Meet Our Local Ambassadors!

Rooted in their communities, these Georgia REALTORS® have consistently gone above and beyond to make their neighborhoods, towns, and cities a better places to call home. Almost all of these local REALTOR® champions have received awards and accolades for their community service, and therefore are aligned with the mission of the Georgia REALTORS®: “…enhancing the quality of life in their communities.”

Click on each name below to read more about these remarkable individuals.
Rooted in Georgia…. Just Like You! More individuals will be added soon!

Click here to find a Georgia REALTOR® in your area.

Kat Cannella (Columbus)

Kat began her real estate career in 2018, building a business grounded in trust, service, and community. A Columbus native and graduate of Hardaway High School and Columbus State University, Kat’s dedication to her hometown runs deep. She’s a tireless community advocate, lending her time and leadership to organizations such as StartUP Columbus, the Muscogee County Library Foundation, the CSU Alumni Association, the Junior League of Columbus, and Columbus Georgia Young Professionals, among others. Her commitment to civic leadership is also reflected through her participation in programs like Leadership Georgia (Class of 2025), Leadership Columbus (Class of 2013), and Georgia Forward’s Young Gamechangers initiative.

Beyond her professional and volunteer roles, Kat’s enthusiasm for life and people shines through in everything she does – whether she’s teaching a group fitness class, mentoring emerging leaders, or simply connecting neighbors to one another. Kat embodies what it means to be Rooted in Georgia – balancing career, community, and family with authenticity, energy, and heart. For Kat, being Rooted in Georgia isn’t just about where she lives, but how she lives: showing up for others, investing in her hometown’s future, and helping create spaces where every person feels seen, supported, and at home. Through her service and leadership, she continues to strengthen the community she’s proud to call home.

“Being connected to and rooted in your community is everything for a REALTOR®!” said Kat. “I know that when I work with local businesses, I’m helping them provide for their families. We have to pour back into those who pour into us – so we can all flourish together.”

JR Crego (Buford)

Before becoming a REALTOR®, JR served as a police officer with the DeKalb County Police Department for seven years, where he developed a strong sense of duty and leadership that now defines his real estate work. JR began his real estate career in May 2021, bringing with him a lifelong dedication to public service and community connection. His business spans everything from first-time homebuyers and new construction to investors and first-responders, guiding clients seamlessly through every step of the process.

In addition to his real estate career, JR also works as a director for 1PowerHouse non-profit in Decatur and is involved with iCare Atlanta nonprofit in Doraville, continuing to serve others and strengthen his community and beyond in meaningful ways. He regularly organizes educational sessions for fellow REALTORS®, including classes on safety, cryptocurrency, and situational awareness to help colleagues stay informed and empowered in their businesses.

JR’s commitment to service extends far beyond real estate. He has led community outreach initiatives through the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of REALTORS®, including leading the charge with assisting families displaced by a major apartment fire. Through his coordination with Walmart and Amazon, he secured essential donations for those affected — efforts that earned him recognition from both the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. JR’s dedication has earned him recognition as GAR’s 2024 YPN Young Achiever and serves as a powerful example of what it means to be truly “Rooted in Georgia.”

“Being a successful REALTOR® is tethered to knowing and helping your community. It allows you to work with like-minded people, who have a heart for helping others and who can connect you with non-profits and more resources so we can escalate our drive for providing for those in need,” said JR. “I have been able to identify issues in our community and by the time we start a food drive, clothes donation or some type of outreach for that issue, we are flooded with help from other REALTORS®.”

Will Curry (Dublin)

Every day, Will supports local businesses, drives the same roads, and invests in the same community as the families and people that he helps to settle in Dublin. It’s this deep connection to place and people that makes REALTORS® like Will more than professionals — they’re neighbors, volunteers, community advocates, and friends.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Will is past president of the Dublin Board of REALTORS®. He is a former Co-Chair of the Dublin-Laurens St. Patrick’s Festival, past president of the Dublin Rotary Club, past president of Dublin-Laurens County Habitat for Humanity, past member of the Middle Georgia State University Trustee Board, and a graduate of Leadership Dublin-Laurens County, Georgia Forward’s Young GameChanger Program, and Leadership Georgia. Will currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Friends of the Carnegie, as Treasurer of Visit Dublin Georgia Tourism Council and as a member of the Finance Committee for Dublin First Methodist Church. Will and his wife, Natalie, have two daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth, and two dogs.

“What I love most about being a REALTOR® in Dublin is that I’m not just showing people homes and properties — I’m introducing them to a community I genuinely believe in, and was raised in,” said Will. “Dublin has been and will always be home for me, and I’m honored to help others find their place and community here.”

Adrienne Dowdy (Monroe)

Adrienne began her career at Thompson Walton Associates in 1993 as a property manager. She earned her real estate license in 1997, her associate broker’s license in 2001, and in 2003 became broker/owner of Thompson Walton Associates. Since then, her mission has been to guide tenants toward homeownership. “At Thompson Walton Associates, no title outranks another. The team takes pride in treating every client with dignity, compassion, and respect—whether paying $200 or $2,000 in rent,” she says.” Their philosophy is simple: everyone deserves support, empowerment, and a fair chance to build a future through ownership. She derives her servant’s heart from her faith, and often refers to her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

After hours, Adrienne has spent countless hours mentoring, tutoring, buying toys at Christmas, and lending a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on for the children served by Tanglewood Outreach Ministry for Kids in Monroe. She has volunteered for the organization for more than 15 years and the organization’s leaders refer to her as “a treasure within the community.” For her dedication to this cause, Adrienne received the GAR Good Neighbor Award in 2019.

Adrienne has a long family history within Monroe and the surrounding areas. “I was born and raised here, and my family has over a century of roots planted in the very soil that nurtures these beautiful Walton County neighborhoods,” she says. “This is my home, and I am honored to dedicate my life to helping others make their home within my community.”

Dylan Duke (Gainesville)

Dylan serves as the 2025 president of the Hall County Board of REALTORS®, where he earned the 2020, 2023, and 2024 President’s Award, 2023 REALTOR® Workhorse Award, and most recently, GAR’s 2025 Young Achiever of the Year for his leadership and involvement within his local community.

Passionate about giving back, Dylan has served on the Hall County Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Board of Advisors, helping connect high school students with internships and career opportunities. He is also a dedicated volunteer with the Georgia Mountain Food Bank and Hall County Toys for Tots.

“I am honored to represent Gainesville and North Georgia in this campaign,” said Duke. “Gainesville is more than where I work — it’s my home and it’s my community, and I am proud to help people build their futures here.”

Danielle Grier (Athens)

Danielle has more than 11 years of experience in the realm of real estate. Her business runs the gamut from first-time buyers to new construction to farms to foreclosures and more. She guides both buyers and sellers through the transaction and loves the rewarding aspect of a successful deal. Known for building lasting client relationships with equal parts heart and hustle, she’s not just selling homes—she’s strengthening the fabric of her hometown.

Founded in 2018, Danielle’s nonprofit, Pay It Forward Athens, champions local first responders and everyday heroes—turning every home sale into an opportunity to give back. The organization hosts annual 5Ks and golf tournaments, with proceeds benefiting Oconee County first responders and Brightpaths, which promotes positive parenting to prevent child abuse and neglect. To date, Pay It Forward Athens has donated more than $117,000 locally. Danielle also organizes meals and appreciation events for first responders and stays active in supporting area schools. She’s planning to expand into surrounding counties to reach even more families. For her outstanding community service efforts, Danielle was awarded the Georgia REALTORS® prestigious Good Neighbor Award in 2023.

“Home isn’t just a place—it’s the people, the connections, and the sense of belonging that make a community feel alive,” said Danielle. “I don’t just work here; I live here, shop local, cheer at the same Friday night football games, and invest in the same community I serve. Everything I do in real estate comes back to supporting the people who make this place feel like home.”

Carrie Hutchinson (Albany)

Carrie began her real estate career in 2018, building a business grounded in trust, service, and community. From the residential side and the commercial side of real estate, she’s guided countless clients through each milestone with care and expertise. Her work in real estate is deeply intertwined with her passion for giving back — a commitment that extends far beyond closing day.

In 2007, Carrie and a close group of friends organized a fundraiser to support a friend battling breast cancer. What began as a one-time event, where guests wore neckties to symbolize their “tie” to cancer, grew into a beloved community tradition — and the birth of Cancer Ties. Since stepping into the role of Executive Director in 2014, Carrie has led the nonprofit with remarkable heart and vision, coordinating two major annual events — a spring 5K and a fall golf tournament with a silent auction and dinner. Through these efforts, Cancer Ties provides financial relief to local individuals and families navigating cancer, offering year-round support for medical and household needs.

Carrie’s leadership, compassion, and drive bring people together — the same qualities that define her as a REALTOR®. Whether she’s helping a client find their dream home or rallying her community to lift others up, Carrie’s roots run deep in Albany, where she continues to make a lasting difference. Carrie received the GAR 2024 Good Neighbor Award for her efforts with Cancer Ties.

“Being ‘Rooted in Georgia’ means more than selling homes – it’s about investing in people,” said Carrie. “Through real estate and the non-profit, Cancer Ties, I’ve seen how strong communities grow when we show up for one another.”

Juan Mejia (Atlanta)

Born in Colombia, Juan immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age, putting down roots in Atlanta, and serving his local community in a variety of ways since he was just thirteen years old. It’s this deep connection to place and people that makes REALTORS® like Juan more than professionals — they’re neighbors, volunteers, community advocates, and friends.

In 2016, Juan’s vision of seeing organizations grow and succeed was brought to life when he founded JCM Ventures to aid start-ups and scale organizations. Through JCM Ventures, one of the few Latino-owned commercial real estate brokerages, he has been able to assist his clients with strategic planning, community development, and site selection. As his clients grew, Juan obtained his real estate license in order to better serve them as a commercial broker – from site selection to contract negotiation and closing. He has assisted his clients through strategic plans, organizational restructure, and led various real estate committees and task forces. Juan is an out-of-the-box thinker that leverages his knowledge with his community network to accomplish clients’ strategic goals.

Being fluent in Spanish, combined with his legal, political, and consulting background allows Juan to serve a variety of leadership and advisory roles within the community for several organizations including the Latino Community Fund of Georgia, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Ballet, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and Ser Familia. In 2022 the Atlanta Commercial Board presented Juan with the Community Service Award for his outstanding service to the community.

“I am a proud connector and enjoy building bridges between communities that do not often intersect naturally,” said Juan. He added, “Commercial real estate is embedded in the day-to-day life of all individuals. I love seeing fellow commercial practitioners in our industry are rooted in and making an impact within their communities.”

Kavita “Kay” McInroe (Peachtree City)

Kay is a dedicated volunteer for both the REALTOR® association and within her community. She is a past president of the Fayette County Board, which has also awarded her with the coveted REALTOR® of the Year award. Additionally, she has served on many committees for the Georgia REALTORS® and will be chairing the association’s new Community Service Committee in 2026.

Kay is a two-time Georgia REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award recipient for her work with Southside Support, a nonprofit that advocates for families of children with special needs. As a board leader and former board president, she has organized the annual gala and golf tournaments, raising more than $48,000 for vital programs and resources. She also helped launch caregiver support groups and the SNAZ bus, which provides sensory-safe spaces at community events.

“I chose Georgia and fabulous Fayette County to move to because it was a family friendly community,” says Kay. “Through my words, actions and service, I want to leave my community  a  better place so that future families, including my own children, will want to come back, and raise their families and thrive in Fayette County.”

As for her motivation to give back to the community, she says, “My email tagline, a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, says it all: You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Janice Overbeck (Atlanta/ Marietta)

Passionate about giving back, Janice has also served on numerous local boards and community programs, mentoring children, advocating for pets, and volunteering her time to strengthen the Marietta and North Georgia communities. In recognition of her extraordinary dedication, Janice was one of only five REALTORS® nationwide to receive the National Association of REALTORS® Volunteering Works Program Grant in 2020, and she also received the GAR Good Neighbor Award in 2021. Her tireless work as a REALTOR®, volunteer, and community advocate exemplifies what it truly means to be rooted in Georgia.

Janice serves as the founder and director of JO Gives, a foundation she launched in 2016 to support causes close to her heart. Through JO Gives, she leads three major initiatives: raising awareness and funding for ALS research in honor of her father, supporting children and animal welfare through the Homeless Pets Club of America, and assisting victims of animal attacks via The Chin Up Foundation. Since its inception, Janice has personally raised or donated more than $300,000 to Emory ALS research and over $165,000 to animal welfare programs to advocate for homeless pets.

“Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling; it’s about helping people feel at home in their community. I see our office as a community center first, devoted to serving and supporting our neighbors in every way we can,” said Janice Overbeck.

Mike Pennington (Cherokee)

Mike began his commercial real estate career in 2007, building a business rooted in trust, service, and a genuine commitment to the people and places that make Woodstock special. Over the years, he has become known not only for his expertise in commercial real estate, but also for his passion for helping local businesses find the right space to grow and thrive. Whether it’s guiding a new entrepreneur in the local community to their first storefront or assisting an established company in expanding its reach, Mike approaches every opportunity with the same dedication and care he brings to his community work.

Outside of real estate, Mike wears many hats — from guitar picker to long-time advocate and champion of Habitat for Humanity in North Central Georgia. His involvement with Habitat reflects his belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, and his volunteerism continues to make a tangible impact on the lives of others. With his deep roots in Woodstock, Mike embodies what it means to be “Rooted in Georgia” – building connections, fostering opportunity, and helping his community grow stronger every day.

“Hard work ‘ain’t so bad’ when you choose to be a part of an entrepreneur’s dreams,” said Mike. “Many of our clients take a big leap of faith at some point in starting or expanding their business in our community. I find that inspiring.”

Jimmy Shanken (Hinesville)

As a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, Jimmy is a member of the Audie Murphy Club, which is comprised of the top two percent of non-commissioned officers.

He has served as president for both of local boards of REALTORS® to which he belongs and has been selected twice as the Hinesville Area REALTOR® of the Year. In 2024, Jimmy was selected as the Georgia REALTOR® of the Year, representing more than 48,000 real estate practitioners across the state.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jimmy’s dedication to community service sets him apart. His involvement spans a wide array of organizations, including the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Development Authority of Long County, and the Coastal Georgia Military Affairs Coalition. He’s also an active member of the Greater Savannah Regional Alliance of Economic Development, Hinesville Disabled American Veterans, Hinesville Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Alee Shriners, and the Hinesville Rotary Club.

Additionally, Jimmy volunteers regularly with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Hinesville Chapter, where he helps build beds for children in need.

“Being a REALTOR® in Hinesville means more than unlocking doors—it’s about welcoming people into a community I truly believe in,” Jimmy said. “This is my home, and it’s a privilege to help others find theirs here.”