Business Summit: Valdosta

Alyssa Foskey

Alyssa Foskey serves as the Area Director for the UGA Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University. She joined the Valdosta team in 2019 with 20+ years of customer service experience, 15+ years teaching in higher education, and 11+ years of contract training that includes customization and instruction in business management.

Additionally, Alyssa has specialized knowledge of the childcare industry and is active with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and other childcare organizations. She also has a knowledge base in logistics and transportation from her sales experience in the freight industry.  

Tommie Beth Willis

Tommie Beth Willis currently serves as South Georgia Director of ACE – Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs. She was born and raised in Colquitt County and resides in Moultrie, GA. Prior to joining ACE, she served as President/CEO of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce from 2016-2023. In addition to her work in community development, Willis has 30+ years of marketing experience and 20 years of business management experience. Tommie Beth serves on the Boys & Girls Club Moultrie-Colquitt County Board of Directors, Southern Regional Technical College Marketing Program Advisory Committee, and represents Colquitt County on the Southwest Georgia Workforce Development Board. She is also an Alumni of South Georgia LEADS and the South Georgia Women's Leadership Initiative.

Stephanie Stuckey

Stephanie Stuckey is Chair of Stuckey's Corporation, known to generations of travelers as a roadside oasis. She received both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. Stephanie has worked as a trial lawyer, served 14 years as a state representative, and was Director of Sustainability for the City of Atlanta before purchasing Stuckey's in 2019. Along with her partners, Stephanie is reviving her family's business as a pecan snack and candy brand. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys road tripping across America in search of the World's Largest Ball of Twine.

Andrea Collins

Andrea Collins is a consultant and Emergenetics Associate with Olive Orchard Coaching & Consulting, helping teams and individuals understand how they think, behave, and thrive. With a background in nonprofit development, marketing, floral entrepreneurship, and chamber leadership, she blends strategy, creativity, and heart. Andrea holds a BFA in Communications and an MPA from Valdosta State University. She’s also Creative Partner at Collins + Dixon Interior Design, crafting soulful, intentional spaces. Wife and mom, Andrea embraces a full, faith-filled life. Her career’s twists have shaped her deep commitment to helping others thrive—with warmth, clarity, and a passion for purposeful living.

Marcy Sizemore

Marcy Sizemore is a wife, mother of two grown sons, and founder/CEO of Olive Orchard Coaching & Consulting. After two decades of family and community service, she launched Olive Orchard—born at her kitchen table and now a thriving firm. Her work includes Student Success, supporting youth with academic coaching, and Corporate Support, equipping professionals with leadership and cultural tools. Marcy’s passion is helping others uncover strengths, overcome obstacles, and lead with clarity. She brings heart and insight to every conversation. In her spare time, Marcy and her husband steward a regenerative sheep farm, embracing nature’s rhythms and intentional living.

Robbie Parks

Robbie Parks is a Statewide CE Trainer and Business Consultant. In this role, she leverages her 20+ years of experience to teach entrepreneurs how to launch, manage and grow their businesses. Her areas of expertise include marketing (traditional and digital), communications, graphic design, brand design and management, process analysis, CRM implementation and administration, and search engine optimization. Robbie holds a dual certification as a Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) | AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) from the Digital Marketing Institute and American Marketing Association and obtained a certificate in Nonprofit Organization Management.

Jeff Hanson

Jeff Hanson is CEO & President of Citizens Community Bank, a $200 million institution founded in 1927 in Hahira, GA. With over 25 years in Georgia’s financial industry, Jeff is a proven leader known for driving growth and championing local initiatives. His service extends beyond banking through active roles with the Valdosta/Lowndes Chamber, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation, and Leadership Georgia. He holds a BBA from the University of Georgia and advanced banking credentials. Jeff’s vision for Citizens Community Bank centers on excellence and community development, reflecting his deep commitment to both business success and regional impact.

Molly King

Molly is an award-winning stylist, homeschool mom of four, and proud owner of House of Colour - Thomasville. With expert training in color theory and wardrobe science, she helps women embrace their God-given beauty with confidence. Her experience running a successful online boutique deepened her passion for guiding clients in dressing for their body shape, personality, and lifestyle. Through personalized color and style analysis, Molly equips women to feel seen and authentically themselves in business, at home, and beyond. Passionate and purpose-driven, she empowers women to show up fully: beautifully styled, boldly present, and rooted in purpose.

Kelly Barr

As a proud State Farm agent serving Lowndes County, Kelly Barr is passionate about helping customers protect what matters most. With two children in the local school system, she's personally connected to the families that she serves, and this also drives her commitment to personalized insurance solutions. She loves what she does and feels privileged to be part of such a supportive community. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys raising her kids and creating a grounded home life. She believes that caring for others builds meaningful relationships. Supporting local families is at the heart of her work, and she is honored to serve with integrity and compassion.

Gala Jackson

Gala Jackson-Dobbins is a wife, mom, and fierce advocate for women. She is the author of the #1 New Release and Bestseller Courage, Clarity, and Confidence: Redefine Success and the Way You Work and the founder of The BOLD Edit, a journaling community for women seeking clarity, courage, and confidence in every season of life.

An accomplished executive career and leadership coach, Gala partners with women across the U.S. and abroad to redefine success and take ownership of their professional and personal growth. Her work helps women live in alignment with the most confident, authentic version of themselves.

Wendy Byrd

Wendy Byrd currently serves as the Deputy Chief HR Officer for Human Resources and Employee & Organizational Development department at Valdosta State University. She has a bachelor’s degree in management from Florida State University and a master’s degree in management from Troy State University. Wendy is passionate about developing and empowering others to be their best self. She has worked in higher education for the last 20 years.

In her current role as Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, she provides leadership for the Employee Relations and Employee Development teams. She partners with campus leaders to foster a positive and productive workplace culture, guiding employee relations matters with fairness and professionalism while advancing training and organizational development initiatives. She also delivers professional development sessions across campus on topics such as leadership, communication, workplace culture, and employee well-being.