The Change Maker: Recent Episodes
The Change Maker
The Change Maker is hosted by Deke Copenhaver. When Deke took over as mayor of his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, the city’s politics were broken and riven along racial lines. No group trusted any other group, so nothing got done.
From 2005 through 2014 Deke was a catalyst in helping to transform Augusta, attracting businesses to spur economic development, implementing social programs that impacted the lives of Augustans on a daily basis. He focused effort on communities that had been neglected for years.
No serving as the Principal of Copenhaver Consulting, Deke remains committed to being a Change Maker while helping others realize their potential to impact their communities for the better. For his work, he’s been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians.
Deke currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned a BA in Political Science from Augusta College and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.
A passionate athlete, Deke has completed five Ironman 70.3s and several half marathons. He and his wife, Malisa, reside in Augusta with their dogs Sarah Bet, Buddy, and Johnny.
This week on the Change Maker: Cameron Atlas. Cameron is a musician and speaker who blends the two to provide insights on high performance, leadership, creativity, and innovation. In their conversation Cameron and Deke talk about the things that keep us apart and how inspiration can strike you when you least expect it, like at 2AM.
You can find more information about Cameron Atlas at: https://cameronatlas.com/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
You can watch the video version of this episode on our youtube channel at: https://youtu.be/sFzBBla3NUU
This week on the Change Maker: Gloria Squitiro. Gloria is an author and wife to former Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser (she calls him Funk). Gloria talks with us about how local politics is a dirtier battlefield than you might think, and how upsetting the status quo can lead to losing an election.
You can find more information about Gloria and her books at: https://gloriasquitiro.com
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
You can watch the video version of this episode on our youtube channel at: https://youtu.be/EPTAWAugOL4
This week on the Change Maker: Layla Zaidane. Layla is the CEO and President of the Millennial Action Project. Layla works with over 1600 millennial and get z elected officials to help bridge the divide. We deep dive into the challenges faced by younger lawmakers currently serving or looking to serve their communities.
You can find more information on the Millennial Action Project at: https://www.millennialaction.org/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
You can watch the video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel here; https://youtu.be/aHVw8n3Fb-w
This week on the Change Maker: Ariana Pekary. Ariana is formerly an award-winning journalist, current Yoga instructor, and future podcast host. She has worked in the media for years and brings an insider perspective on how the news works and how it creates division in its viewers. She’s also the future host of her own podcast and founding member of Starts With Us and organizes with the hopes of increasing transparency in news.
You can find Ariana on Twitter and Instagram at: @arianapekary
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/FVGs1BboeO4
Today on The Change Maker: Vera Stewart. Vera is a Southern cooking show host, entrepreneur, and mentor in the Augusta community. She discusses the beginnings of her business, food competition appearances, and how she continues to give back to young people teaching them life skills and good manners.
To learn more about Vera, head over to her website: https://www.veryvera.com/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Jorge and Christie Diez. Jorge is the founder of Georgia Strategy Group and the campaign manager for Augusta’s new mayor. Christie is a weekend anchor and multi-talented journalist for WXIA in Atlanta. They tell us about their growing family, how Jorge came to be involved in politics, and how Christie is spreading mental health awareness with her journalism skills.
You can learn more about Georgia Strategy Group at https://www.georgiastrategygroup.com/
You can watch Christie’s Series on mental health awareness at WXIA’s youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/11Alive
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Will Dyer. Will is the Chief Pastor at Augusta First Baptist Church and a fantastic human being. He talks about how we can all find places to agree and disagree with each other about religion and politics and the true goals of faith. Join us for a fascinating conversation that will surprise you.
You can learn more about First Baptist Church of Augusta at https://discoverfbc.org/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Tom Fishman. Tom is the CEO of Starts With Us, a movement of people dedicated to creating understanding and healing the divides in the United States. He explains his background in the tech fields and the three C’s Starts With Us is built on: Curiosity, Compassion, and Courage.
You can learn more about Starts With Us at https://www.startswith.us/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Wycliffe Gordon. Wycliffe is a renowned Trombonist and bandleader of multiple groups. He tells us all about how the pandemic gave him a love of staying home, how music can be a healing force in the world, and what’s it been like as a professor at Augusta University.
You can learn more about Wycliffe, his projects, and order CDs at https://wycliffegordon.com/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Jason Brown. Grandson of “The hardest working man in Show business” James Brown proves that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. Jason is an international DJ, entrepreneur, and first time father. Jason tells us all about the challenges and advantages of having the Godfather of Soul for a grandfather and how he managed to pull off a beach party in the middle of a pandemic.
You can live vicariously through Jason and learn more about him on his Instagram @Grandsoulson
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Gordon Lawson and Ivie Teston. Gordon is the CEO of Conceal, a company dedicated to protecting federal and private businesses online. Ivie is the Sales Manager and an Augusta native that has returned to work with Conceal at the international headquarters right here in Augusta. Both of them talk about establishing a welcoming work culture, what it takes to engage a young workforce, and how our online presence might not be as safe as you think.
You can learn more about Conceal and also browse their open positions at: https://conceal.io/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Perry Smith. Perry is a retired general who served in the United States Air Force for 30 years. A graduate from West Point with a PhD from Columbia, he went on to have multiple leadership positions in government before beginning his writing career with Rules and Tools for Leaders - he would go on to author more books after that.
Smith caught national attention when he became a whistleblower at CNN, speaking against the immorality of their publishing of an inaccurate story about the Vietnam War. He currently lived in Augusta, Georgia, where he has sat on numerous leadership boards and created a ceremony to honor Jimmie Dyess for his heroic actions leading to a posthumous Medal of Honor.
To Find Perry's books: https://www.amazon.com/Perry-M.-Smith/e/B001H9XRX0%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Sadie Krawczyk. Sadie is the Managing Director for Georgia Forward, a non-profit group devoted to unifying the people of Georgia as one state on common ground. Sadie discusses how communities and people all around Georgia are working to improve and find ways to find what we have in common.
You can learn more about Georgia Forward on their website at https://georgiaforward.org/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Tripp Bowden. Tripp is the author of the New York Times best-selling book Freddy and Me and a former Augusta National golf caddie and the first full-time white caddie for the course. Tripp talks about writing, how he go into the game of golf and his history with the game.
You can learn more about Tripp and the books he has written on his website at: http://www.trippbowden.com/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Zoe Eather.Z oe is an experienced consultant, Churchill Fellow, engineer and keynote speaker with a passion for Smart Communities, that is using different ways of thinking and technology as enablers to make the places we work, live and play more accessible, liveable and sustainable for all. Zoe talks about her engineering background and how she became an advocate for Smart Communities and the challenges she faces.
You can learn more about Zoe and her projects and listen to her podcast on her website at https://mysmart.community/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Brittany Do. Brittany is a student and author of the book “Bigger Than Leadership” a collection of stories that show how life and leadership are connected in more ways than you may think. Brittany tells us about how being a young person affects how people perceive themselves as well as her experiences writing her book.
You can purchase Brittany’s book on Amazon or wherever you get your books.
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Jane Ubell-Meyer. Jane is the founder of Beside Reading, a company that places books on the bedside tables of some of the most luxurious hotels around the world. Jane’s business helps self-published and hybrid authors get their work and their names into the hands of high-profile guests. Jane talks about how she founded Beside reading, her start in the entertainment industry, and all the lessons she learned along the way.
You can find more information on Beside Reading at: https://www.bedsidereading.com and download their current quarter’s collection of books at: https://www.bedsidereading.com/brgift.html
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on the Change Maker: E. Matthew "Whiz" Buckley. Taking his nickname from his military callsign, Whiz is a former, decorated Navy fighter pilot who has recently taken his skillset to the private sector, mentoring businesses and helping to advocate for fellow veterans.
Through his nonprofit, the Top Gun foundation, Whiz advocates for veterans mental health, especially relating to the use of medical psychedelics. On this show, he shares the experience that he claims saved his life and the lives of many others with traumatic brain injuries. His new project, No Fallen Heroes, debuts May 17, 2022 and documents the stories of many whose lives were changed in the same fashion.
To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zU9bHE5zEQc
To find the books written by E. Matthew "Whiz" Buckley: https://go.topgunoptions.com/book
To Learn More about the Top Gun Fighter Foundation: https://topgunfighterfoundation.org
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Bob Crawford. Bob is the upright bassist for the grammy nominated band The Avett Brothers, as well as the host of his own podcast “The Road to Now” and managing partner of The Press On Fund. Bob talks about his Journey to The Avett Brothers, his struggles with his daughter’s battle with cancer, and his love of history.
You can find information on The Press On Fund at https://www.PressOnFund.org and Bob on Twitter @BobCrawfordBass. You can find “The Road to Now” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Heather Parady. Heather is a former mental health specialist turned online entrepreneur and host of two top-ranked podcasts. Heather talks about overcoming her childhood insecurity, finding her true calling in becoming a podcast host, and the world of NFTs on her new show.
Heather is an online entrepreneur and podcast host of two top-ranked podcasts “Unconventional Leaders” and “Happy Brain.” She also offers online coaching and courses to help people achieve their podcast dreams.
Find her online at: https://www.heatherparady.com or on Twitter and Instagram @heatherparady and find her podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Michael Shaffer. Michael is the Vice president of Government Relations and Chief Advocacy Officer at Augusta University. Michael has been involved with politics for years serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for such political figures as former Governor Nathan Deal, Representative Charlie Norwood, and Representative Paul Broun.
Michael speaks about how he got involved with politics and gives insight into the current political landscape, bipartisanship, and the 24-hour news media cycle. Michael is also instrumental in the development and the culture of the Georgia Cyber Center and creating a truly unique and welcoming space for the students and trainees there.
Today on The Change Maker: Tara Simkins. Tara is a former lawyer turned life-coach, facilitator, and childhood cancer philanthropist. She talks about why she left her twenty year legal career to pursue her new calling as a teacher, writer, and life-coach.
Tara is mentor and coach with Soul Shine Lab her program for personal betterment and living life to full potential. She also is co-founder of the Press On Fund for childhood cancer research. Her work encourages people to live in the moment and not give up hope and continue to press on through difficult times.
This show was recorded for YouTube! To watch, just click here: https://youtu.be/OBVyY32PdUY
Find her Online: Tarasimkins.com for her personal or group counseling or on instagram @soulshinelabs To Support the Press on Fund: PressOnFund.org
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: a live interview with Nathan Deal at the Georgia Cyber Center on the Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation in Augusta, Georgia. Nathan Deal served two terms as governor of Georgia. He was first sworn in as governor of Georgia on January 10, 2011, and was sworn in for his second term on January 12, 2015.
Deal was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992. Prior to that, he served in the Georgia Senate from 1981 to 1993 and was named president pro tempore in his last term. Deal has also worked as a lawyer, assistant district attorney, and judge.
At $100 million, the Georgia Cyber Center is the single largest investment in a cybersecurity facility by a state government to date. Located on the Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation in Augusta, Georgia, the center is a unique public/private partnership involving academia, state and federal government, law enforcement, the U.S. Army and the private sector.
The Georgia Cyber Center is dedicated to training the next generation of professionals through education and real-world practice while also supporting innovative companies focused on developing new technologies to strengthen online defenses and has many developments to foster growth in various sectors.The center features an auditorium, restricted access to meet classified and high-security needs, secure briefing space, a cutting-edge cyber range, an incubator/accelerator program to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, ample spaces for collaboration, classrooms equipped for virtual and on-site training, an adjacent parking deck and direct access to the popular Augusta Riverwalk.
Deke and Nathan sat down in November of 2021 to discuss the development including how it was executed, the former Governor's thoughts on how state and local governments can be effective and efficient, the public-private partnership aspect, and how to quantify an investment like this. Part of this video features audience questions and the video was recorded live by the Cyber Center, so the quality will be a little different than what we're used to, but the conversations are the same level as any other recording!
For more info on The Georgia Cyber Center: https://gta.georgia.gov/cybersecurity-1/georgia-cyber-center
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Kerry Grace. Kerry is a self-described "accidental leader." She talks about coming into her own and overcoming what she dubs as "tall poppy syndrome" where she had t overcome the noise to find herself and her confidence to lead.
Kerry is working as the Director of Regional Development for Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast and Norfolk Island and the founder and CEO of Evolve Group Network (est 2004). Kerry’s work focuses on empowering the accidental leaders who (as Kerry believes) are the glue that truly keep our communities together.She has worked with all levels of government, not for profits and Aboriginal corporations in Australia. She is often called upon for her facilitation skills to moderate pathways forward for contentious and complex issues.
Find her Online: KerryGrace.com.au & Listen her her podcast: Leadership Conversations
To Watch This Show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NLTdwa8UZlg
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Lou Diamond. Lou is a mentor and consultant at the head of his business - Thrive Loud, which is a consulting firm that helps bring together people and ideas to create maximum success! He is also the host of the Thrive Loud podcast and the Authors that Thrive Podcast.
A top producer when he worked for companies like Accenture, Deloitte, Omnicom, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, Lou now coaches others to find the same success that he was able to create for himself. Whether he's coaching, giving a keynote speech, podcasting, or however he is connecting, Lou helps his clients find inspiration and develop the tools and networks that they need to be successful.
To find out more information and to connect with Loud: ThriveLoud.com Find him on Social Media @ThriveLoud
To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gaW2-d7K73A
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Deke Cateau. Deke Cateau assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab on February 1, 2018. A.G. Rhodes is one of Atlanta’s oldest nonprofit organizations; they provide therapy and rehabilitation services, short-term recovery and long-term care at three metro Atlanta nursing homes. Cateau has 15+ years of long-term care industry experience to his position, and has previously served in various leadership roles with A.G. Rhodes – including Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Strategic Implementation, and Administrator of the organization’s flagship location near Grant Park. Deke is a change making leader in this organization, which is currently orienting itself, and serving as an influence for the Nursing Home community, towards new methods of senior care that transcend historic "medical" models.
A native of Trinidad, which is often referred to as a “plural society,” Cateau was born into a culture of diversity. Sometimes known as a “rainbow island” or, more fondly, a “callaloo” (a dish prepared by blending a variety of ingredients), diversity is the status quo in Trinidad. In his new role, Cateau not only represents that diversity, but also leads a workforce of approximately 600 employees serving more than 1,100 seniors each year – all of whom reflect all walks of life and a wide range of ethnicity and culture.
Deke Copenhaver and Deke Cateau (D.C. & D.C.) work together as our host currently coaches Mr. Cateau in leadership. The 2 are good friends and enjoy their conversations together. Listeners will see how 2 Dekes with very different backgrounds end up having a lot in common as Change Making Leaders.
To find out more information and to connect with Dov: DovBaron.com Find him on Social Media and Youtube: @Dov Baron To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Dov Baron. Dov has been named one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers to Hire, and has traveled the world speaking to every kind of group imaginable. He was named as one of the Top 30 Global Leadership Gurus and is also the bestselling author of several books, including One Red Thread and Fiercely Loyal: How High Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent. Inc. Magazine named his podcast, Leadership and Loyalty™, as one the top podcasts listened to by C-Suite execs of Fortune 500 companies and he has recently released a new show: Curiosity Bites, where he has conversations with the world's most interesting people in the widest range of professions imaginable.
Dov is a Change Making leader. He has interviewed and worked with the world’s top leaders, including those featured on: Oprah, Ellen, CNN, Fox, MSNBC, CBS, Huffington Post, Larry King, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and more.
To find out more information and to connect with Dov: DovBaron.com
Find him on Social Media and Youtube: @Dov Baron
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Nicole Jansen. Over the past 30 years, Nicole Jansen has coached and trained thousands of leaders, helping them achieve extraordinary results in business and in life. Certified Human Behavior Specialist, Transformational Business Coach, Strategic Intervention Coach, and Master Facilitator, Nicole has developed her own special brand of coaching, which focuses on tapping into your strengths and true purpose, integrating business and life mastery principles for lasting success.
Her clients are mission-driven and range from start-up entrepreneurs to large franchise systems and non-profit organizations, covering a wide range of industries including finance, real estate, insurance, digital media, health and wellness, training and development, humanitarian initiatives, and space exploration. Her passion for transformation and growth extends to the next generation, where she teaches and empowers aspiring leaders through conferences, webinars, courses, guest podcasting and mentoring.
When she’s not interviewing amazing podcast guests or working with clients, Nicole enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, volunteering, meditating, reading, jogging, and walking the beaches of sunny California.
For Moire Info or to Schedule a Consultation with her, go to LeaderOfTransformation.com
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Fuzzy Zoeller. Appreciated for his coolness under pressure while whistling his way down the fairway, as a PGA golfer, he made a point to interact with members of the gallery whenever he could. His professional career has produced ten PGA TOUR victories, including the 1979 Masters and the 1984 U.S. Open. His Masters victory still remains the only victory posted by a Masters rookie.
In 1985, Fuzzy was awarded the prestigious Bobby Jones Award, an honor bestowed upon one player per year by the USGA. His passions include hunting and fishing, and he enjoys all sports as well as golf course design. To date he has designed nineteen golf courses, three of which are utilized on The PGA TOUR.
A little known fact about Fuzzy is that he loves to cook and grill. He has his own line of BBQ and Steak Sauces as well as premium dry rubs. He has also launched his own line of ultra-premium vodka: Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka.
For Moire Info or to Get in Touch with Fuzzy: Fuz.com
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Alex Wier. Alex is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Wier Stewart, a marketing company Headquartered in Augusta, Georgia. His focus is making sure the work that they produce is beautiful, thoughtful and effective, and that they have a good time doing it. He and Deke talk about his background in marketing, learning inventing a new language, and how he leads his team by focusing on their success
For Moire Info or to Get in Touch with Alex: https://www.wierstewart.com/team/alex-wier
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Hodges Usry. Hodges is a filmmaker whose interest in film began as an awkward 5th grader, making parodies of the TV show COPS. In high school, he interned for the camera department on HBO's THE WIRE and while in college, Hodges was the recipient of the Young Arts Award for Cinematic Arts. An award that was given by the legendary Martin Scorsese. He graduated from The Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in Film & TV. In 2013, he received an offer to go on tour with country singer songwriter, Corey Smith for a month. He has worked with Lady A as a video creative director for several years and currently resides in Nashville. His work has been featured on The Today Show, Gizmodo, Popular Mechanics, Digg, GMA, People Magazine, VICE, and The Tonight Show.
Find More About Hodges: www.hodgesusry.com YouTube.com/HodgesU
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Change Maker: Dr. Mark Ghoulston. Originally a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 25 years, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, Dr. Mark Goulston’s expertise has been forged and proven in the crucible of real-life, high stakes situations. An influencer who helps influencers become more influential, his unique background has made him an indispensible and sought after resource and change facilitator to Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs and educators across the nation. He lives with his wife in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Ghoulston and Deke talk about topics such as: mental health, recognizing and dealing with trauma, leading through tough times, and ways to lead with vulnerability - including some examples in both of their lives.
To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
Today on The Changemaker: Justin Wheelon (@justinWheelon). This episode features Justin Wheelon. Emmy® Award-winner Justin Wheelon is a professional director and actor who's appeared in numerous films and television shows. Justin's commercials on-line have generated millions of views. His work has been featured in national television commercials for major clients, including directing two Super Bowl commercials. His films have played at multiple Oscar® qualifying film festivals around the world.
He is the Founder and President of the SOUTHERN CITY INSTITUTE® which hosts filmmaking classes and workshops for kids and adults. The Southern City Film Festival takes place annually and has been rated inside the "Top 100" film festivals via FilmFreeway. He is also a partner and co-founder of the Emmy® winning Oak Film Co., a film production company which produces movies and national commercial work for clients.
The Changemaker is hosted by Deke Copenhaver. When Deke took over as mayor of his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, the city’s politics were broken and riven along racial lines. Half of the city commissioners were white, half were African American. Neither group trusted the other, so nothing got done.
Against all reasonable odds, Deke and a band of enthusiastic twenty- and thirty-somethings who knew little about running a political campaign won the election. He had his first commissioners meeting as mayor on December 20th, 2005, and began the work of being a Changemaker.
From 2005 through 2014 Deke was a catalyst in helping to transform Augusta, attracting businesses to spur economic development, implementing social programs that impacted the lives of Augustans on a daily basis and developing communities that, for many years, had been neglected by the city’s leadership.
Amid all the challenges and setbacks, tragedy and strife, Deke never lost hope. Instead, he’s always been inspired to serve. Since the grassroots days of his campaign of hope and change to currently serving as the Principal of Copenhaver Consulting, Deke remains committed to being a Changemaker while helping others realize the potential they have to be leaders in their community and their lives.
He’s been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and has spoken at many national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and the nonprofit industry.
Deke currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned a BA in Political Science from Augusta College and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.
A passionate athlete, Deke has completed five Ironman 70.3s and several half marathons. He and his wife, Malisa, reside in Augusta with their dogs Sarah Bet, Buddy, and Johnny.
Today on The Changemaker: Deanna Brown (@JamesBrownGirl). Not only is Deanna the daughter of the late James Brown, but she is also a dear friend to Deke and the after the passing of her father in 2006, Deanna picked up the reigns of her father’s good will and continued his legacy of giving thru The Brown Family Childrens Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports creating music scholarships and programs for students and schools who have a interest in learning music and the music industry; provide health awareness to impoverished families; and continue to support The Annual James Brown Turkey and Toy Giveaways, www.jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org. Deanna has many positions but the two she holds dearest is mother and wife. She believes in the family unit being strong and encouraging to one another.
The Changemaker is hosted by Deke Copenhaver. When Deke took over as mayor of his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, the city’s politics were broken and riven along racial lines. Half of the city commissioners were white, half were African American. Neither group trusted the other, so nothing got done.
Against all reasonable odds, Deke and a band of enthusiastic twenty- and thirty-somethings who knew little about running a political campaign won the election. He had his first commissioners meeting as mayor on December 20th, 2005, and began the work of being a Changemaker.
From 2005 through 2014 Deke was a catalyst in helping to transform Augusta, attracting businesses to spur economic development, implementing social programs that impacted the lives of Augustans on a daily basis and developing communities that, for many years, had been neglected by the city’s leadership.
Amid all the challenges and setbacks, tragedy and strife, Deke never lost hope. Instead, he’s always been inspired to serve. Since the grassroots days of his campaign of hope and change to currently serving as the Principal of Copenhaver Consulting, Deke remains committed to being a Changemaker while helping others realize the potential they have to be leaders in their community and their lives.
He’s been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and has spoken at many national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and the nonprofit industry.
Deke currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned a BA in Political Science from Augusta College and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.
A passionate athlete, Deke has completed five Ironman 70.3s and several half marathons. He and his wife, Malisa, reside in Augusta with their dogs Sarah Bet, Buddy, and Johnny.
In this first episode of The Changemaker show, you are introduced to your host: Deke Copenhaver. He recalls his time as mayor of Augusta, Georgia and how those experiences led him to think the way he does today which he ultimately wrote in The Changemaker.
Deke's style is to be totally transparent. "Walking around naked," he calls it. This episode is just that. A chance to get to know who Deke is and understand the main pillars of being a change maker.
Episode Produced by Augusta Podcasts, LLC.
Narrated by David Bash