New Executive Council Will Advise Georgia’s Largest Knowledge Community

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (May 6, 2025) – The Rowen Foundation is pleased to announce the formation of its inaugural executive advisory council – a diverse collection of leaders who will help inform the vision of Georgia’s largest knowledge sharing community.

Working in partnership with the Rowen Foundation Board of Directors and staff, the council will offer strategic guidance on matters of economic developmentpartnerships and long-term growth, while serving as ambassadors for Rowen’s mission across the state and beyond. 

“This council is a collection of some of Georgia’s most respected business, academic and scientific leaders providing a network across the state,” said Rowen President and CEO Mason Ailstock. “Their partnership creates a mutually beneficial network that not only strengthens our purpose but also advances a shared vision for Georgia that connects people, ideas and communities.”

Below are the inaugural members of the executive advisory council:

• Bert Brantley, CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
• Fabiola Charles Stokes, Head of Global Sites Strategy, North America at Google
• Chris Clark, President of the Georgia Chamber
• Dr. Tim Denning, President and CEO of the Georgia Research Alliance
• Greg Dozier, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia
• Kim Greene, President and CEO of Georgia Power
• Nicole Love Hendrickson, Chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners
• Doug Hooker, retired CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission
• Dr. Russell Keen, President of Augusta University
• Teresa MacCartney, COO of the University System of Georgia
• Dr. Kyle Marrero, President of Georgia Southern University
• Misti Martin, Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce at the Georgia Department of Economic Development
• James C. McCurry, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer of the Georgia Ports Authority
• Anna Roach, Executive Director and CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission
• Dr. Kathy Schwaig, President of Kennesaw State University

The members of the advisory council were carefully selected due to their experiences in the public, private and international sectors across business, higher education, economic development and state government.

Ailstock stressed he anticipates Rowen benefiting tremendously from the wisdom of the group and the communities they serve.

“Members of our advisory council are helping Georgia grow the right way,” said Ailstock.  “At Rowen, we exist to do more than sell our own real estate. We want to support Georgia innovators and industry, connect its citizens and work together to shape a shared future.”

For more information about the work Rowen is doing in Gwinnett County, click here.

About Rowen

Owning 2,000 carefully preserved acres along Highway 316 in Gwinnett County, Ga., Rowen is a visionary knowledge community that will bring together entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators at the intersection of the Atlanta, Athens and Gainesville metropolitan statistical areas and more than 50 research and educational institutions. A new multi-use concept designed to foster discoveries in agricultural, medical and environmental sciences, Rowen will build on the land’s rich history of thoughtful environmental stewardship, while changing the economic and social trajectory of Gwinnett, Georgia and our nation for generations. For more information, please visit www.rowenlife.com.

About Rowen Foundation

Rowen Foundation is the independent, mission-driven, not-for-profit entity leading the planning and visioning of Rowen. With its mission to be a catalyst for education, research, innovation and transformation, the foundation is responsible for project leadership and operations to ensure the long-term vision for Rowen is never compromised.

Media Contact:

Brian Brodrick

404-983-4394

bbrodrick@jacksonspalding.com

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