Vice President - Michele Parrish
Ms. Parrish has 30+ years of experience in various sales, account management, and business development roles. She is a Partner/Owner of Genesis Engineering Collaborative LLC, a woman owned civil engineering firm designing projects in the Southeastern U.S. She is also a licensed realtor in the State of Georgia. Previous experience includes top producing roles in sales and sales management for a major global medical laboratory achieving numerous financial and customer service awards, as well as, managing and executing business development, marketing, and human resource activities for a long-standing civil engineering firm based in Metropolitan Atlanta. She has a proven track record of building strong internal and external business relationships with expertise in leadership, public speaking and customer facing activities. Ms. Parrish is a member of the Society of American Engineers, the North Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors, Board member and Past President of the Duluth Business Association, and Norcross Library Founders Club Member. Michele Parrish - Crosspointe Realty - (404) 452-5881 Secretary - Holly Norman
Holly is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Furnishings and Interiors. After college, she worked for three years as a model home designer decorating for a national builder. In 2003, she joined the top-producing team at her local RE/MAX office. After six years working as part of a team, Holly took another bold step and became an individual agent. She kept on this path for the next ten years. Holly hired her first assistant in 2019. Since then, she's added another assistant, a partner agent, a showing assistant, and mentors an agent. When a need arises for a client, they find a way to fill the need. The team she has put together and continues to add to aligns with each pillar of her business. They focus on building relationships and communicating exceptionally well. Holly is among the top 1.5% of Real Estate Professionals and Teams in the U.S. and recently was featured on the cover of Real Producers Magazine. In her personal life, Holly has been married to her husband Robert since 2001 and they have a son, Christian. She enjoys traveling, swimming, and interior design. She also likes concerts, Atlanta Braves baseball, University of Georgia football and trying new restaurants. Holly Norman - RE/MAX Center- (678) 820-4454 Treasurer - Karen Walker
Karen is the Tax and Accounting Manager for McClellan & Associates. She has worked for the firm for 25 years and holds Enrolled Agent status with the IRS. Karen and her husband have lived in Suwanee for 20 years. They have four children, three of which live at home. Karen has worked with non-profit organizations for many years, helping to get them established by filing the Application for Exempt Status with the IRS and to remain in compliance by filing all necessary tax returns and documents. While her sons were in High School, Karen was on the Board of the Peachtree Ridge Band Boosters Association for five years, serving two years as Treasurer and three years as President. When Karen is not working, she enjoys camping and hiking with her family, reading and shopping. Karen Walker - McClellan and Associates - (770) 497-9525 Board Member - Benjamin King
Benjamin is the owner of Pet Wants Johns Creek which produces specially-crafted, private label pet food formulas made in small batches with fresh, natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet in every bowl. Pet Wants Johns Creek offers multiple blends of dog food to local area rescuers. Pet Wants John Creek is a mobile business that offers free, personal delivery to Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Duluth and the surrounding areas. Ben is a Certified Health Coach and has his certification in Anti-Inflammatory Diet that aids in people dealing with chronic inflammation. He was most recently the art director and creative studio manager in brand marketing for a global sporting goods company for 18 years. He also coached youth basketball for 15 years and has passions for both Weimaraners and photography. Ben has lived in Duluth for 20 years. Benjamin King - Pet Wants Johns Creek - (678) 896-6540 Board Member - Charisse Excell
Charisse Excell is the owner of CID LLC which includes her private music training, music directing businesses, and her mobile notary business. She is also in the real estate/financial industry as a mortgage loan officer with Home Access Mortgage, a wholesale loan brokerage. All her professions revolve around the service of others. Charisse's university education in teaching has helped her through the years to be an effective communicator and listener, which she uses on a daily basis to provide the best service to her clients. Charisse and her family have lived in Duluth since 1994. She is delighted to be a member of the Duluth Business Association promoting our vibrant business sector. In her spare time, Charisse enjoys photography, listening to music, reading and socializing with friends and family. Charisse Excell - CID LLC - 404-277-0816 Board Member - Paul Shin
Paul started his career in Real Estate but then shifted his focus to retail banking where he transformed bottom-ranked banks into flagship financial centers. He also dipped his toes in the startup arena, building a tech platform to streamline and improve communication and processes in the dental industry. Paul is a Vice President and the Manager of Retail Banking at Loyal Trust Bank, and his priority is keeping the customer experience exceptional by improving efficiency without sacrificing the quality of the service. He loves coming to work every day because he gets to see first-hand the difference a community bank makes to provide personalized services for customers as technology makes everything in life more personal. His secret sauce to improving the client experience is ensuring each team member is empowered to do whatever it takes to get the job done - no matter how big or small the task may be. For him, it is important to cultivate a culture where every individual feels like a valued member of the Loyal Trust Bank family, and they are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and opinions to help drive continuous improvements. In his spare time, Paul enjoys spending time with his family, as well as playing golf, volunteering, and exploring the diverse culinary delights in the Atlanta area. Paul Shin - Loyal Trust Bank - (470) 926-5652 Board Member - Claire Dees
I am Claire Dees, Executive Director and co-founder of Spectrum Autism Support Group, a local non- profit organization, providing support, education and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism. Spectrum serves over 2000 individuals with autism each year and their families with support groups, camps, respite, socials skills groups, family event and community education and training. Claire has a BS in Business Administration from Presbyterian College and over 35 years in the field of disabilities, both as a parent and a professional. Claire serves on the Autism Plan for Georgia Advisory Council, the Center for Leadership in Disability Advisory Council, Board of Visitors of Georgia Gwinnett College, Northside Women’s Leadership Council, is a Gwinnett Chamber Chairman’s Club member, member of the Duluth Business Association and the Peachtree Corners Business Association and president of the Duluth Civitan Club. She was the recipient of the Georgia Achievement in Autism award in 2019. She has been nominated for Chamber Moxie awards the past 2 years in several categories. Claire is also a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett 2023, and a Georgia LEND Alumni 2017. Claire was previously a lobbyist for disability issues for 4 years in Georgia and continues to advocate as well as educate families on how to speak up for their family members at the state and national level. She and her husband reside in Johns Creek. Claire is the parent of 3 adult children, one of whom lived with autism until his early demise in 2011. Her passion is helping families live better and more inclusive lives in their communities, regardless of abilities, where all can live, work, play and worship together. Opening the new Spectrum Autism Support Center in 2023 will be one of her greatest accomplishments as Spectrum celebrates it’s 25th anniversary this year. Claire loves reading, crafting, walking, the beach, and volunteering. Claire Dees - Spectrum Autism Support Group - (770) 239-6630 Board Member - Melissa Gunderson
Melissa started dher culinary career in New York City as a Prep Chef, Party Coordinator and Event Contract Chef with multiple catering companies in addition to being a private chef for two years. In 2000, Melissa decided to move back to Atlanta, her home town. She started as an Event Chef for Bold American upon her arrival in Atlanta, then worked with Proof-of-the-Pudding as Catering Manager/Party Chef and The Epicurean as Sous Chef. While working these premiere catering companies, she began to build her own clientele, eventually opening her own catering company, Morsels by Melissa, in 2007. Morsels by Melissa is a full-service catering company. Melissa provides expertise to her clientele in the planning and implementation of corporate and private events, wedding receptions, and intimate dinners with a full range of menus including homemade specialty cakes and sweets. Morsels is known for building specialized menus for clients and their events. Morsels also provides chef prepared meals called "Family Meals" to clients once a month. Clients can enjoy the items fresh or can freeze them for later. Whatever your event, Melissa is sure to provide great service and delicious food. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys gardening, singing, reading books and spending time with friends, family and her own personal zoo...2 pups, 1 cat, 2 bunnies and approximately 27 fish in her back yard pond. Melissa Gunderson - Morsels by Melissa - (678) 357-2349 |