marietta Police Foundation, GRACEPOINT School, Communities In Schools of Georgia, Town Center Community Alliance, Cobb and Douglas Health Foundation, and Friends of the Strand.
The donations provided by the CCBG Foundation help nonprofits carry on the mission of the Foundation to enhance the quality of life for countless local citizens in the areas where the bank does business.
“Supporting organizations that create meaningful impact in our communities aligns with the mission of the Capital City Bank Group Foundation,” said Ron King, Capital City Bank president of Cobb County. “We are honored to help strengthen our community through the dedication of our bankers and financial contributions that support lasting, positive change.”
The CCBG Foundation provides grants to nonprofits, charitable organizations, and institutions exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Most of the funds are distributed to specific areas of focus, including arts/culture, children/youth services, economic/community development, education, health/sciences, and human services.
For more information on the Capital City Bank Group Foundation, visit ccbgfoundation.org
LGE Community Credit Union Opens New Building at Cobb County Safety Village
LGE Community Credit Union recently celebrated the completion of its building at the Cobb County Safety Village with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event marked a milestone in LGE’s long-term partnership with the Cobb County Safety Village Foundation, reinforcing the credit union’s commitment to safety education and community engagement.
Members of the Cobb County Safety Village Foundation board of directors, and LGE leadership, including President and CEO Chris Leggett, gathered to commemorate the occasion.
“LGE is committed to supporting and promoting safety education for the communities we serve,” said Leggett. “We’re honored to be part of the Safety Village and to contribute to a space where children and families can learn life-saving skills in a hands-on, engaging environment.”
The LGE building joins the Safety Village’s unique 8-acre campus, which features reduced-scale buildings, streets, and traffic signals that simulate a real town representing the Cobb County community. The Safety Village offers children and families the opportunity to learn about fire, pedestrian, bicycle, and home safety through role-playing scenarios and hands-on exercises.
For more information about LGE Community Credit Union and its community efforts, visit LGEccu.org. Learn more about the Safety Village at cobbcounty,gov/safety-village.
SHARPER FOCUS
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in your community.
Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro
Atlanta Breaks Ground on 2025 Women Build Home for Marietta Public Servant
Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta (Habitat NWMA) officially broke ground and dedicated the land for its 2025 Women Build home in Marietta on October 2. The event brought together more than 100 Habitat supporters, city leaders, volunteers, and sponsors.
The future homeowner, Makailah, a Police Service Representative with the City of Marietta Police Department, joined her mother, Lisa, and son, Ayden, a second grader, while Rev. Dr. Hope Sutton blessed the land where their future home will stand.
Speakers included members of the Habitat leadership team; David Beam, Chief of Police, City of Marietta; and 2025 Women Build Co-Chairs Kim Gresh and Stacey Chapman. Each highlighted the importance of the Women Build and the impact of empowering women to lead, fund, and construct homes in partnership with hardworking families.
Marietta Police Chief Beam said, “In today’s real estate market finding an affordable home is very difficult for first time homeowners. Thank you very much for what you do for all those families that you have helped that now own a home and feel even more a part of their community.”
Makailah and her family will help to build their home side by side with Women Build volunteers to achieve affordable homeownership with a zero-interest mortgage.
“Women Build is about so much more than construction — it’s about the best of our community coming together to build a better life for this family,” said Habitat NWMA CEO Kyle Huhtanen.
Tracy Styf Named the 2025 Smyrna Citizen of the Year
The Cobb Chamber’s Smyrna Area Council has selected Tracy Styf, Executive Director of the Town Center Community Improvement District (CID), as its 2025 Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year is chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.
Styf is a recognized leader in community and economic development, known for her strategic insights and visionary leadership. As the Executive Director of the Town Center CID, Styf collaborates with decision-makers, elected officials, business leaders, investors, and government agencies with the goal of making the Town Center Community one of the most accessible, prosperous, and exciting areas in metro Atlanta.
Under her direction, the Town Center CID has secured more than $130 million in grant funding for projects like the award-winning Skip Spann Connector and Noonday Creek Trail. She currently oversees 15 projects totaling $75 million, with a focus on improving transportation, public spaces, and regional connectivity.
In addition to her work with the CID, Tracy founded the CID’s 501(c)(3) partner, the Town Center Community Alliance, which enhances the CID’s impact by delivering complementary programs and public space investments that benefit residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
As a committed community leader, Styf serves on the Executive Board of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and on the boards for the Council for Quality Growth, Georgia Transportation Alliance, Kennesaw State University, and the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theater.
Cobb Public Safety Heroes Honored at 2025 Awards Luncheon
The Cobb Chamber honored Cobb County’s finest on October 6, during its annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon at the Coca-Cola Roxy. The event kicked off Public Safety Appreciation Week, a community-wide effort to say “thank you” to the men and women who work tirelessly to keep Cobb County safe.
Tim Milligan, Cobb Chamber Public Safety Chairman & Chief of the Marietta Fire Department, as well as Lance LoRusso, LoRusso Law Firm, were the invited speakers. Following their messages of appreciation, awards were presented to public safety agencies from across Cobb County, including police, fire, sheriff’s office, campus police, and EMS. Congratulations to our 2025 Public Safety Award winners:
Public Safety Employee of the Year:
Award of Valor:
Field Training Officer Stephen Abernathy, Cobb County Police Department
Award of Merit:
• Engine 71, Engine 72, and Truck 72 of the Austell Fire Department, Austell Fire Department
• Engine 71 - Captain Brent Worsham, Firefighter John Bennett, Captain Michael Porterfield
• Engine 72 - Lieutenant Kam Forrister, Firefighter Adam Gravitt, Firefighter Chris Robinson
• Truck 72 - Battalion Chief Matt Cabrera, Firefighter David Parson
Outstanding Contribution Award:
Officer Joshua Adams, Marietta Police Department
Leadership & Excellence Award:
Lieutenant Armando Cipriano, Powder Springs Police Department
Officer Rahim Somani, Cobb County Police Department Lieutenant Hanson, Sergeant Mordaunt, Officer Smith, and Officer Trail, Smyrna Police Department
To read the full stories on the honorees, visit cobbchamber.org. The 2025 Public Safety Appreciation Breakfast is sponsored by Marquee Sponsor, Superior Plumbing; Platinum Sponsors, Cobb EMC and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service; Awards Sponsor, LoRusso Law Firm; Gold Sponsors, Barrow Wrecker Service, Chattahoochee Technical College, Genuine Parts Company, and Marietta Wrecker; Appreciation Week Sponsors, EMC Security and Verizon; Silver Sponsors, Atlanta Braves, C.W. Matthews Contracting Co. Inc., Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Governors Gun Club, Kennesaw State University, LGE Community Credit Union, Operative IQ, Puckett EMS, Six Flags Over Georgia, and o[‘pWalton Communities; and Patriot Sponsors, Brasfield & Gorrie, Georgia Power, Gillis Law Firm, and Mauldin & Jenkins. •
Inspiring Success From The Inside Out
BY MEGHAN RITCHIE, OWNER – TRUSTAL RECRUITING
As a small- or mid-sized business owner, you’ve likely been asked at some point, “What is your ‘Why’?” It is a simple question, yet one that deeply probes the core of your business. What is your purpose? Why does your company exist beyond making a profit? This question touches on the passion behind what you do. Leading with purpose is the secret ingredient that transforms a good business into a great one. It taps into people’s own reasons for following you and that is much better than trying to persuade them to do so.
If someone asked you right now, “What’s your Why,” could you answer it immediately? And more importantly, would your answer inspire others? The truth is, people do not just buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Simon Sinek famously explained this concept in his 2009 TED Talk, Start with Why. He shared that great leaders and organizations start from the inside out, communicating their purpose and belief system first, which then attracts customers, employees, and vendor partners who share those same values.
Five Reasons Why Leading with Purpose is Crucial for Your Business
1. Clarity and Authenticity Drive Engagement
Without a clear “Why,” your team, customers, and vendors may lack emotional connection, leading to mediocrity in their work or even disengagement. Leading with authenticity by sharing your core beliefs and passions helps build trust and inspires genuine loyalty. (The cost of turn-over is expensive!)
2. Your “Why” Influences Motivation and Performance
People are more committed and motivated when they believe in your purpose. Talented employees and quality products are not enough if there is no shared belief. Genuine buy-in from your team and partners is essential for reaching your full potential because people will work harder and smarter, because they authentically care.
3. Connect Emotionally by Communicating from the Inside Out
Tapping into the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain, is key. Instead of just listing facts, tell stories and express convictions that resonate emotionally, inspiring trust, loyalty, and action.
Your purpose is your power. Use it to light up your team, inspire your customers, and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Doing this taps into people’s drive, without them often realizing it. They feel good at work and want to be there, and sometimes they’ll say, “I don’t know exactly why I like working here; I just do!”
4. Purpose-Driven Leadership Attracts and Aligns the Right People
Clearly articulating your “Why” makes it easier to find and hire people who share your values, creating a “right fit.” When team members believe in your purpose, they are more committed to helping you achieve your vision. This is why the phrase “right fit, right seat” is critical. It is in this order for a reason. The “right fit” should be first and MOST important when considering new team members. It is the stickiness that creates a strong, committed team.
5. Purpose in Marketing and Business Success
Centering your messaging around “Why” attracts like-minded customers and partners, fostering meaningful, value-based relationships. Success is about inspiring others, not just offering the best products or services. Often, businesses’ “Why” is expressed in their taglines such as Nike’s “Just Do It” or Apple’s “Think Different.” Take the time to discover or reconnect with your “Why,” the passion and belief that fuel your business. If you are not doing so, share it boldly and proudly and watch as others are inspired. Your purpose is your power. Use it to light up your team, inspire your customers, and make a meaningful impact in your community. My guess is that you will be amazed at the results. •
Meghan Ritchie is the founder of Trustal Recruiting, a firm specializing in recruiting services for home services companies like electrical, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and other trades. The company collaborates deeply with its clients to develop their teams over time. Learn more at trustalrecruiting.com
Meghan Ritchie
Leading With Purpose
VICKI ABELSON, MBA PCC
Years ago, when working at a hospital, I was interviewing Juan, an older man working on the janitorial staff for an employee engagement survey. I don’t know what I was expecting, but what I got was a love letter to his work.
He told me with such certainty and confidence how much his work impacted the lives of patients that walked the hospital floors each and every day. He focused on patient safety (keeping the floors clean and dry, emptying sharps containers, etc.), but he also talked a lot about the conversations he would have with patients, families, and staff. Juan had gotten to know so many people over the years and built real relationships. Knowing that he had the power to improve their health and wellness kept him coming back to work with a smile on his face year after year.
When my clients ask me about leading their teams with purpose, I always think about Juan. In a world moving at warp speed, it’s easy for business owners to slip into reaction mode, making quick decisions, solving today’s problems, and putting out tomorrow’s fires. But when you lead only from urgency, you risk losing the one thing that keeps your organization grounded and growing: purpose.
But that can lead to stress, burnout, and a demotivated team that is looking for their next opportunity. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about leading with purpose. Purposedriven leadership starts with clarity — about who you are, what you value, and why your business exists beyond profit. When leaders are rooted in purpose, decisions become simpler, communication becomes clearer, and teams become more engaged.
Start with your core values
Your company’s values aren’t just words on a wall; they’re the invisible compass that guides behavior and decision-making. Ask yourself: Would my team know what I stand for if I wasn’t in the room? When values are lived daily — in hiring, client relationships, and even tough conversations — they become a shared language for how your organization shows up in the world.
Purpose-led decision-making ensures consistency and protects your culture when business pressures mount.
Know (and communicate) your mission and vision
Your mission is what you do. Your vision is where you’re going. Both should be crystal clear — and communicated often. When every team member can connect their daily work to that bigger picture, they’re not just employees; they’re co-architects of your success.
Communicate with intention
Every leader has a natural communication style. Some are direct and fast-paced; others are thoughtful and reserved. The most intentional leaders flex. They adapt their message to match their listener so they know that their message is heard and understood.
Give feedback that builds, not breaks
Purpose-driven leaders don’t avoid feedback; they master it. Feedback isn’t criticism, it’s information. When it’s rooted in values and delivered with empathy, it strengthens trust, engagement, and accountability.
Make decisions that align
When faced with a tough call, check it against your mission, vision, and values. Does it move you toward your vision? Does it align with who you say you are? Purpose-led decision-making ensures consistency and protects your culture when business pressures mount. •
Vicki Abelson, MBA PCC, is a Certified Professional Coach with over 20 years of healthcare administration experience and the founder of The Defined Leader. She offers executive coaching and workshops. If you’re ready to see if leadership coaching is for you, visit thedefinedleader.com
Vicki Abelson
The Many Benefits Of A Cobb County Library Card
BY MEGAN WILLIS
When I was a young girl, I practically grew up at the library. My mother was an avid reader and would finish a 300+ page novel in two to three days, prompting a return to the library. It felt like we were always there. Inevitably, she passed down her love of reading and books to me. Yes, I love to buy books for my home library, but I also still really enjoy going to the library. It seems I may be in the minority, though. I took a quick tally amongst the people in my life and was in shock to learn I was the only one with a library card. How can this be?
Our libraries are extremely under-utilized and under-valued resources for the community. In addition to the many, monthly events they organize at each of their locations — from songwriting workshops to Dungeons & Dragons gatherings to yoga for seniors — the Cobb County Public Library System offers so many free amenities for residents of any age. Along with way too many events to list here, they also provide several services, resources, and discounts of which you may not be aware.
Here are some of the services offered if you own a Cobb County library card:
» Free or discounted entry to several parks and museums in Georgia
• Chattahoochee Nature Center, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta History Museum, GA State Parks and Historic Sites, and Zoo Atlanta, to name a few.
» Passport Services — available at the Mountain View and West Cobb Regional locations.
» Cobb Connections — a one-stop resource page for valuable community resources like help with Medicare, emergency assistance, job searching or housing.
• Partnered with FindHelp (findhelp.cobbcounty.gov)
» Craftsy — an online resource for creatives with over 1,400 instructional videos spanning 20 different creative passions like yoga, gardening. and more.
» Perks Programs — offering 10-percent discounts at local businesses
• 28 current participating business, such as Hamp and Harry’s, The GA Ballet, and The Local Exchange.
» Wi-Fi and Hotspots
• Checkout a Chromebook for up to three weeks or a Hotspot for seven days to help you with business and personal needs.
» Books by mail for those with physical disabilities, long-term illness, or residing in a care facility.
For more information, visit cobbcounty.gov/library and checkout more than just books. •
COBB COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES LOCATIONS
» East Cobb Library (Marietta)
» Gritters Library (Marietta)
» Kemp Memorial Library (Marietta)
» Lewis A. Ray Library (Smyrna)
» Mountain View Regional Library (Marietta)
» North Cobb Regional Library (Kennesaw)
» Powder Springs Library (Powder Springs)
» Sewel Mill Library (Marietta)
» Sibley Library (Marietta)
» South Cobb Regional Library (Mableton)
» Stratton Library (Marietta) *Currently closed for renovation
» Sweetwater Valley Library (Austell)
» Switzer Library (Marietta)
» Vinings Library (Atlanta/Smyrna)
» West Cobb Regional Library (Kennesaw)
Everyone Needs A Will
Don’t let someone else determine how your assets are distributed.
BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
Editor’s
note: Reprinted
from the Sept/Oct 2024 issue.
According to Caring.com, a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, just 32 percent of Americans have a will. That figure jumps to 45 percent for older Americans (55 years old and older), but still leaves most seniors and their families vulnerable to disputes and lawsuits when it comes time to settle affairs.
Caring reports that 40 percent of people who don’t have a will say it’s because they don’t have enough assets to leave anyone. Notably, lower-income Americans were twice as likely to give this reason as the highest-income group.
“If you’re Warren Buffet or Bill Gates and you have billions of dollars, then you’ve got a big margin of error that you could make [in estate planning]. You could make some big mistakes, and [the family members] are still going to get a ton of money. But when your means are more modest, that’s when you really have to be careful, because if you’ve got a relatively a small estate, a mistake makes a much bigger impact,” says Dawn Levine, Attorney and Managing Partner with Georgia Wills, Trusts, & Probate Firm LLC.
be accidentally damaged because I don’t know what I’m doing or because they’re not aware of what they need to know,” Levine said. “So, I do take it very, very personally. Every single client we help is an opportunity for me to rectify the wrongs of the past.”
Everyone needs a will
Levine says everyone needs a will — particularly if you own a home — because we don’t want to financially harm those we leave behind. The one thing that is most likely to trigger the need for probate (the judicial process whereby a will is “proved” in a court of law and accepted as a valid public document) is a house, she says. “Sometimes, the state of Georgia has figured out who’s going to inherit from you if you don’t [document] anything, and that might not be who you think it is,” Levine said. “There’s a lot of people who are married who think, ‘Oh, my husband or my wife, they’re going to automatically get everything.’ No, that’s not how it works. That’s not what the state of Georgia says.”
The Marietta-based firm has helped thousands of clients with their estate planning needs, from basic wills to complex tax planning. Levine, a founding partner, has seen first-hand how the lack of estate planning can negatively impact lives and lead to years of complex and expensive litigation. That experience led her to law school. “It became my personal mission to make sure that the people we serve are not going to
It is important to have some instructions in place, a will or trust or something, Levine warns, so that you’ve laid out explicitly who’s going to oversee your estate and who’s going to inherit what. “Even that simple question of who’s going to be in charge, I have seen big fights break out,” she said. “If a young person passes away unexpectedly, if they were killed in a car accident, there’s a lawsuit that might come out of that. And what if mom and dad got divorced? Mom and dad might be the
closest relatives [to the deceased], but if they hate each other’s guts, they’re going to have a real battle about who’s going to be in charge. So, I think it’s very important to put pen to paper, get that will done so that — even if you don’t have a ton of assets — it’s clear who’s going to be in charge and who’s going to receive the assets.”
Don’t wait. Get started today. Key data from Caring’s survey indicates that one out of four Americans never intends to make a will while 43 percent say they will wait until there’s a health crisis. Further, the survey reports that younger Americans (aged 18-34) are engaging in estate planning at higher rates since the pandemic — going from 16 percent in 2020 to 24 percent in 2024. During the same time, the rate of middle-aged and older adults with wills decreased by 7 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
“I think a lot of people are stymied from getting started because they think they have to figure out all the answers before they start the conversation. And that’s just wrong thinking,” Levine said. An experienced estate planning attorney can guide you in the right direction and make the process much simpler than you realize. “You don’t have to have all the answers,” she continued. “You just have to get the conversation started. Reach out to an estate planning attorney, and then they’re going to just pull information out of you.”
For seniors, Levine says, estate planning is a more real activity because death is a bit closer. It’s no longer an abstract concept we can push to the back of our minds. “You have people your same age who passed away, and you might lose friends
Dawn Levine
or neighbors or family members, and it just feels more real to you,” she says. “…There’s more of a focus on ‘how do I use my estate planning to further my values within the family? How do I take care of these people that I’m leaving behind if something happens to me?’”
For example, Levine suggests you ask yourself: Are there people in your life who need more consideration than others? Are there any family members who have special needs? Not necessarily in the disability sense, but does this person need something different than what your other loved ones need? And don’t forget to think about yourself as well. “We live such a long time now; the chance of [mental] incapacity during your lifetime is much greater than they ever were for my grandparents, for example,” Levine said. “People used to not live necessarily long enough to have those kinds of capacity issues, but they’re just becoming much more prevalent. [You] need to give some consideration to those kinds of health issues.”
Certainly, for many of us, the subject of dying and estate planning can be off-putting to say the least. But Levine and the team at Georgia Wills, Trusts, & Probate Firm can make this less daunting. “We try to be calm and comforting to clients,” she said. “We also do a lot of educational work to help them get prepared for things. So, we’ve got a whole series of videos of us talking about topics that are going to be relevant. Clients get a whole bunch of those before they get to see us. And then after our appointment, we have others that we send to them during the process to help them feel comfortable with what we’re doing, to help them get familiar with the terms so they’re not blindsided.”
One such video covers the healthcare directive (formerly known as the living will) that walks clients through end-of-life issues and life-sustaining medical care. “We’ve got a video that goes over the questions that are in that document so that they’ve got a chance to digest that before they have to actually make decisions,” Levine said. “We find that the videos are very helpful for getting them more comfortable with the topics that we’ll be talking about.”
How long will this take?
Of course, the process of making a will can vary from family to family, depending on
9 THINGS YOUR ESTATE PLANNING LAWYER MIGHT NOT TELL YOU
BY DAWN LEVINE
1. A will is like a wedding dress. You only use it once so, it better cover your assets.
2. Legal Zoom keeps probate lawyers fat and happy.
3. Shortcuts on estate planning lead to long trips to the courthouse.
4. When you die, a will, unlike a trust, becomes a public document for any wacko with an internet connection to see.
5. Spouses do not necessarily inherit everything.
6. Legally, step-children are not related to you for inheritance purposes.
7. If your lawyer does traffic tickets, car crashes and wills, you probably have the wrong lawyer.
8. It is easy to accidentally disinherit someone.
9. If you leave someone a dollar in your will, the lawyers may go home with all the money.
our wants, needs, and assets, but Levine says the average process for clients at Georgia Wills, Trusts, & Probate Firm is just three meetings. “So, there’s an initial meeting where we talk about — just in general terms — who are we taking care of? What do we want to do for them? Like a brainstorming session,” she said. “Then there’s going to be another meeting where we review the documents with them, cover to cover, just to make sure that we’ve thought about everything; we’ve got the right people in the right spot, we haven’t left anybody out, et cetera. Then there’s usually a separate signing appointment [after all revisions have been completed].”
Once you’ve taken this major step, you may be wondering about updating your will. How often should you do this? What circumstances warrant an update? Levine tells her clients to consider updating their wills every five years — or sooner if there’s some major event in their lives. “That could be any number of things,” she said. “If you get an inheritance or somebody dies, or somebody has children, or somebody got divorced. …If there’s any major change in their life, then we usually recommend they reach out to us.” These new circumstances already may be covered through another provision in your will, but your attorney is the only person qualified to make that determination.
Congratulations! You’ve made a will. Where should you keep it?
No, you can’t just keep a locked PDF file on your laptop. The law states there still must be paper copies of your will. “We need original signatures,” Levine said. Clients retain the original documents and their lawyer keeps a copy. Levine tells her clients to keep their documents in a fireproof safe. “Do not put it in a safe deposit box,” she added. “Things have gotten much more rigid and strict with banking and their rules. So, if something’s in a safe deposit box and [the owner] has passed away, we might have to get a court order to open that safe deposit box.”
As Levine says, there’s no end to the number of people her firm could help if more people get comfortable with the idea that we all need to make a will. She knows from experience that the alternative is messy and devastating. She and her fellow staff attorneys are adept at comforting clients and guiding them through the process. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Just start the conversation. •
Building A Dream For Cobb Women
Strong women build strong communities through Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build.
BY JENNIFER TODD
Editor’s note: Reprinted from the Jan/Feb 2025 issue.
From left to right: Women Build Co-Chair Stacey Chapman, Habitat NWMA CEO Jessica Gill, and Women Build Co-Chair Kim Gresh.
Since 1976, the mission of Habitat for Humanity has been clear and constant: Every human being should have a decent, safe, and affordable home in which to live. In 1986, Cobb Habitat was founded by Marietta resident and trailblazer Christine “Chrys” Street. Today, known as Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta (Habitat NWMA), this affiliate has built or rehabilitated more than 600 homes as part of their pursuit to provide decent, affordable housing in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties. In Cobb County today, hundreds of families live in affordable, attractive homes in the communities where they work thanks to partnerships with the county’s leading corporate and faith organizations.
The History of Pink
In 1995, the young affiliate embarked on a new project called “Women’s Work.” The house in Marietta was funded and built almost completely by women. In 1991, across the country, this project became known as “Women Build.” In 2018, Habitat NWMA successfully completed another Women Build in Marietta. Former Georgia First Lady Marie Barnes served as committee chair, and a beautiful home was completed for a single mother and son.
In September 2024, under the leadership of committee co-chairs Kim Gresh, owner and president, S.A. White Oil Co.; and Stacey
Chapman, principal, senior vice president and owner, CROFT & Associates, the affiliate officially kicked off the 2025 Women Build with a one-day home build project.
The Women Build project makes sense for this community, and that’s where Habitat NWMA CEO Jessica Gill and her team of amazing volunteers, leaders, and business partners are making a distinct difference. Gill says since 2019, 76 percent of the affiliate’s Habitat homeowners have had a female head of household (38 out of 50). “Giving hardworking women and mothers a hand-up to achieve homeownership with a zero-interest affordable mortgage allows them to provide a stable home and safe environment for their children,” she says. “This creates better outcomes for the children and generational wealth that otherwise would not be achievable.”
Gill says her master’s degree in public health, and the poor social determinants of health within pockets of our community have driven her desire to work for Habitat for Humanity. She says the
“There is something to be said when a team of women raise all of the money and then actually build the house.”
— JESSICA GILL, HABITAT NWMA CEO
Women Build initiative works because the construction industry still tends to be dominated by men. When women come together, amazing things happen. “There is something to be said when a team of women raise all of the money and then actually build the house.”
Women Building the Dream
Habitat NWMA has a long history of women leaders, starting with its founder, Chrys Street. The affiliate has many female crew leaders, construction volunteers, board members, and staff. Gill says the initial Build Committee has City of Marietta employees, Habitat homeowners, Cobb citizens, judges, and our former district attorney. “I hope we can continue to have the support of Marietta council members, Cobb commissioners, and other influential community members. We have a full-time female construction manager on our staff, and she will be doing the quality assurance portion of this build.”
Habitat NWMA’s Women Build committee leadership consists of Barbara Moses, secretary; Susan Chang, treasurer; Allyson Moyer, volunteer recruitment; and Lisa Lewis and Sontonia Sloan, catering managers. The goal is to raise $165,000 to build a complete house in 2025, which will be in the City of Marietta. Throughout the winter, committee members will work to raise funds. The walls of the home will be raised in May, and the building of the
house will continue for 10 weeks. More than 250 volunteers will work with skilled volunteers to construct a three-bedroom, twobathroom home.
To start the process, a crew leader will explain to volunteers the jobs they’ll carry out to contribute to construction. “To some, it’s as simple as showing a volunteer how to use a hammer or drill. In the end, volunteers will build — literally — a strong foundation to help make a deserving Women Build recipient’s dreams a reality. Workers will participate in raising walls, insulating, adding siding, painting outside and inside, and landscaping,” says Gill.
“I’m sure it doesn’t surprise anyone that the cost of construction materials and labor has increased by 40 percent in the last five years,” Gill says. “Financial resources help us to maintain consistency among our housing projects. We anticipate a cost of about $165,000 for an entire build in 2025. We also need breakfasts and lunches sponsored, and ice and drinks to keep our volunteers fed and hydrated.”
Regarding recipients, Gill says Women Build follows all Fair Housing Act laws. “With that being said, ‘special populations’ of applicants may exist, and the land that we are building on has been donated by the City of Marietta. The homeowner will be a Marietta city employee who works in the police department. They must meet financial criteria, complete 300 hours of sweat equity, be a first-time homeowner, and live in substandard housing.”
Gill says Gresh is a shining example of putting that power to work for the future of Cobb County. Gresh has been involved with two previous Women Build projects with Habitat for Humanity. In 2018, she sponsored the Women Build in Marietta, which she says was an amazing opportunity. Then, in September 2024, she worked with the Women Build kick-off project in Austell. “We installed all of the windows in the home and framed out all the interior walls,” says Gresh. “This was a spectacular day with all the women working together and doing something out of their comfort zones.”
If you’re wondering why a powerful, busy community leader like Gresh sees the importance of this fundraising endeavor, the answer is simple: she understands the progress that like-minded, motivated women can harness. “Habitat is an incredible non-profit and working with this fantastic group of women to build a home for a deserving family is so satisfying,” she says. “Getting to see the power of women coming together is something we need to see more often.”
The Power of Women
As a woman in the design and construction industry and a Cobb resident, Stacey Chapman sees Women Build as an extraordinary opportunity for local businesses to make a meaningful impact in the Cobb community.
“Cobb businesses should consider getting involved, because this initiative directly addresses critical needs: affordable housing, community development, and empowerment for women in traditionally male-dominated fields,” she says. “Women Build projects are more than construction efforts; they are a celebration of collaboration and servant leadership. By participating, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to strengthening the local community and aligning with a cause that resonates deeply with residents. Supporting this project showcases a company’s dedication to improving lives right here in Cobb County, while fostering pride and unity among employees and clients.”
In addition, businesses in construction, design or related industries can lend expertise and highlight their role as community builders. Companies outside these industries can partner through sponsorships, donations or volunteering, connecting with the broader community in a hands-on way, says Chapman.
“Businesses can participate in a Women Build for Habitat for Humanity in a variety of impactful ways,” Chapman says. “Financial support through donations or sponsorships can help fund specific phases of the build, such as the foundation, roofing or landscaping. Contributions of construction materials, including lumber, paint, hardware, or appliances from retailers or suppliers can significantly reduce costs.”
Chapman says companies also can engage their employees by organizing volunteer teams to provide hands-on labor, fostering team bonding while supporting the build. Businesses specializing in architecture, engineering, or trades can offer professional service insight to ensure the project meets safety and design standards. Promotional support through company platforms and social media can raise awareness and encourage community involvement.
Additionally, businesses can host fundraising events or drives, match employee contributions, or partner in other creative ways to generate resources. Small contributions, such as meals on the build days, construction gloves, and hard hats are meaningful donations throughout the process as well.
Sponsors and partners from different industries are paramount
Habitat NWMA, an independent, locally operated organization, is responsible for its own funding, family selection, and education, as well as land acquisition and development, home construction, and mortgage origination and servicing. Since 1986, Habitat NWMA has built, rehabilitated, or repaired more 600 homes in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties. Through volunteer labor, and a zero-interest mortgage, homeowners are able to achieve financial stability and build generational wealth.
To learn more or donate to the Women Build: http://give.habitatnwma.org/ge/womenbuild
in bringing the Women Build project to fruition. The Cobb community benefits from companies who align with the mission of providing affordable housing, giving back to the community, and understanding the dedication and expertise required to design and build a home.
“Many of our ideal partners are women-owned construction and design firms that have been trailblazers in creating opportunities for women in this field,” she says. “We also seek partnerships with companies across complementary industries, including engineering, real estate, manufacturing, and suppliers of construction materials. These partners not only bring vital resources and expertise to the project, but they also amplify the Women Build mission by demonstrating a commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities.”
Building Pride
The cause is more than worthy as it carves so much opportunity for Cobb’s motivated community of volunteers and leaders. And, though much has been accomplished, there still is much work to be done.
common purpose — brings strength at a time when many people seem divided.”
The cause is more than worthy as it carves so much opportunity for Cobb’s motivated community of volunteers and leaders. And, though much has been accomplished, there still is much work to be done. Linda Beggs, a Cobb County Habitat founding board member, participated in Women’s Work (the area’s first Women Build) in 1995.
Without a doubt, there’s more to be gained from Women Build than an affordable, safe and healthy home for a deserving Cobb recipient. The spillover to community strength and pride is an intangible, but important, added benefit.
“I want to show that a strong group of women can accomplish anything they put their minds to,” says Gresh. “We hope to complete a well-built home for a deserving family who, without Habitat for Humanity, would probably never have achieved home ownership and the pride that comes with it.”
Gill adds that such projects also bring together individuals and community leaders who otherwise may not know each other but who give tirelessly to many non-profits in the Cobb community. “Women who may normally never know one another get a chance to work together and learn,” she says. “Building an entire house is daunting, and the ‘Rosie the Riveter’ mentality — working for a
“I’m gratified to see Habitat still thriving after all these years,” Beggs says. “Habitat’s longevity proves the strength of the model: providing opportunities for people willing to work hard for their American dream. I’m excited for the chance to pick up a hammer again and build with some of Cobb’s finest women leaders.”
Methany, a Cobb resident and teacher at Marietta Middle School, became a Habitat homeowner in 2023 and was the first recipient in the Marietta Public Service Housing Program. The program is a partnership between the City of Marietta and Habitat for Humanity to build Habitat homes for City of Marietta public servants. Methany strives to pay it forward as a teacher and now lives minutes from where she serves.
“Thank you for all that you do in the community for people like me,” Methany says. “You truly are God sent, and I pray that as you continue to bless others, God will bless you even more.” •
ofLEADERS COBB
Since its establishment more than 180 years ago, Cobb County has been defined by its people. Some of these individuals have made their mark by becoming pioneers of business, captains of industry and heads of state.
And if you’re reading this, you likely know why Cobb is attractive to so many. It hosts exceptional schools, is within close reach to the world’s busiest airport, has all of the convenience of
proximity to the big city and is fertile ground for entrepreneurship. The list goes on, but it always comes back to the people who have built this county into what it is.
On the following page we have profiled an individual who is among Cobb’s premier leaders. We wanted to find out about his job, delve into his personal life, and gain some words of wisdom. And of course, we asked: Why have you picked Cobb County?
A Profile In Leadership
Austell Police Chief
Shameta Jones-Harrell
In June 2025, Shameta Jones-Harrell was named the city of Austell’s first female chief of police. In fact, she is the first female police chief in Cobb County. Chief Jones-Harrell has worked in law enforcement for 25 years. She began her career with the College Park Police Department, rising through the ranks from uniform patrol officer to sergeant, serving as both a field training officer and detective. In 2013, she joined the Brookhaven Police Department where she eventually earned the rank of major. While there, she oversaw various units, including Community Engagement, Training, Traffic Safety, Property and Evidence, and Hiring and Background Investigations. In August 2022, she transferred to the Austell Police Department, serving as deputy chief of police before becoming interim chief of police.
Chief Jones-Harrell recently agreed to
speak with Cobb In Focus about her career, her leadership experience, public safety, and her plans for the Austell Police Department.
The Story: I was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. During my early school years, I attended a performing arts school called The Academy for Academics and Arts. I continued my love for the arts at Lee High School, where I participated in the magnet music program, choir, and dance. In high school, I was also a member of the school’s community service organization, the academic beta club, track team, and I served on the student council.
After graduating from high school, I attended Jacksonville State University (JSU), where I pursued a degree in Criminal Justice. While at JSU, I performed with the Marching Southerners as a member of the Ballerinas danceline. Additionally, I was crowned Miss
Black JSU by the NAACP chapter after competing in their pageant, and I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Originally, I planned to attend law school after completing my degree. However, I was recruited by a federal program called the Georgia Police Corps, which funded my bachelor’s degree in exchange for five years of service in law enforcement. I began my career at the College Park Police Department under Chief Gary Yandura. Law enforcement resonated with me deeply, and I quickly realized that serving the community was my calling; it was a perfect fit, and I truly enjoyed it.
What drew you to law enforcement? I enjoyed the excitement of policing and working with the community. Each day brought new experiences, which I found exhilarating. I especially loved the opportunity to make
“Law enforcement resonated with me deeply, and I quickly realized that serving the community was my calling; it was a perfect fit, and I truly enjoyed it.”
a personal impact on people’s lives, particularly children. While working in investigations, I specialized in crimes against children. It was incredibly rewarding to be a voice for innocent kids whose lives were negatively affected. Children are the truest victims, and advocating for them was fulfilling both as a detective and as a mother.
What does it mean to you to be the first female police chief in Cobb County? This is certainly a historic moment, and I am very grateful for it. I did not plan to be “the first,” nor did I see it coming. Throughout my career, I have wanted people to look beyond my race and gender and to respect me as a police officer and law enforcement leader. I have focused so intensely on working hard to prove that I deserve everything I’ve
achieved that, at times, I became blind to my gender — yet I was constantly reminded of it by others.
Being recognized as “the first” represents progress, but we will know we have truly advanced when we no longer need to precede a woman’s title with “the first.” It is important to acknowledge female leaders’ accomplishments without implying that we achieved them due to diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives rather than merit.
Who or what has inspired your leadership approach throughout your career? God has placed many individuals in my life who have contributed to my journey. I am grateful for my supportive parents, who ensured that I knew God, prayed for me,
and worked diligently to support my educational development. My first chief, Gary Yandura, provided me with opportunities that fostered my professional growth. My most recent chief, Scott Hamilton, believed in me and consistently presented challenges that helped me build confidence in myself.
What advice would you give to young women interested in public service or leadership? Demand respect from everyone around you. Always speak up when you are treated unfairly, or when you witness another woman in public service being treated unfairly. Find a supportive community and nurture those relationships. Embrace your femininity; it is a strength given to you by God, not a weakness.
What role does public safety play in creating a thriving environment for businesses and families? Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs emphasizes the importance of safety, as feeling secure is essential for stability in life. Businesses and families cannot thrive in a community that is saturated with crime. Public safety serves as a protective blanket. A balanced and healthy quality of life creates conditions where communities can flourish. Law enforcement has the ability to adapt in various ways, continuously strengthening the connection within our community.
What’s next? I will complete my master’s program at Command College, Columbus State University. I will ensure that the Austell Police Department achieves its state accreditation and will continue to develop the agency’s leadership and legacy. Lastly, I will strive to be the best leader I can be while also being the greatest mom in the world. •
Chief Jones-Harrell and Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons
Swing Into Action At Cobb County’s Tennis Centers
BY ANGELA BEIER,
DIVISION
COBB PARKS TENNIS
DID YOU KNOW? Cobb County is home to six staffed tennis centers — Fair Oaks, Sweetwater, Terrell Mill, Kennworth, Lost Mountain, and Harrison — along with 13 unstaffed tennis and pickleball parks. Cobb County provides top-notch tennis classes to players of all ages and skill levels. Each facility boasts several tennis professionals who offer quality coaching, helping players develop their individual skills in a supportive environment.
Cobb County’s tennis centers offer a variety of opportunities, including high-performance tennis academies, ALTA and USTA teams for adults and juniors, and lessons for all ages, including Tots ages 4-6 years old up to adults at all of our centers. For those seeking more advanced training, the Tennis Academies are staffed by top-tier pros and provide an excellent pathway for kids and adults to refine their skills and even progress to competitive tournaments.
The County is especially excited about its new seasonal flex league at Sweetwater Tennis Center for adults this Winter (Nov. 1-Dec. 31). They also offer community outreach events through their partner AYTEF, which provide Tennis Block Parties at Fair Oaks Tennis Center for children regardless of age, background, or skill level for free. These efforts reflect Cobb County’s mission to make racquet sports available to everyone — to help provide high-quality play opportunities at a low-cost.
COBB COUNTY PARKS WELCOMES ALICE REEN AS NEW TENNIS DIVISION MANAGER
Cobb County PARKS announced recently the appointment of Alice Reen as the new Manager of the Cobb County Tennis Division.
A standout athlete in her college days, Reen held the top spot on the University of Georgia’s women’s tennis team during the 1980s. Her passion for the game and competitive spirit soon led her to coaching. She served as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia and Tennessee, and as head coach for both Arkansas and Florida State.
Whether you’re looking to join a league, enroll your child in a youth clinic, or simply rally with friends, Cobb County Tennis Centers are here to serve. For a full list of upcoming programs and events, visit CobbCounty.gov/Parks, or contact your nearest tennis center. If you would like to register for classes, follow the provided QR code.
Before joining Cobb County in 2023, Reen was the Director of Tennis at Genesis Health Clubs in Orlando, where she built a reputation for excellence in program development and community engagement. In Cobb County, she first served as the Tennis Facility Manager at Harrison Tennis Center, one of the county’s premier tennis venues.
Under her leadership, Harrison Tennis Center has continued to grow its presence in the tennis world, hosting numerous junior and adult tournaments. Most recently, the center held a Junior Level 2 tournament in May 2025, attracting top 12U players from across the country. Additionally, a Junior Level 5 tournament involving competitors of all age groups took place across four of the county’s six tennis facilities — a testament to the collaborative strength and reach of Cobb County’s tennis program.
“Cobb County has built a strong tennis culture, and we’re proud of the role our centers play in making the sport fun, inclusive, and accessible,” said Reen. “Tennis participation is surging in the County and we are seeing the growth firsthand. We want to keep growing tennis and promoting the game as the world’s healthiest sport. Cobb County is committed to better health, stronger community involvement, and growing participation in this incredible sport.”
Cobb’s Most Iconic Building
The Big Chicken has been a local landmark for more than 60 years.
BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
The most iconic building in Cobb County isn’t an office tower, a government facility, or an entertainment venue. It’s a restaurant. In fact, it’s a KFC restaurant on Cobb Parkway with a unique design known throughout the country. The so-called “Big Chicken” has been a landmark for locals and travelers alike since the 1960s. If you’ve lived here long enough, then you have received — and likely given — directions with the Big Chicken as a key marker or signpost. Virtually everyone in metro Atlanta knows about this distinctive structure, but perhaps few know of its origins. Here’s the story.
The 56-foot-tall, steel structure of the Big Chicken sits at the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road in the heart of Marietta. Designed by Hubert Puckett, who was an architectural student at Georgia Tech at the time, the Big Chicken was erected in 1963 by Stanley R. “Tubby” Davis. It was originally built for Johnny Reb’s Chick, Chuck and Shake restaurant, but KFC took ownership of the building in 1974. For more than 60 years, the restaurant has been part of this community — other local businesses play off the Big Chicken brand (including Big Chicken Pawn), the Marietta Museum of History sells Big Chicken collectables, and there’s even a Big Chicken New Year’s Eve ball drop. After a storm in 1993 damaged the tower, KFC briefly considered tearing it down, but a huge public outcry forced the company to reconsider.
KFC franchisee KBP Foods took ownership of the Big Chicken KFC restaurant (as well as 52 other KFC locations in the Atlanta area) in 2011. Before visiting the store, KBP’s President and CEO, Mike Kulp, said he had heard it was a unique asset, but he didn’t appreciate it fully until he saw it with his own eyes.
“The Big Chicken is a big deal in Marietta. It’s hard to fully grasp the magnitude of the restaurant if you don’t live there, but it’s a local landmark,” he told the AKFCF Quarterly magazine in 2017. (Note: New South Publishing is the publisher for this magazine as well.) “KBP has a lot of pride in this building. We know what it means to the community and our employees. We also know that it takes a certain level of investment to keep our stores operating at their best.”
and Wieden+Kennedy, media agency of record for KFC.”
Together they reimagined everything from the staff uniforms to the flooring and signage — it’s all custom. It’s a completely different expe rience than any other KFC in the country, or even the world. If you have yet to see this for yourself, make sure to visit. It’s an impressive design.
The 56-foot-tall, steel structure of the Big Chicken was designed by Hubert Puckett, who was an architectural student at Georgia Tech.
Following its purchase of the Big Chicken, KBP set out to remodel the building while maintaining the landmark’s charms. What followed was a multi-million project that paid homage to the history of the Big Chicken (and by extension, the KFC brand), while preserving it for future generations. “We wanted to uphold and maintain the integrity of the iconic restaurant, while giving it a fresh new look,” Kulp said. “To help us get it right, we partnered with FRCH Design Worldwide, an award-winning architectural firm;
Among the unique exterior enhancements are a front porch, side porch, and back porch. The front porch and side porch are open and add a combined 610 square feet and 46 seats to the dining area. The back porch is a 575-square-foot screened-in area that can seat 48 guests. Kulp said the patios are a nice addition to the restaurant and have allowed the franchisee to double the size of the previous dining room, adding a total of 1,185 square feet and an additional 94 seats. Inside, the focus is on Southern hospitality. The front of the house is approximately 2,440 square feet with seating for 98 guests. The new windows across the front of the building allow for plenty of natural light. Additionally, the dining room features lighting mimicking the chain’s iconic buckets, as well as hand-painted murals and a statue of Colonel Sanders where guests can take selfies.
The restaurant’s kitchen is on full display, which creates transparency and emphasizes the team’s focus on fresh, quality ingredients, the franchisee says. Speaking of the menu, it features an exclusive beverage line-up that is known as the most comprehensive of any KFC in the United States.
So, the next time you’re in the area and need something to drink (or eat), stop at the most iconic building in Cobb County, enjoy the spectacle of the chicken’s beak opening and its eyes rolling, take a selfie with the Colonel, and just appreciate this singular structure. •
ABOUT COBB COUNTY
Distance from Marietta to Downtown Atlanta: 20 mi
Distance from Marietta to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 30 mi
POPULATION: 776,743
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $503,580
COMBINED SALES TAX RATE: 7%
ONLINE: cobbcounty.org
Long regarded as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta, Cobb County captures the best of all worlds with growing businesses, neighborhoods and more just beyond the I-285 Perimeter. It provides easy access to recreation and entertainment opportunities, as well as a thriving commercial center.
MAJOR EMPLOYERS:
• Amazon.com Services, Inc.
• The Home Depot
• Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Kennesaw State University
• Fed Ex Ground Package System
• Publix Supermarkets
• Walmart
• Wellstar Health System
• Piedmont Healthcare
ATTRACTIONS:
• Truist Park/The Battery Atlanta
• Six Flags Over Georgia/White Water
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
• Silver Comet Trail
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
CITIES OF COBB:
ACWORTH acworth-ga.gov
Known as “The Lake City,” Acworth makes good use of its prime location on the banks of Lake Acworth with a full calendar of events centered around the water and abundant recreational activities.
AUSTELL austellga.gov
Although Austell is located just 18 miles from downtown Atlanta, It’s revitalized downtown gives it a small-town feel. The town is known for railfanning and the colorful train engines of the Atlanta rail lines.
KENNESAW kennesaw-ga.gov
Kennesaw is a bustling business center in Cobb County known as a great place to raise a family, while also being home to first-rate parks, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History and Kennesaw State University.
MABLETON mableton.gov
Incorporated in 2022 and becoming Cobb County’s largest city with more than 78,000 residents, Mableton is home to Six Flags, the Historic Mable House and Mable House Amphitheater and access to the Silver Comet Trail.
MARIETTA mariettaga.gov
Historic Marietta Square serves as the city center for this vibrant and ever-growing community, boasting quaint shops, renowned restaurants, numerous museums, celebrated theatres and great hiking at Kennesaw Mountain.
POWDER SPRINGS cityofpowdersprings.org
Once a gold mining town, the city boasts a historic downtown, Thurman Springs Park, the Cobb County BMX Park and integrated bike and pedestrian trails.
SMYRNA smyrnaga.gov
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Atlanta and winner of the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence, the “Jonquil City” is home to a wealth of family-friendly, diverse neighborhoods, upscale dining establishments, pristine public parks and a vibrant Village Green.
Atlanta Cobb
Acworth
Austell Kennesaw
Marietta
Power Springs Smyrna
Marietta
Vinings
NEIGHBORHOODS OF COBB: CUMBERLAND
Situated 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, this unincorporated community serves as the region’s fifth largest business district and is home to the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park.
VININGS
Unincorporated Vinings has become a go-to spot for a city-meets-the-suburbs experience, with upscale boutiques, exceptional restaurants and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
EDUCATION:
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cobb County Schools cobb.k12.org
Marietta City Schools marietta-city.org
FIVE PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Mount Paran Christian School mtparanschool.org
North Cobb Christian School ncchrisitan.org
The Walker School thewalkerschool.org
Whitefield Academy whitefieldacademy.com
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy mtbethelchristian.org
(source: Niche)
To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.
MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Chattahoochee Technical College chattahoocheetech.edu
Kennesaw State University kennesaw.edu
Life University life.edu
UTILITIES:
NATURAL GAS
SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com
PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET
Xfinity/Comcast xfinity.com
AT&T att.com
Spectrum spectrum.com
ELECTRICITY
Georgia Power georgiapower.com
Acworth Power acworth.org
Cobb EMC cobbemc.com H
GreyStone Power Corp. greystonepower.com
Marietta Power mariettaga.gov
WATER
Cobb County Water System cobbcounty.org
Marietta Water marietta.gov
H Select provider
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Truist Park- Home of the Atlanta Braves
Seriously, Take A Vacation
BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
In the January/February issue of Cobb In Focus from this year, I wrote on this page about the importance of a proper work/ life balance. I reported that Americans not only receive the fewest vacation days each year (compared with the rest of the world), averaging just 11 days, but only half of us even use all our allotted time off. I provided evidence that taking time off is good for our physical and mental health, and I declared that I would start taking more vacation days. You see, I’m a typical “workaholic.” I find it difficult to relax or rest when I know there’s work left to be done. Deadlines get all
my attention. And in publishing, the deadlines never cease. Therefore, I never fully unwind — I’m always thinking about that next article, that next issue, that next print date. And I do this for multiple publications, not just for this magazine. To be clear, my employer never has required that I keep my nose to the grindstone. In fact, they have encouraged me to escape when I can. The problem always has been that I never saw an escape route.
However, this year (Yes, I’m taking this one year at a time.) I’m escaping. By the time this issue is published, I will have returned
from my first legitimate vacation since 2019. Sure, I’ve taken a day off on occasion, and availed myself of a long weekend once or twice. But I’m writing this article before leaving for a 10-day trip to see family in another country. I know that I will return quite tired from all the site-seeing (and the jet lag), but I also expect to return refreshed, renewed, and inspired to work again.
As I stated here at the start of 2025, work/ life balance is not a custom with which most of us are familiar. That needs to change. I’m doing my part. How about you? •
