2025 Men to Watch

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EDITORIAL LAURIE GAY Publisher 229-921-0047 ANNA KINCHEN General Manager 229-495-6117 ETHAN REDDISH News Editor 229-495-6123 CODY MARMON Sports Reporter 229-495-6184 MAHALIA GRIER Staff Reporter 229-254-2082 ADVERTISING MORGAN WHITE Advertising Sales Staff 229-495-6127 301 N Crawford Street Bainbridge, GA 39817 ThePostSearchlight.com

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Matt Palmer One name those who’ve been around Bainbridge know is Matt Palmer. Owner of Palmer Insurance Agency, Palmer had previously worked at State Farm, before making the decision to return to his hometown.

“I worked with State Farm Insurance as a claims representative, and was on a career path with State Farm to be an agent there,” he recalled.

“I was up in Dublin, Georgia, but the desire to be back in my hometown in Bainbridge, Georgia, with my wife and I, is what drove me to leave a job that was pretty stable and steady, to take a leap of faith to come back to work.”

Palmer left State Farm and began working in Bainbridge with Dan Daniel at Daniel Insurance Agency in 1996. He purchased the agency in 2002 and is very grateful to Daniel for giving him the opportunity. He emphasized the importance of community involvement and networking, which played a crucial role in his success. Recently, he merged with King Insurance Partners to enhance market access and support, ensuring the agency could better serve clients while maintaining its local identity and personalized service. The merger enabled Palmer’s agency to offer more services while maintaining the personal touch clients appreciate. Although the brand looks slightly different, it was an opportunity to harness greater resources while remaining true to Palmer’s identity.

Palmer’s journey is a true reflection of his commitment to his community and his passion for providing exceptional service.

In addition to building relationships for his insurance company, he has also taken on roles with various community boards and organizations; these include the Chamber of Commerce, the glue that holds a business community together; the Board of Directors for the Stewards of Lake Seminole as an economic driver of the community; the First Port City Bank board; Bainbridge Country Club Board of Directors; and the Memorial Hospital Foundation Board.

“It’s kind of two parts: you love Bainbridge and want to make it better, which is why my involvement in outside activities is so important,” he said. “Being in the room where decisions are made helps shape things for the better. Secondly, it’s been great for growing my business. Networking, serving on boards, and showing you’re a hard

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worker builds trust for their insurance needs.”

Palmer’s mindset has always been to show his respect for the community that made him who he is; the roles he’s held in Bainbridge aren’t just to look good on a resume. They’re sentimental to him because these organizations have been important to his values. Whether it be working as Bainbridge Country Club Board of Directors formulating policies that advance the club’s progress, or First Port City Bank being the reason his family moved to Bainbridge in the third grade.

By fostering a sense of trust and reliability, Palmer has created a successful business that not only thrives on professional excellence but also emphasizes the importance of personalized service, community involvement, and making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.

Perhaps the biggest test of his career came in 2018, when Hurricane Michael affected over 2,000 policyholders.

“It was hell, I’m not gonna lie—it was rough for a couple of years,” he said. Since then, Palmer has been wary of similar storms. “When the last storm hit, I had nightmares about how it would be. But I was proud of how we handled it, despite the challenges, because when you have that many claims, that much devastation, something’s gonna fall through the cracks, we didn’t have a single error or omission claim for lack of coverage on anyone we insured. That’s a big testament and I take pride in that.”

Palmer’s future goals include continuing to be one of the best insurance agencies in Bainbridge, Georgia. Palmer takes pride in offering solid customer service, effective problem-solving, and caring for its clients. He lives by the golden rule: do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. This approach has paid dividends in building his brand and business.

Palmer’s lasting message to the next generation of leaders in Bainbridge is, “Don’t just be a seatholder, if you’re going to get in there and do it, then do it.”

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Kyle Staples Bainbridge seems to have an effect on those that come to call it home. Many people, including transplants from elsewhere, come to embrace the community as home. Kyle Staples is one of those transplants who has enthusiastically taken to the community. Originally from Jackson, Georgia, Staples was introduced to Bainbridge through his wife, Brock. While the couple would stay in Macon for a few years, family circumstances ultimately led the couple to move back to Bainbridge.

Since arriving here, Staples has become an active member in the community. Most know him for his day job, working as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at First Port City Bank. Staples stated he didn’t originally intend to go into banking.

“I had graduated from business school, wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” he said,” but went into just the financial industry itself. I learned a lot.”

It was while working as a rep for an Atlanta financial firm that Staples gained this experience, “which ended up leading me into the more specific banking industry.”

Staples and his wife would spend time in Macon, with Staples now fully involved in banking, before moving to Bainbridge. Upon coming to Bainbridge, Staples would meet Scott Ewing with First Port City Bank.

“The rest,” he said, “has been history.”

Staples wasn’t content to just interact with the community through his job though, looking for other ways to contribute. He now serves on multiple boards of different community organizations, including the Salvation Army Board. Here, he not only applies his financial experience, working with the organization’s analytics and business aspects, but also serving like any other member or volunteer.

“Things to be involved with like Supper on Scott Street, anything to do with the warehouse in the back,” he explained. “Also, people are obviously aware of the Red Kettle bell ringing, and that takes a lot of time and planning that we put into place.”

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Staples also serves on the Rotary Club board, helping with service projects.

“Every board member has a chair position that they’re in charge of,” he explained. “Mine is service projects, and one of the projects that I’ve been working on… we’re starting to put in Peace Poles.” These poles are placed in various locations around town, with the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” printed in multiple languages. Installing these poles took coordination with the city of Bainbridge on Staples’ part.

“We worked with the city, because obviously we want to put them where people can see them, but also where they can be put, and so they did a great job working with us,” he said.

“As Service Chairperson, he’s always eager to get involved, and he takes care of things when needed,” Rotary President Tommie Howell said.

Staples is also on the committee for First Port City Bank’s youth leadership class and was recently appointed to the Bainbridge Decatur County Recreation Authority Board.

“He just really loves Bainbridge and his community,” Brock Staples said. “He’s always wanting to do something new. He’s embraced Bainbridge.”

Apart from his business and community involvement, Staples spends his time with his wife raising their two children, Rhoades and Bailey. Staples hopes to continue to advance his career at First Port City Bank, and continue to be involved in the community.

“I’ve grown very fond of Bainbridge,” he said, “they’ve been very welcoming in my short, going on four years now here. I’ve really enjoyed being able to work and serve this community.” He added, “I know there’s a lot of great men in this community, so to be along them, I feel very honored.”

Congratulations

to our very own Bert Hines for being recognized as one of the

Men to Watch!

If you know Bert, you know his heart is in his hometown. His dedication and leadership makes a lasting impact every day!

819 E. Shotwell Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819 www.fnbdc.com

(229) 246-3131

Your Kind of bank!

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Jackson Dodd

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There are many things people take for granted in their day-to-day lives. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, and even the roofs over our heads. Many people owe the roof they currently have to New South Roofing, and its owner and Vice President, Jackson Dodd.

Agricultural Education (CTAE) program board. He serves on the advisory board for the construction department, delivering presentations to students. Dodd has also created a scholarship for a senior looking to major in a technical field.

Dodd grew up in the construction industry, working for his father Desmond Dodd. He found himself drawn particularly to roofing, and would go on to work for the roofing company New South Systems after graduating from high school. This interest ultimately led him to found New South Roofing, Inc. in 2016 with his partner Terrill Parham.

SMSgt Scott Morehouse spoke further about Dodd’s involvement with CTAE. According to Morehouse, Dodd helped get the BHS construction program industry-certified, and regularly compares industry standards to school curriculum.

Based in Bainbridge with over 40 employees, New South Roofing offers their services all over the Southeast, including Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and even Mississippi, with plans to expand into the Florida panhandle and open up a central Florida office.

“We do residential, commercial, and service work, so it all keeps us busy,” Dodd said.

With such a wide service area, mainly focused along the Gulf Coast, Dodd has found his services critical during hurricane season, and has worked with the United Way to help with recovery.

“We did a lot of stuff after Hurricane Michael,” he said. “We donated some roofs here locally, and other places. We’ve tarped a lot of houses, to keep people temporarily dried in until they can get a roof.”

2024 was a busy year for New South, with both Hurricane Helene, as well as Hurricane Milton in Florida.

New South provides GAF brand shingles, and was recently recognized as one of the top 36 GAF roofers in the country, an achievement that took seven years to reach.

But roofing isn’t the only contribution Dodd has brought to the community. He is a member of the board of First Port City Bank, and also serves with his church. He is also a sponsor and judge for Skills USA. Additionally, he contributes to the BHS Career, Technical &

“He’s been instrumental in keeping our program up to date,” he said. Morehouse also highlighted Dodd being chosen as a Construction Ready Graduate of the Year in 2023.

Dodd married his wife, Jessie, in 2013. Together they have three children, Anniston, Harrison and Brooklyn. Jessie commented on his involvement and commitment to others, saying he “always goes above and beyond for everyone but himself!”

Dodd expressed his thanks for being chosen for Men to Watch, saying, “I’m very honored and humbled at the nomination.” For those looking to get into the roofing or broader construction industry, Dodd was encouraging, describing it as “a wide-open industry with a lot of opportunity.”

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Landen Bryant Funeral home workers are quiet pillars of strength who provide comfort in life’s most challenging moments. They guide families through loss with kindness, respect, and unwavering compassion.

Landen Bryant, an Apprentice Funeral Director at Bryant Funeral Home, has been selected for Men to Watch Magazine because he embodies bravery and strength, proving that the smallest light can shine just as bright in the darkest moments.

Bryant followed in his father’s footsteps, Max Bryant. Max has been in the funeral business for 30 years. He would often take his son to work with him, and Bryant saw how rewarding it was to help people in their saddest moments. This encouraged him to attend Ogeechee Technical School in Statesboro, where he graduated from the Mortuary school in 2017. Currently, Bryant is working as an apprentice under his father, gaining hands-on experience in helping grieving families and serving the community.

Bryant stated, “There’s not enough paper to write down what I have learned and the experiences I have gained from my father. He is constantly pushing me to see how well people are grateful for you being there for them.”

Bryant puts his training to work every day, working long hours and nights to help grieving families and ensure every detail is handled with care while the rest of the world is asleep. He stated, “My job starts when a family has lost a loved one. We serve families seven days a week, 365 days a year. Whenever they call, you go, love the family, and take care of them as if they were your own.”

The daily duties in Bryant’s life involve caring for a deceased loved one, helping plan the funeral, preparing the body, taking them to the cemetery, and providing other services to help the family reach a resolution. Additionally, Bryant Funeral Home provides sources of information and connects families with resources in the area.

Bryant remarked that every funeral is different, but he can accommodate those differences in the service. Most funerals are traditionally held at a church, but Bryant has conducted services at funeral homes, chapels, and even farms. He is knowledgeable and well-

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equipped to handle a deceased loved one’s big day.

Bryant stated that the work is rewarding, but it can also be emotionally challenging when death hits close to home. He recalled, “Bennie Brookins was a pivotal man in my life. You don’t hear many 30-year-olds say, ‘Their best friend is a 96-year-old man.’ There were lots of talks in the shed, and Brookins and I would ride around town, and he would show me places where people used to live or what used to be there.” He also mentioned that his grandfather, Cal Bryant, was an important person in his life.

Working in funeral service is a meaningful and personal job, it comes with emotional burdens, long hours, and the challenge of constantly supporting grieving families. However, Bryant has friends and his brother, Christopher Bryant, to talk with. Bryant spends his breaks fishing, hunting, gardening, or having fun with family.

Apart from working with the funeral home, Bryant is also involved with various community events. Notably, he is involved with the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, serving as a Chamber Ambassador, and taking the leading role in organizing the annual Tinsel Trail.

After Bryant’s apprenticeship is over, he stated that he plans to stay in Bainbridge, because “Bainbridge poured into me for 30 years, and many people decide that they want to leave town when they graduate, but I enjoy being in Bainbridge and taking care of Bainbridge. I’ve been here all my life. I never saw myself leaving Bainbridge.”

Bert Hines Bert Hines’ commitment to the Bainbridge community is nothing short of inspiring. As a finalist for Men to Watch, Hines reflects on the importance of giving back—a value ingrained in him since childhood. He expressed his dedication to youth sports, his service as a coach, and his active support for collaboration with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the local library, noting literacy’s significant emphasis on the community.

“Honestly, it’s a huge honor for me. I guess, primarily, just because of the things I’m involved with, I don’t really think about it from the standpoint of, ‘How would that benefit me?’” he said. “It’s more of what I can do for this community or organization for my profession.”

As Bainbridge Market President at First National Bank, Hines aims to foster strong community involvement, positioning the bank as a helpful community partner and resource. Although he entered the banking industry in his late 20s and early 30s, initially focusing on the financial world, he views his role at First National Bank as a people-oriented job, managing personal and business endeavors through their products and services.

First National Bank is dedicated to building a top-tier team to grow its customers’ assets, achieved through investment in training and professional development. This commitment to excellence reflects the leadership of Hines, who embodies the bank’s core values of transparency and trust. By sharing banking knowledge openly and honestly, Hines empowers customers to make informed financial decisions.

His dedication to the community and his role at the bank make him a standout figure, demonstrating personal and professional growth that contributes to mutual success.

“Certainly, I have management responsibilities, but also at the end of the day,” he said, “ I get to talk to people, I get to meet with people, and I get to sit down and work with them to come up with ways to help them or help their business achieve their goals with our products and service.”

Hines emphasized the importance of booster clubs like the Touchdown Football Club and the Dugout Club in bolstering local athletics. His professional life is equally community-focused, and he is steadfastly dedicated to First National Bank. Here, he champions community banking and invests in Bainbridge’s growth.

“I got involved with the Touchdown Football Club through the former coach here, Coach Littleton. I got to know him a bit through my profession, but also he noticed us at games,” he said. “My son wanted to play sports from an early age, and that’s why the Touchdown Club is so important. School systems have budgets, and athletic budgets can only stretch so far. Getting involved with the Touchdown Club has allowed me to meet many people in the community who I might not have known or encountered otherwise.”

He is a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2025 cohort.

Hines has become part of a cohort of sixty-three leaders from across Georgia in this esteemed program, which is designed to empower emerging state leaders. Over five intensive sessions, fellows will tackle Georgia’s most pressing challenges and work together on solutions that benefit communities.

Hines has served on the Board of Directors as the Chairman and Past Chair of The Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the importance the Chamber brings to Bainbridge.

“The Chamber plays a significant role in this community,” he said.

“It offers excellent networking opportunities and brings together not only business-minded individuals but also those who are strong advocates for our town. It unites us, and we support one another.”

“The former president of the Chamber of Commerce, Lauren Minor, said, ‘Hey, I think you’d be good as the Chair-elect of the Board here at the Chamber.’ And I was like, ‘Oh man, that’s a huge honor. I don’t know if I have the time,” Hines recalled. “Lauren, along with other board members, especially Dana Bryant, urged me forward with their support. As a result, I spent the last year serving as the Chair, working with an excellent group of business leaders in this town. We had a great year. I am still on the board for one more year as the Chair-elect. I love the chamber and think it’s a great organization.”

Hines’ community involvement with Bainbridge is personal; it was where he was born, raised, and chose to move back to. “This community certainly played a big part in my upbringing,” he said. “And so, I find it essential to give back to a community that has invested so much in me.”

Hines’ expressed his deepest gratitude to his family, his wife Crystal Hines, and his children Brooks Hines and Sarah Collins for their unwavering support and understanding. Through all the long hours and hectic schedules, they’ve supported him through it all.

When guiding the leaders of tomorrow, Hines encourages them to find their passion and contribute to the community’s charm and development. His words are a testament to his belief that a thriving community is built on the collective efforts of individuals committed to its success.

“I think the first thing is recognizing that Bainbridge is a great place to live. There’s been so much growth and activity here, but we still have that small-town charm feeling,” he said. “Find what you’re passionate about, try some different things. I mean, you know, what you start may not be what you end up in, as far as a job or career, but find what you’re passionate about and go after it.”

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Dr. Larry Clark With the passing of time comes both knowledge and experience.

Some people gain hands-on experience in their chosen work or interests over years regardless of education, while others study for years to further advance their knowledge. Then there are some who do both, studying and working extensively. Dr. Larry Clark is one such individual, not only with years of education, but over 40 years of hard work as an educator in Decatur County schools.

Dr. Clark received a Bachelor of Science from Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1975, with a major in health and physical education, before earning his Masters in Middle Grades and Physical Education from Florida A&M University in 1980. He also earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from Troy State University in 1987. He would also go on to receive an Educational Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1990 and completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2001.

Dr. Clark officially got his start in education in 1975, when he began teaching fourth and fifth grade at Lillian E. Williams Elementary in Attapulgus. He would teach in Attapulgus for four years, before moving to Hutto Junior High in 1979. With his Masters from Florida A&M majoring in middle grades, as well as early childhood health and education, alongside his degree from Morehouse, Clark not only taught eighth-grade social studies at Hutto, but also began coaching football and track.

Clark would go on to become Assistant Principal at Elcan King Elementary, and later Assistant Principal at Bainbridge High School, continuing to coach track and football along the way. Finally, Dr. Clark would move to become Principal of Jones Wheat Elementary in 1990. He would hold this position until retiring in 2021.

However, retiring from the principal’s office doesn’t mean retiring from education altogether. Clark has continued to be involved in the Decatur County school system. He still coaches track at BHS, along with mentoring students and working with principals.

When asked what motivated him to go into the field of education, he attributed part of it to his family, with his mother having been a teacher.

“My biggest thing is I enjoy working with kids,” Clark said. “I enjoy watching kids grow and be productive, and trying to get them to realize that they can do some great things with their lives.” He continued, “It’s all about the education. When you get a quality education, you can do great things with your life.”

Dr. Clark’s influence as an educator has helped students go to college, some being the first of their family to do so. But his love and commitment to students extends beyond the classroom; he has also purchased clothes, shoes and jackets for students.

“At all the schools I’ve worked at, you find kids that have challenging situations to battle with and overcome,” he said. “I always believe in giving back, in helping others… And I still do that today.”

This attitude coincides with Dr. Clark’s religious beliefs and affiliations. He attends First African Baptist Church, where he serves as a Sunday School teacher and Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School. Clark describes his main purpose as being “a servant to others.”

“Any time I can serve and be a blessing to others, then in return, I’m blessed, my children are blessed, my family members are blessed,” he said. “It’s about being a servant, and being able to help others. That’s the reason we’re here, to be a servant.”

This attitude of serving and helping others is something Dr. Clark and his wife Shirley seem to have passed on to their daughters, Shirmil and Shirelle, both of whom have pursued careers in medicine.

Dr. Clark’s experience, knowledge and attitude have made him a respected figure in the community, and especially by members of the Board of Education.

“There is not a leader who embodies the core characteristics that all leaders strive to become more than Dr. Larry Clark,” said Superintendent Dr. Boyd English. “He leads with his heart and his love for Bainbridge, and the entire Decatur County community. He is an inspiration, mentor, and friend who continues to dedicate his life to reaching every child in Decatur County schools. The impact that he has on our community and the Bearcat family is immeasurable!”

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Rob Cohen Agriculture has always been the lifeblood and the principle economy of Georgia. Most think of crops like cotton, peanuts, and peaches, or perhaps the large chicken houses that produce the state’s poultry.

Of course, pecans are also a hallmark of Georgia agriculture, one that Rob Cohen is very familiar with.

“Well, I grew up on a pecan farm,” Cohen recalled, “we had 100 acres, my dad had 100 acres and we grew up with that.”

After graduating from UGA in 1997, Cohen started his own pecan orchard with just 40 acres in Seminole County in 2002. Together with his brother, they grew the orchard to 1,500 acres. Cohen ships this pecan crop through his company, RC3 Pecan Farms, to pecan shellers in Texas and Georgia. In addition to this, he offeres his services as a consultant.

Pecans aren’t Cohen’s only business though. He is also the owner of Southeastern Fumigants, an ag pesticide service with a broad scope of coverage, from peanuts to cotton seed, and an even broader service area.

“We cover the southeastern United States,” Cohen said. “Our territory’s from the port of Mobile to the port of Savannah, and all the southeastern states.”

Cohen is also a partner with Lane Crop Insurance. But his business ventures don’t end with agriculture; he is a partner-owner at Massey Products, LLC, as well. Based in Dawson, Ga, Massey is a janitorial supplies distributor for the southwest Georgia region.

Outside of business hours, Cohen maintains an involvement in the pecan industry, having served as the president of the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association, and is currently a member of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association board.

“We meet several times a year, and it’s all related to pecans, how to market pecans,” he said, “just a promotional board for trying to promote consumption of pecans.”

Such support and promotion of the industry has been important in

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recent years, following both Hurricane Michael and Helene. According to Cohen, roughly 30 million pounds of pecans are estimated to have been destroyed by Helene, and with competition from southwestern states and Mexico, prices have been disappointing. It’s nothing new for Cohen, who personally experienced the damage wrought by Michael.

“Me and my brother grew it to about 1,500 acres,” he said, referring to their pecan orchards, “and then Hurricane Michael destroyed it, and after Hurricane Michael, I’ve rebuilt my side, he’s rebuilt his side.” Following Michael, the pair would divide the orchards between themselves. Cohen hopes to expand his orchards to 1,000 acres. He hopes to expand into other crops as well, namely peaches. This would make him the only commercial peach orchard in the county.

Even with so many business commitments, Cohen remains committed to community service, also serving on the board of directors for First Port City Bank, and the local Farm Bureau board.

“I like staying busy,” he said, while making sure to give credit to his staff. “My companies keep me busy, but I’ve got good people in place that help me manage them, which allows me to serve on some of these boards.”

Cohen was recently selected to serve on the board of the Scholarship Foundation of Southwest Georgia with the ABAC Bainbridge campus. When asked about his selection, Dr. Michael Kirkland, executive director of ABAC Bainbridge, said, “He’s always supported ag, and this campus. He wants to see us succeed.”

When not working or serving on boards, Cohen spends time with his family: wife Rebecca, and children Kathryn, Hayden and Madelyn.

Cohen expressed his gratitude at being chosen for this year’s Men to Watch. “It’s an honor,” he said. “I’m humbled and thankful that people notice. I just try to get out and go to work every day and do what I’m supposed to do.”

Dr. Bo Bailey Dr. Bo Bailey is no newcomer to the field of veterinary medicine.

As the son of a veterinarian, Bailey has firsthand knowledge of the dedication and time involved in the health management of both large and small animals in our area. He is dedicated to advancing animal health, driving innovation in treatments, and improving the lives of both animals and their human companions. His passion, compassion, and expertise have already made an impact on our community.

Inspired by his father, Dr. Charles Clifford Bailey, who serves Bainbridge and the Southeastern United States at Port City Animal Hospital, and has been in practice for almost forty years. Dr. Bailey has been very involved with the community and giving back to Bainbridge, earning the trust and faith of the people and leading by example for his son, Bo. Influenced by his father’s work, Bailey pursued the same path to give back to his hometown community. He graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in 2024 and returned to Bainbridge to continue the family tradition of “having someone local and giving back to the community.” Dr. Bailey and his wife, Morgan, were excited to make Bainbridge their home.

Bailey is now a general practitioner at the Port City Animal Hospital, where he helps a variety of animals. His common patients are household pets like cats and dogs. He stated, “The majority of Bainbridge has a dog or cat. Once they get their first puppy or kitten, they come to us, and we love watching it grow and develop. We also help pet owners maintain a healthy lifestyle for their furry family members.”

As a general practitioner, Bailey handles routine visits that involve spaying, neutering, growth removals, dentals, orthopedic exams, splinting, and other procedures. Preventative care is essential for pet owners to keep their pets of all sizes healthy and happy. As a veterinarian at Port City Animal Hospital, Dr. Bailey performs surgeries and takes many emergency calls after hours in addition to routine office visits.

Among all his patients, Bailey enjoys working with the cattle industry the most because it brings back nostalgic feelings of his adolescent years of exhibiting livestock and working at his family’s local cattle

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farm. He also stated, “The cattle industry is part of the food chain, and it’s providing something for the world and a safe food source for the community.” He continued, “Helping and supporting cattle producers is important to secure food for the future, but it’s also about helping those that are dedicated stewards who nourish our communities and sustain the land.”

Many do not realize the inherent difficulties that being a large animal veterinarian entail. Long hours, unpredictable work schedules, challenging weather conditions, and physical demands from handling larger animals are just a few of the requirements of the job. Dr. Bailey handles these challenges with great pride, expertise, and a calm demeanor, which are just a few of the many reasons that people travel many miles from the tri-state area to see Dr. Bailey. Dr. Bailey is quick to lend his professional knowledge, a smile, and compassionate heart while helping people in times of distress with their animals.

When Dr. Bailey isn’t seeing patients, performing surgeries, or taking emergency calls, he is dedicated to being involved in his hometown community. He enjoys being involved with the Bainbridge Decatur County Chamber of Commerce and participating in the 2024-25 Decatur County Leadership Class sponsored in collaboration with First National Bank. Dr. Bailey is a tremendous supporter of Decatur County 4-H and FFA and gives many hours to support these youth agricultural programs. He is a dedicated volunteer to youth livestock exhibitors and gives countless hours to assist exhibitors with their cattle and sheep projects. He is also a member of the Decatur County Young Farmers.

After winning the Men to Watch Award, Bailey was pleasantly surprised. He stated, “It’s a big image to uphold the community’s trust in me with their furry family members. I’m just starting out, but I really, really enjoy the profession. I take pride in being friendly to the clientele and the community. I hope people see that, and I really appreciate that it was being acknowledged.”

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Scott Ewing Scott Ewing’s journey to becoming President and CEO of First Port City Bank in Bainbridge, Georgia, was a fabric interlaced with diligence, commitment, and a sense of community. His journey began with his father, a second-generation car salesman, who ran their family’s Buick dealership in Ashburn, Georgia. Ewing’s father encouraged him to explore different opportunities, always assuring him that the dealership would be there if he chose to return.

While he didn’t initially see banking as a career, various opportunities began to present themselves over time. He was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time on several occasions. One such instance involved a problem bank that needed significant cleanup.

His humility shone through in every conversation. When he was named a finalist for Men to Watch, he expressed genuine surprise, acknowledging numerous other worthy individuals. “To be in the same conversation with some of those folks,” he said. “I feel like they’re so much more accomplished than I am.”

After graduating from Valdosta State University, Ewing moved to Bainbridge in 2006, starting as a senior lender with Park Avenue Banking. Before his tenure at First Port City Bank, he graduated from the Georgia Banking School at the University of Georgia and completed his Graduate School of Banking at Louisana State University.

In 2010 he also started as a senior lender at First Port City Bank, he quickly rose through the ranks, and his natural leadership and genuine care for the community were evident in every role he undertook.

First Port City Bank places a strong emphasis on giving back to the community. They understand that their success is intrinsically linked to the prosperity of the community of Bainbridge. Hence, they remain highly in harmony with the needs and concerns of citizens and businesses.

By fostering a deep connection with the community and addressing its unique needs, the bank strives to contribute meaningfully to the overall well-being and success of Bainbridge. This symbiotic relationship between the bank and the community exemplifies their commitment to mutual growth and development.

A significant highlight of Ewing’s tenure as President and CEO of First Port City Bank is his experience of unwavering support and confidence from the board, particularly during the expansion into the Florida market. He deeply appreciated the opportunity to lead and take calculated risks, with the board’s backing, which has been immensely rewarding.

“It was a pretty big idea at the time, and outside of our normal comfort zone to do that,” he said. “Bringing that opportunity to the board,

and having the buy-in and encouragement and support of them to be able to do that, I would say they bought into my vision and allowed me to step out and take that chance. And that was very rewarding to know I had all of that support from my board of directors to believe in me and that we could pull that off right.”

Under Ewing’s leadership, First Port City Bank has flourished.

However, his contributions extended far beyond his role at the bank.

His commitment to Bainbridge was evident in his various community roles. As the chair of the Chamber of Commerce, he championed local businesses, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for the town’s residents. His current role as Chairman of Family Connection, and current Chairman of the Memorial Hospital Foundation was equally impactful, ensuring that Bainbridge has access to quality healthcare services.

“They’re all a little bit different, the Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to foster economic growth and strengthen the business community,” Ewing said. “And in serving with that, you kind of get the opportunity to be around a lot of business and industry and different folks, to learn from those people and get different perspectives.”

Ewing was inspired by those who came before him, who had successfully engaged and shown eagerness to be active participants in the community. By demonstrating a willingness to serve, opportunities to step into various positions naturally arose over time.

One of Ewing’s most rewarding career experiences was witnessing the growth of his team. He took pride in helping them navigate the complexities of the banking industry and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. He often spoke about the importance of investing in the next generation, urging them to seize the opportunities that Bainbridge had to offer.

Looking to the future, his vision is clear: continued community investment and youth development. He envisions the future of Bainbridge where every young person has the chance to succeed, where local businesses thrive, and where the community comes together to support one another.

Ewing said, “We provide a comprehensive itinerary to school systems and through our website to other organizations, including the library and the Salvation Army. This covers a range of topics from planning for life events such as marriages or buying a house to budgeting and more. We aim to invest in these resources to benefit the community. Additionally, we sponsor the youth leadership program through the chamber to develop our future leaders, with the hope that they will return to Bainbridge and contribute to our continued growth and prosperity under their leadership.’”

Dr. Zacharey Powell Dr. Zacharey Powell, a dedicated Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), was honored with the Men to Watch award for his outstanding contributions to patient care and healthcare innovation.

Powell is from the Bainbridge and Brinson area in Decatur County.

Some of his fondest childhood memories in Decatur were living in his house on Hwy 27 North, and spending summers on Spring Creek. Powell’s determination for a bright future started with encouragement from the right people at an early age.

Growing up, Powell suffered in school because of his dyslexia. It took the right teacher, Mrs. Tonya Reynolds, to show him that “I was somebody, that I could be someone important one day, and that I was more than my struggles.” Powell was determined to succeed regardless of the obstacles he would encounter, in part thanks to Reynolds’ persistence, as well as his father’s mantra: “If you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it happen.”

Powell received an Associate’s degree in Business in 2007, and an Associate’s degree in Nursing in 2009. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Troy University in 2012 and a Doctorate from Florida State University in 2015. Originally, Powell wanted to be a music teacher, and attended Valdosta State to major in music. He stated his biggest influencers and motivators at the time were his band directors, Mr. James Sewell and Mr. Pascal Ward.

However, plans changed during his first year of college. Powell became ill, and was misdiagnosed with a prescription that could’ve killed him. He ultimately found that he was allergic to sulfur.

This incident had a major impact on Powell’s future. He opted to change his major and pursue a higher degree level because of the inattention to his needs by his provider, who treated him. Healthcare, he discovered, was his true calling.

“To me, primary care from ‘womb to tomb’ treatment is fueled by a

desire to directly, meaningfully impact people’s overall health,” he said.

“Primary care offers the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients, helping guide them through the entire spectrum of their health journey – whether it’s preventative care, managing chronic conditions, or addressing acute issues as they arise.”

Furthermore, Powell’s care and treatment plan are patient-focused, and are tailored to evidence-based practice, updated training and education, and advanced medical instruments and technology.

Powell’s wife, Leigh, is the stepping stone to his education. She helped him revise his admission essay, and coordinate Florida State University’s application portal. Powell was accepted by Dr. Susan Porterfield. Additionally, Porterfield, Dr. Laurie Grubbs, and Dr. Laurel Harbin made Powell’s educational experience rewarding and challenging enough to drive his career.

For anyone who wants a future career as a DNP, Powell advises them to embrace lifelong learning, patient-centered care, technology innovation, and evidence-based practices.

Being recognized in the Men to Watch magazine was a warm surprise for Powell’s personal and professional life. He thanked those who nominated him. He commented, “It is an honor for me as this is the first time I have been recognized publicly for my efforts in the community. I think it comes down to my passion for treating those who need it with kindness and care. If I can do a little bit to help someone, then I will make it a mission to do so.”

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