Meet Our Governing Board
Katie Minich, Chair
Minich is a native of Blakely, GA where she graduated from Early County High School. She earned a BS in Psychology from Georgia Southwestern State University. She currently serves as a K-12 Outreach Representative for Georgia Student Finance Commission where she provides state and federal financial aid training to students, parents, guidance counselors, and community organizations. She currently resided in Americus, GA with her husband Josh and their two children.
Jeanie Smith, Secretary
Mrs. Smith is a 25 year resident of Sumter County and works at Habitat for Humanity International in the US Grants department. She attended Indian River Community College in Stuart, FL studying computer and accounting. Her volunteer experience includes serving on the board of the Americus/Sumter Boys and Girls Club, Sumter County School Board, Panther Club, FFA Alumni, and currently serves on the New Horizons Habitat for Humanity board. She is a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and serves as church clerk. Mrs. Smith currently resides in Leslie with her husband of 29 years James. They have 2 grown daughters Anne-Elizabeth and Shelby.
Allyson Drinnon, Vice Chair
Drinnon is Director of the Volunteer Resource Center with Habitat for Humanity International. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Affairs online through Indiana University. She is a Certified Volunteer Administrator and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. She lives in Americus, was a founding board member of Furlow Charter School, and has two children that attend FCS.
Lisa Courtney, Treasurer
Lisa is an accountant at Southern Wholesale Glass. She holds a BS in Marketing and an Associates in Forensic Accounting. She recently moved to Americus, where she resides with her husband, Michael, Mother-in-law and son who attends Furlow. Mrs. Courtney has been involved in civic groups since a young age. In recent years, she has been a den leader, pack leader and troop leader for Cub and Boy Scouts, serves in numerous positions in her church, and is a member of the Furlow PTO.
Laura Bauer McConatha
Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University. In 2021, she obtained a Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida, and a Certificate in Community Organizing for Social Justice from the University of Michigan. Laura is also a certified youth facilitator for the Youth Leadership in Action Curriculum developed by the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia and has completed the My Peacebuilder Foundations training developed by Youth & Peace in Action. She lives in Americus, Georgia with her husband Barry and their rescue dog Daniel.
Zachery Ward
Zachery Ward, Ed.S. is an award-winning educator that is on fire for improving student learning through teaching the teacher. He has a heart for instructional technology, children's literacy development, and positive behavior supports. He currently serves as a Lecturer of Education within the College of Education at Georgia Southwestern State University. He also has accomplished teaching experience as a third-grade teacher, special education co-teacher, RTI/MTSS Coordinator, and has held many school-level leadership roles. Zachery is a South Georgia native and has one son named, Cannon. Zachery defines himself as a life-long learner and unconventionalist who seeks opportunities to serve and lead in the educational community.
Lynzie Mims
Lynzie has lived and worked in Americus for over 15 years. Her background includes working extensively with children in foster care. She currently volunteers as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) for children in care. She and her husband are also certified foster parents. She currently works for Peach State Health Plan as a resource coordinator, working with members who have delivered low birth weight babies. She loves to read, travel, and loves live music. She lives in Americus with her husband Matthew, has a scholar at Furlow, and their menagerie of adopted animals.