John Herring was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. He obtained a BBA in Business Administration from Fort Valley State University. Later, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University.
John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Glorious Hope Church where he has used his years of financial leadership to pay off a 30-year church mortgage in just 15 years. In addition, under John’s leadership, the church has purchased land for community development. The development project will provide affordable housing for seniors and people transitioning from homelessness.
John has held several positions in healthcare, chaplaincy, and program management and development. He has started several businesses and has proven success in real estate purchases and management. John’s financial management skills are evident in fiscal management, reporting, and evaluation of financial processes. John’s leadership and administrative skills set have propelled him into a dynamic visionary with focus on family and church financial literacy and legacy.
Rodney Jackson is the owner of Platinum Automotive Group, LLC. He has specialized in automotive sales and financing for over 26 years. Because of his passion for helping the everyday customer, he ventured into real estate 15 years to create more affordable housing solutions for the Central Georgia area. His involvement with Investment Group Development allows him an opportunity to serve his community. Rodney is a graduate of Ft. Valley State University.
Carl Tims, a Thomasville, Georgia native, is a graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Sociology, Carl began his 31-year professional career with GEICO in Macon, Georgia, where he advanced through roles in claims leadership before becoming an Assistant Vice President overseeing regional operations in both the Southeast and Midwest. He later served as the company’s first Vice President of Community Engagement, building a national team that developed external partnerships and internal programs to foster inclusion and belonging. Under his leadership, GEICO was recognized by Newsweek and Forbes as one of the most inclusive companies in the nation and received the Corporate Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters for community service.
Beyond his professional career, Carl holds the designations of Casualty Claims Law Associate (CCLA), Associate in Claims (AIC), and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). He is an active member of 100 Black Men of America-Macon/Middle Georgia, a proud Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. brother serving as Polemarch of the Macon-Warner Robins chapter, and a past board member of the National Urban League, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Washington-DC Board of Trade, and the Economic Club of Washington. Carl is married to Carol Turner Tims, and they are proud parents of two children: Ciera, an educator in Houston County, and Camden, a student at Florida A&M University.
Richard Vaughn Real Estate Investor | Community Leader | U.S. Marine Veteran
Richard Vaughn is an accomplished real estate investor and lifelong resident of Bibb County, Georgia. As a graduate of Bibb County High School and a former United States Marine combat veteran, he consistently upholds the principles of service, discipline, and dedication in all professional endeavors.
He serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Industrial Children’s Home and Nehemiah’s Window, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting growth and development within underserved communities. Additionally, Mr. Vaughn has contributed to the advancement of at-risk students through his involvement with Communities In Schools of Middle Georgia, offering mentorship and guidance to encourage future success. He has also served as a construction instructor for the grant-funded program “Youth Build”, where he provided instruction in basic construction safety and collaborated with Habitat for Humanity to construct two homes for families in Macon-Bibb County. Richard firmly believes that supporting others leads to greater progress for the entire community.
30 years of experience. “When you help others succeed, the whole community rises.”
Allen Wells brings over 35 years of comprehensive construction experience across the Southeast, with projects spanning Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Mississippi. As a licensed Georgia residential and light commercial contractor, Allen has built his expertise through decades of hands-on experience complemented by ongoing professional development through numerous construction-related training classes and seminars.
Allen is the owner of LifeStyle Custom Construction, a company specializing in light commercial construction, residential new construction, remodeling, and additions. His extensive regional experience and commitment to continuous learning have established him as a trusted construction professional throughout the Southeast, delivering quality craftsmanship and reliable service to clients across multiple markets.
Rashad Wynes is a Georgia native and former standout running back at Warner Robins High School, later competing at UAB and Belhaven University, where he earned a Business Management degree. After football, he served as an Area Director for Teph Seal Auto Appearance, leading multi-location operations, before founding his own trucking company. From the field to the boardroom, Rashad brings perseverance, leadership, and a passion for building success.