Building Bridges to a Healthier Georgia: Welcoming New Leaders to Our Board
Dear Partners:
Our organization was created nearly a quarter century ago with the hope of establishing a foundation that would evolve and respond to the ever-changing needs and realities of Georgians. In doing so, we are consistently guided by our underlying aim of improving health and wellbeing for all across our state. By design, the Initiative’s Board evolves alongside our organization, allowing us to continually bring in new perspectives, approaches, realms of expertise, and touchpoints to different communities. Our bylaws stipulate that Initiative Board members are eligible to serve no more than two, three-year terms, which means each year we say farewell and thank you to a few Directors, and hello and welcome to a few more.
In December 2024, Tom Smyth and Kate Finley concluded their Board service with us. Both were incredibly welcoming and supportive when I stepped into my role as President & CEO of the Initiative over two years ago. They provided critical input and insight when we as an organization were making a shift to how we support systems change to advance health equity in our state. Not only did each bring the perspective of their home communities of Augusta and Columbus, but they likewise contributed in their respective areas of professional expertise and made us stronger as a whole.
Last month, we welcomed our two newest Board Members—Chris Hatcher and Helen Kim Hendrix. In meeting with both Chris and Helen over the past couple of months, I am so thankful and excited for the strong and unique contribution each will make during their time with us. As a proud native of Albany, Georgia, Chris provides a critical touchpoint to partner entities there with whom we can establish stronger ties to fulfill our vision for a healthier and stronger Georgia. With his expertise in both healthcare delivery systems and education, we’re excited for Chris to dive in and enhance our work as an organization.
And with her broad realm of lived and professional experience, Helen brings to our organization a unique suite of skills and strategic insights on how our systems can be strengthened to be inclusive of all, including our immigrant communities. With her years of legal practice as well as her prior work establishing and leading the first Asian American civil rights non-profit organization in the Southeast, Helen possesses a unique perspective that will enhance how we partner with entities and communities across the state.
At the Initiative, we anchor ourselves in our identity as a bridge builder to cultivate and strengthen relationships across Georgia. We have been intentional in building up our #TeamPossible staff with this in mind, and the same holds true for our Board. It is no small feat to identify and support implementation of Georgia-specific solutions that maximize our inherent strengths and address the challenges we face. This is especially true within a state that is as wonderfully diverse as ours. But through our Board, I am lucky to have an extended team of thought partners, a support system, and ambassadors for our work that reaches different individuals, communities, and corners of our state.
In partnership,
Kristy Klein Davis
President
