Board of Directors
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Andy Gibbs – Founder & League Director 2004 – Present email
Vince Miller – President/Assistant League Director January 2019 – Present email Kevin Heirs – Treasurer January 2019 – Present Derrick Harris – Secretary January 2019 – Present Christy Trimble – Player Registration January 2019 – Present James McGahee – Fundraising Director 2014 – Present Tammy Crosby – Buddy Coordinator January 2019 – Present email Matt Inman – Assistant League Director January 2014 – Present Alysha Deal – Grant Writer January 2019 – Present Michael Hobbs – Sponsorship Coordinator January 2019 – Present Tim McCoppin – Coaches Coordinator January 2019 – Present email Kristin Baumgartel – Marketing Coordinator August 2019 – Present email EX-OFFICIO George Page – VLPRA Director 2014 – Present Jessica Catlett – VLPRA Marketing 2014 – Present VOLUNTEER Windy Scott – Moody Air Force Liaison 2014 – Present |
Board Members Profile
Andrew Gibbs (Andy), a native of Vidalia, GA, graduated from Valdosta State University’s Langdale College of Business Administration with a degree in marketing in 2001. While at VSU, Andy started as the punter for Valdosta State University Blazer football team 1998-2000. After eight years in management in the private business sector in 2009 Andy left the business industry to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. Andy graduated with his Master’s in Education and Specialist in Ed Leadership from Valdosta State University. He began teaching 6th grade at Valdosta Middle School in August, 2011. Andy is currently teaching 7th grade Math at Valdosta Middle School. Andy also runs the FCA program at Valdosta Middle School. Andy and his wife Hilary Gibbs, who is the Associate Vice President for development and Alumni Relations at Valdosta State University reside in Valdosta, GA and have two daughters, Elizabeth Grace and Anna Clark. Andy plays an active role in his church, Park Avenue United Methodist, and has a firm faith in God. It is thru this firm faith in God that Andy truly felt called to start the Miracle League of Valdosta in 2004 after seeing a documentary on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Andy has always had a passion for children with disabilities and the Miracle League has allowed him to combine his servant heart and his love of sports. Andy currently serves on The Miracle League board as Founder and Miracle League Director.
James McGahee, Jr., CPA, joined the South GeorgiaMedicalCenter staff in May, 1982. Several years prior to that time he was a partner with Charlton L. Davis & Company, P.C., certified public accountants. Mr. McGahee served as Chief Financial Officer at the MedicalCenter from 1982 until 1992. He assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer in 1992. Mr. McGahee was named Chief Executive Officer in July 2000 and served as CEO until August 2011. Mr. McGahee holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Georgia Southern University. He received his B.B.A. in Accounting and his M.B.A. in Finance from Valdosta State University. Mr. McGahee was a Boy Scout and achieved the level of Eagle Scout. He also served two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Mr. McGahee is a past member and served as treasurer of the Valdosta North Rotary Club. He also served six years as a member and one year as chairman of the Valdosta/Lowndes United Way Board. Mr. McGahee is a member and past president of the Valdosta Country Club, and is a past member of the Board of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. McGahee is a current member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. McGahee was named the outstanding CPA in Industry, Government, and Education in the State of Georgia by the Georgia Society of CPAs in 1998. He still holds an active CPA license. Mr. McGahee is a past member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Georgia Hospital Association, and the AmericanCollege of Healthcare Executives. Until his recent retirement Mr. McGahee served on the boards of VHA Georgia, the Lowndes County Partnership for Health, and the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition. Mr. McGahee is still active in the community serving as chairman of the Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration’s Business Advisory Board at ValdostaStateUniversity, and for the last three years, serving as chairman of the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Board of Directors. Mr. McGahee is also currently Chairman of the Board of The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. The Alliance represents over 60 community hospitals throughout the State of Georgia. The primary mission of the Alliance is to work closely with the Georgia Legislature to educate the Representatives and Senators on the needs and concerns of the member hospitals and the communities they serve. James and his wife, Catherine, have one daughter, Ashley. Ashley is a graduate of ValdostaStateUniversity with a degree in Business. James enjoys reading, golfing, boating and bird hunting. The McGahees are members of Park AvenueUnitedMethodistsChurch.
George Page has more than 15 years of Parks and Recreation experience that began in his hometown of Chadbourn, North Carolina. His love for local sports and parks has only grown since that first job, leading him to various positions in both the public and private sectors. Mr. Page has worked as a field representative for one of the nation’s leading sports lighting companies and acted as a clubhouse manager for both the Double-A Greenville Braves and the Triple-A Omaha Royals. In the public sector, Mr. Page spent more than 10 years at the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department in Bolivia, North Carolina. He started as the Athletic Coordinator but quickly rose to the Director’s position where he increased the Department’s parks by more than 1,000 acres, landed nearly 1 million dollars in park grant money, and increased revenues by hosting dozens of regional youth baseball and softball tournaments. After his successful tenure in North Carolina, Mr. Page moved to Dalton, Georgia as the Whitfield County Parks and Recreation Department Director. Under his leadership, the Whitfield County Miracle League landed a $100,000 federal grant. It was a vital component of the Miracle Field’s construction. Mr. Page is currently the Executive Director for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority, where he manages a recreation system that serves more than 110,000 people in the metro area. Mr. Page lives in Valdosta, Georgia with his wife and two sons.
Dr. Vince Miller joined the Valdosta State University community on July 1, 2016 as Vice President of Student Affairs. His responsibilities include oversight of Campus Recreation, Career Opportunities, Counseling Center, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing and Residence Life, Student Conduct, Student Diversity and Inclusion, Student Health Center, Student Leadership and Volunteer Services, Student Life, and the Student Union. Prior to VSU, Dr. Miller served ten years at Georgia Southern University in a variety of roles most recently as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management in Statesboro, GA. Before Georgia Southern, he worked at Louisiana Tech University where he led recruitment and transition programs. He developed the campus visitation and transition components of a seven year recruitment strategic plan. Dr. Miller earned his Doctorate of Education from the University of Georgia and also has a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Bachelor’s in Management and Marketing from Louisiana Tech University.
Michael Hobbs is originally from Lebanon, TN, but currently resides in Hahira, GA with his wife, Shannan and children, Ryan, Paige, and KJ. Michael and his family moved to Moody Air Force Base in 2007 and after serving 20 years with the United States Air Force, Michael retired from active duty in 2013 and Hahira became their permanent home. Michael is currently employed at Elead One as the Manager of Service1one Performance. Michael has always had a love for sports, and he has spent several years volunteering as a coach. He has coached several North Carolina and VLPRA youth recreational sports teams and travel baseball teams. Michael began volunteering as a Buddy for Miracle League in 2016 with Ambling Companies, and fell in love with the league and its participants. This experience also opened the door for Michael to participate as a Buddy for the annual Night to Shine event sponsored by First Baptist Church of Valdosta. Michael is also very passionate about Alzheimer’s Awareness. Having lost his father to early onset Alzheimer’s, Michael has participated in the local Dancing with Stars for Alzheimer’s and The Alzheimer’s local walk as a team captain in an effort to increase awareness and raise funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Michael also served on the regional board for the Alzheimer’s Association from 2012-2016. Michael has always had a “Service before Self” attitude and for him, this originated as an active duty service member, but lucky for us, it has transcended through retirement and is what drives him to serve within our community.
Derrick Harris currently serves as the Casualty Assistance Representative at Moody AFB, GA. Derrick was born and raised in Charlottesville, VA, home of the University of Virginia Cavaliers. After high school graduation, he joined the US Air Force, where he worked in several specialties, culminating as US Air Force First Sergeant. Derrick retired from active duty after 24 years in 2006. After retirement, he was asked to join the Civil Service and continue his service in retirement. Derrick served as the Unit Deployment Manager for the 23 Force Support Squadron and when a vacancy opened in the Casualty Office, he eagerly took the position, where he has been since May 2009. Derrick has been a member of the 23 Wing since December 2000 and a Hahira resident since July 2001. He has a daughter, Emma Mize, son in law, Stephen Mize, and granddaughter, Lydia Mize. He lives happily with his dog, Sophie. Derrick has many interests, including being an avid golfer, musician and runner. He was overjoyed to be asked to join the Miracle League leadership this year.
Past Board Members
Stephen Sparks – Assistant League Director 2014 – August 2018
Mark Rogers – Treasurer 2014 – December 2018
Katharine Courson – Secretary 2014 – December 2018
Brandi Hobby – Marketing Director 2014 – December 2018
Dana Boruff – Buddy Coordinator 2014 – December 2018
Jeremy Davis – President March 2014 – March 2019
Andrew Gibbs (Andy), a native of Vidalia, GA, graduated from Valdosta State University’s Langdale College of Business Administration with a degree in marketing in 2001. While at VSU, Andy started as the punter for Valdosta State University Blazer football team 1998-2000. After eight years in management in the private business sector in 2009 Andy left the business industry to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. Andy graduated with his Master’s in Education and Specialist in Ed Leadership from Valdosta State University. He began teaching 6th grade at Valdosta Middle School in August, 2011. Andy is currently teaching 7th grade Math at Valdosta Middle School. Andy also runs the FCA program at Valdosta Middle School. Andy and his wife Hilary Gibbs, who is the Associate Vice President for development and Alumni Relations at Valdosta State University reside in Valdosta, GA and have two daughters, Elizabeth Grace and Anna Clark. Andy plays an active role in his church, Park Avenue United Methodist, and has a firm faith in God. It is thru this firm faith in God that Andy truly felt called to start the Miracle League of Valdosta in 2004 after seeing a documentary on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Andy has always had a passion for children with disabilities and the Miracle League has allowed him to combine his servant heart and his love of sports. Andy currently serves on The Miracle League board as Founder and Miracle League Director.
James McGahee, Jr., CPA, joined the South GeorgiaMedicalCenter staff in May, 1982. Several years prior to that time he was a partner with Charlton L. Davis & Company, P.C., certified public accountants. Mr. McGahee served as Chief Financial Officer at the MedicalCenter from 1982 until 1992. He assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer in 1992. Mr. McGahee was named Chief Executive Officer in July 2000 and served as CEO until August 2011. Mr. McGahee holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Georgia Southern University. He received his B.B.A. in Accounting and his M.B.A. in Finance from Valdosta State University. Mr. McGahee was a Boy Scout and achieved the level of Eagle Scout. He also served two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Mr. McGahee is a past member and served as treasurer of the Valdosta North Rotary Club. He also served six years as a member and one year as chairman of the Valdosta/Lowndes United Way Board. Mr. McGahee is a member and past president of the Valdosta Country Club, and is a past member of the Board of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. McGahee is a current member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. McGahee was named the outstanding CPA in Industry, Government, and Education in the State of Georgia by the Georgia Society of CPAs in 1998. He still holds an active CPA license. Mr. McGahee is a past member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Georgia Hospital Association, and the AmericanCollege of Healthcare Executives. Until his recent retirement Mr. McGahee served on the boards of VHA Georgia, the Lowndes County Partnership for Health, and the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition. Mr. McGahee is still active in the community serving as chairman of the Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration’s Business Advisory Board at ValdostaStateUniversity, and for the last three years, serving as chairman of the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Board of Directors. Mr. McGahee is also currently Chairman of the Board of The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. The Alliance represents over 60 community hospitals throughout the State of Georgia. The primary mission of the Alliance is to work closely with the Georgia Legislature to educate the Representatives and Senators on the needs and concerns of the member hospitals and the communities they serve. James and his wife, Catherine, have one daughter, Ashley. Ashley is a graduate of ValdostaStateUniversity with a degree in Business. James enjoys reading, golfing, boating and bird hunting. The McGahees are members of Park AvenueUnitedMethodistsChurch.
George Page has more than 15 years of Parks and Recreation experience that began in his hometown of Chadbourn, North Carolina. His love for local sports and parks has only grown since that first job, leading him to various positions in both the public and private sectors. Mr. Page has worked as a field representative for one of the nation’s leading sports lighting companies and acted as a clubhouse manager for both the Double-A Greenville Braves and the Triple-A Omaha Royals. In the public sector, Mr. Page spent more than 10 years at the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department in Bolivia, North Carolina. He started as the Athletic Coordinator but quickly rose to the Director’s position where he increased the Department’s parks by more than 1,000 acres, landed nearly 1 million dollars in park grant money, and increased revenues by hosting dozens of regional youth baseball and softball tournaments. After his successful tenure in North Carolina, Mr. Page moved to Dalton, Georgia as the Whitfield County Parks and Recreation Department Director. Under his leadership, the Whitfield County Miracle League landed a $100,000 federal grant. It was a vital component of the Miracle Field’s construction. Mr. Page is currently the Executive Director for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority, where he manages a recreation system that serves more than 110,000 people in the metro area. Mr. Page lives in Valdosta, Georgia with his wife and two sons.
Dr. Vince Miller joined the Valdosta State University community on July 1, 2016 as Vice President of Student Affairs. His responsibilities include oversight of Campus Recreation, Career Opportunities, Counseling Center, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing and Residence Life, Student Conduct, Student Diversity and Inclusion, Student Health Center, Student Leadership and Volunteer Services, Student Life, and the Student Union. Prior to VSU, Dr. Miller served ten years at Georgia Southern University in a variety of roles most recently as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management in Statesboro, GA. Before Georgia Southern, he worked at Louisiana Tech University where he led recruitment and transition programs. He developed the campus visitation and transition components of a seven year recruitment strategic plan. Dr. Miller earned his Doctorate of Education from the University of Georgia and also has a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Bachelor’s in Management and Marketing from Louisiana Tech University.
Michael Hobbs is originally from Lebanon, TN, but currently resides in Hahira, GA with his wife, Shannan and children, Ryan, Paige, and KJ. Michael and his family moved to Moody Air Force Base in 2007 and after serving 20 years with the United States Air Force, Michael retired from active duty in 2013 and Hahira became their permanent home. Michael is currently employed at Elead One as the Manager of Service1one Performance. Michael has always had a love for sports, and he has spent several years volunteering as a coach. He has coached several North Carolina and VLPRA youth recreational sports teams and travel baseball teams. Michael began volunteering as a Buddy for Miracle League in 2016 with Ambling Companies, and fell in love with the league and its participants. This experience also opened the door for Michael to participate as a Buddy for the annual Night to Shine event sponsored by First Baptist Church of Valdosta. Michael is also very passionate about Alzheimer’s Awareness. Having lost his father to early onset Alzheimer’s, Michael has participated in the local Dancing with Stars for Alzheimer’s and The Alzheimer’s local walk as a team captain in an effort to increase awareness and raise funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Michael also served on the regional board for the Alzheimer’s Association from 2012-2016. Michael has always had a “Service before Self” attitude and for him, this originated as an active duty service member, but lucky for us, it has transcended through retirement and is what drives him to serve within our community.
Derrick Harris currently serves as the Casualty Assistance Representative at Moody AFB, GA. Derrick was born and raised in Charlottesville, VA, home of the University of Virginia Cavaliers. After high school graduation, he joined the US Air Force, where he worked in several specialties, culminating as US Air Force First Sergeant. Derrick retired from active duty after 24 years in 2006. After retirement, he was asked to join the Civil Service and continue his service in retirement. Derrick served as the Unit Deployment Manager for the 23 Force Support Squadron and when a vacancy opened in the Casualty Office, he eagerly took the position, where he has been since May 2009. Derrick has been a member of the 23 Wing since December 2000 and a Hahira resident since July 2001. He has a daughter, Emma Mize, son in law, Stephen Mize, and granddaughter, Lydia Mize. He lives happily with his dog, Sophie. Derrick has many interests, including being an avid golfer, musician and runner. He was overjoyed to be asked to join the Miracle League leadership this year.
Past Board Members
Stephen Sparks – Assistant League Director 2014 – August 2018
Mark Rogers – Treasurer 2014 – December 2018
Katharine Courson – Secretary 2014 – December 2018
Brandi Hobby – Marketing Director 2014 – December 2018
Dana Boruff – Buddy Coordinator 2014 – December 2018
Jeremy Davis – President March 2014 – March 2019