a letter from our president
Welcome back! It is my hope that everyone has had a wonderful summer and that each of you were able to spend time with family and friends. In the midst of all the summer fun, our Board and Management Team along with other members have been hard at work preparing for the 2019-2020 League year. First off, thank you to all those who have spent time this summer devoting countless hours to planning and preparing. Your work is appreciated and does not go unnoticed.
Over the summer, the Board had a successful retreat where we were able to devote meaningful time to discuss feedback from our membership during the focus groups conducted this past spring. It was there that we heard and saw that our members want to continue to feel more connected to the League, as well as enhance the potential for strong women leaders in our community. It was also clearly shown that we want the Junior League of GainesvilleHall County to be known more as a community catalyst devoting time to implement meaningful programs/projects that address and strengthen our community’s needs.
We are a group of strong, educated, dedicated, and generous women who have so much to give to each other and our community. Change is something that is never easy and does not happen instantly. It takes time and commitment and this year I hope that each of you, Active and Sustainers, commit to helping the League make the changes that will enhance our
organization, as well as the community we serve. As we move forward this upcoming year, work has already begun. Our Diaper Bank committee has been hard at work collecting, packaging, and distributing diapers. Thrift Sale Chairs have been hard at work planning and seeking input from sustainers on how to bring back the excitement for Thrift Sale. Lastly, the Charity Ball Chairs and committee have been gearing up for our biggest fundraiser.
As change is inevitable, I am excited to be a part of the positive changes to the League, as well as continuing with our deep-rooted traditions. I said this at May Dinner - as we enter into the 2019-2020 League year, I want to challenge all members, new and old, as well as sustainers, to get involved, try something new, meet new people, and find one piece of the League that you are truly and heartwarmingly passionate about. I look forward to working alongside each of you this upcoming year as we explore and begin working in the community to make more positive and impactful changes!
The Junior League of Gainesville - Hall County is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
Amanda Secunda
PRESIDENT
Ashton Meeks
SECRETARY
Angie Kennedy
Emily Morgan
Chelsea Grimes PRESIDENT-ELECT
EXECUTIVE VP
Chelsea Sullivan
Whitley Miller NOMINATING DIRECTOR TREASURER
MEMBER AT LARGE
Anna Lyle
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Mullis
COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Suzanne Cindea
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Wendy Fountain
MEMBER AT LARGE
Dallas Sage
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Heather Hayes
SUSTAINER ADVISOR
Rachel Miller
FACILITIES DIRECTOR
LEAGUE LODGE INFORMATION
“I am a native of Georgia and have lived in Gainesville most of my life. I have two daughters and three Chihuahuas. I am starting my seventh year working at the League and enjoy helping all the committees and members accomplish their wonderful service to our community.”
Amy McNeilly Office Manager
NUMBER | 770-535-1951
EMAIL | info@gainesvillehalljuniorleague.com
President: Amanda Secunda | president@gainesvillehalljuniorleauge.org
• Any “big picture” or future planning/vision questions
Executive Vice President: Emily Morgan | evp@gainesvillehalljuniorleague.org
• Any questions about the day-to-day management of the League
Secretary: Ashton Meeks | ameeks514@gmail.com
• Questions about attendance, leave, or transferring Leagues
• Maternity Leave or Leave of Absences must be requested and approved by the Secretary
Treasurer: Chelsea Sullivan | JLGHtreasurer@gmail.com
• All things financial and dues questions
Nominating Director: Whitley Miller | whitleybjones@gmail.com
• Any questions about the nomination process or leadership job descriptions
Finance Director: Anna Lyle | JLfinancedirector@gmail.com
• Questions about sponsorships/donations
• Information related to fundraisers and fund development
Membership Director: Suzanne Cindea | smcindea@gmail.com
• Information on joining the League
• Questions about placement
• Conferences, training, and other development opportunities
• Questions about membership obligations
Community Outreach Director: Jennifer Mullis | jdmeeks1@gmail.com
• Anything related to Feeding our Future and the school pantries
• Questions about the Little Black Dress Initiative, SPAC, or DIAD
• Ideas for new programming opportunities
Communications Director: Dallas Sage | dallas.martin0305@gmail.com
• Any information related to news media or general publicity of the League
• Requests for Junior League email newsletter or social media posts
• Any questions about the League Log or Website
Facilities Director: Rachel Miller | rmiller@alexanderalmand.com
• Questions about pool memberships and policies
• Room/building rental inquiries
• Any issues regarding the League Lodge
Charity Ball: Denille Biddy & Candace Stradley| JLcharityball@gmail.com
• Any questions related to Charity Ball, Sponsoring Clubs, and Belle Candidates
Thrift Sale: Darby Shank & Kaitlin Pharr | JLthriftsale@gmail.com
• Any questions related to Thrift Sale
Diaper Bank: Erin Webb | erin.webb816@gmail.com
Website: https://www.diaperbankofnorthga.com/
• Any questions related to the Diaper Bank
Members of the Board enjoyed a fun weekend of planning and bonding time at the Tumlin House in Dahlonega. They are ready to take on a successful and fun year!
Sustainer Lauren Tumlin and her husband, Zach, are owners of the “Tumlin House” in Dahlonega, Georgia. Built in 1885 and refinished 132 years later for weekend retreats, this beautifully restored farmhouse offers a historic getaway in the heart of Lumpkin County.
Our President-Elect, Angie Kennedy, and Executive Vice President, Emily Morgan, represented the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County at the Association of Junior League International’s 97th Annual Conference hosted in Denver in May. For more than a century, Junior Leagues have empowered women, strengthened communities, and improved lives. This tradition continued in the Mile High City where Angie and Emily met and learned from Leagues across the world, while sharing our League’s initiatives and collectively addressing challenges the Association faces. Our leadership team returned home feeling empowered and eager to share the things they learned, so our League can continue to be a community force for good.
Age: 29
Occupation: Pediatric Medical Practice Office Manager
Why you joined the League: I joined Junior League so that I could get more involved in the community that I live in.
Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I was born in Germany and have duel citizenship. I’m married and we have two dogs, Maggie and Max, two cats, Gandhi and Buddha, and an African Sulcata Tortoise named Lenny.
Age: 34
Occupation: Aspiring Web Developer
Why you joined the League: After moving to Gainesville, I wanted to meet nice people and get involved in the community. I knew Junior League would be perfect for both of those! Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: So far, my family consists of me, my husband Nick, our cat Itty Bitty, and our dog Coley.
Age: 31
Occupation: Attorney
Why you joined the League: I joined the League to give back to my community. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I love cross-stitching!
Age: 24
Occupation: Elementary School Teacher
Why you joined the League: I joined Junior League to be able to give back to the community where I grew up.
Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I absolutely love to travel! Recently, I have been to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Age: 27
Occupation: Attorney - Public Defender
Why you joined the League: I am fairly new to Gainesville, and I thought Junior League would be a great way to meet other women and to get involved in the community!
Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I am originally from Tennessee. I went to East Tennessee State University where I studied Bluegrass and Old Time Music.
Age: 23
Occupation: Human Resource & Business Director at Lawson Air Conditioning + Plumbing
Why you joined the League: I joined the League as a way to help make a positive impact on Gainesville-Hall County, and to meet other women who care about making our community a better place.
Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I got married in September of 2018 and we have one fur-baby, our dalmatian, Minnie.
Age: 27
Occupation: Audit Staff Accountant at Bates Carter & Co.
Why you joined the League: After moving back from college, I knew I wanted to be involved with an amazing organization like Junior League that gives back so well to our community that I love and grew up in.
Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I love DIY projects, binge worthy TV shows, and traveling!
Age: 32
Occupation: Safe Kids Coordinator at Northeast Georgia Health System
Why you joined the League: I joined League in order to work with women who share my passion for giving back and improving the community. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: My husband and I have a four legged, floppy eared child named Walker. Walker runs with me every morning and cheers on the Dawgs with us every weekend during football season in his very own Herschel Walker jersey.
Age: 26
Occupation: Attorney
Why you joined the League: I joined Junior League to give back to the community and to make connections with some of the amazing women in Gainesville doing the same. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I live near Brenau with my 5 year old fur baby, Kodi.
Age: 31
Occupation: Client Relations Specialist for JT Stratford
Why you joined the League: I joined the League to give back to the community. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I am one of 6 children and currently pregnant with my parent’s 14th grandchild.
Age: 25
Occupation: Orthopedic Surgical Assistant
Why you joined the League: I absolutely love this town, and Junior League has given me the opportunity to be able to give back to it while getting connected and spending time with some of its sweetest girls.
Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I moved to Texas the day after I graduated from undergrad and got my Master’s from Texas A&M University in a year.
Age: 32
Occupation: Tax Senior
Why you joined the League: I joined the League so that I could be more involved in the community and surround myself with other ladies with the same ambitions. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I have a 22-month old daughter who is my world. I am happy to be home and introduce my daughter to the south. There is nothing like the southern hospitality you experience in this community.
Age: 23
Occupation: Tax Associate
Why you joined the League: To meet some amazing women in our community who have the same passion to help volunteer and make a difference in our city. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: My family moved to Gainesville when I was three years old, yet people can always pick out that my accent still has a little hint of northern to it.
Age: 24
Occupation: Business Development
Why you joined the League: All my life I have been involved in my communityand after settling into my new one after getting married, it only made sense to join Junior League to meet ladies with similar interests and together help create a lasting, positive impact on our community and the people in it.
Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I grew up in South Georgia on a gigantic farm and when I mentioned I was always very involved - that includes raising and competitively showing pigs through 4-H! I was a State Champion inShowmanship and Grand Champion several times throughout my career. PS - pigs love oatmeal creme pies and caramel!
Age: 25
Occupation: Sales for Cintas Corporation
Why you joined the League: I joined the League because I just got married and moved here from somewhere I was really involved. I want to meet the women in Gainesville and also be a part of our community. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I am originally from New York.
Age: 23
Occupation: Third Grade Teacher
Why you joined the League: I joined Junior League to give back to a community that raised me and the children I currently serve in Gainesville City Schools. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I studied abroad in Italy and it was all about the wine! I can also do the worm!
Age: 26
Occupation: Attorney
Why you joined the League: I joined the League to help out my community. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I love horses, and one of my passions is endurance racing.
Age: 22
Occupation: Client Relations Specialist at J.T. Stratford
Why you joined the League: I joined Junior League to develop connections with likeminded women who I canwork alongside to better the community where we live. Fun fact about yourself or tell us about your family: I’m a certified scuba diver. I took my lessons and certification in Islamorada, FL.
