About

About Forward Rabun

Why we do what we do!

Forward Rabun is a public-private partnership established to integrate tourism and economic development marketing under one organization with support and joint oversight by the county and city governments and the private sector.

We exist to steer the county toward building a better future for all by joining forces with individuals and organizations from the community and connecting people with resources and information they need. Whether this is your home or home away from home, Rabun County is where tomorrow starts today!

Staff:

Rick Story
Director of Development

CJ Thompson
Manager of Marketing & Tourism

Linda Scofield
Rabun County Welcome Center Manager

Mickey Duvall
Business & Economic Development Strategist

Forward Rabun Board

The Forward Rabun Board consists of a unique combination of both public and private representatives in order to create a symbiotic relationship offering equal consideration and benefit to all. Appointed members include five from the county-at-large and one from each of the six incorporated cities as well as the Superintendent of the County Schools and the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. Elected members include eight representatives from private sector businesses and community organizations. A self-selected executive committee will meet on a monthly basis while the complete board will meet quarterly.

Executive Committee

Chairman – Claude Dillard, Rabun County Bank & Mayor of Dillard
Vice-Chairman – Dr. Stephen Arbitter, Arbitter Veterinary Hospital, C/O/O Rabun County Animal Control & Paws 4 Life
Vice-Chairman – Robert Pittman, Janus Institute and Lake Rabun Association
Greg James, Chairman of the Rabun County Commissioners
Dr. April Childers, Superintendent, Rabun County Schools
Tony Penrose & Suzie Flaherty, Co-Chairpersons of the Chamber of Commerce
Todd Webb, CEO ELK Group International

Board Members

Jeremy Spradlin, Area Manager, Georgia Power Co.
Pam Thompson, CEO Dillard House Stables, Rabun County Camera Ready Liaison
Nicole Dover, Director of Communications, Habersham EMC
Holly Steil, Mayor of Sky Valley
Grace Watts, Mayor of Mountain City
Kurt Cannon, Mayor of Clayton
Pete Marziliano, Tiger City Council
Mike Early, Mayor of Tallulah Falls
Jeff Miles, Head of School, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
Kathy McClure, United Community Bank
Savannah Reeves Page, COO Reeves Companies
James Brim, Mountain Branch Director, Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Nicole Queen, Vice-President/Branch Manager, United Community Bank
John Dillard, Former CEO of The Dillard House Resort & Restaurant