Meet the board.

PRESIDENT
Raised in Valdosta, GA and Sumter, SC, Rev. Griner graduated from Sumter High School in 1973. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of South Carolina in 1977 and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1980. In 1999, Rev. Griner earned a Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. Ordained in 1978, Rev. Griner would serve churches in Indiana and South Carolina before coming to First Baptist Church of Moultrie, GA in 1990. While at First Baptist, Rev. Griner would teach Old Testament, New Testament, and World Religions at Brewton Parker College at the Norman Park Campus. Stepping down in 1999 to follow a new call, Rev. Griner would serve Hopewell Baptist Church in Moultrie before receiving a gift of 40 acres of land to start a new work, The Lifespring Community Church, of Moultrie, where he has served for 24 years. While serving at Lifespring, Rev. Griner served as Chaplain at Turning Point Hospital from 2016-2021. From 2021 to present, Rev. Griner serves as Hospice Chaplain for Colquitt Regional Medical Center. During his years in Moultrie, Rev. Griner has served as a Board Member and President of Family Connections, Hope House, and United Way. Currently, he serves on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club, Serenity House, and NAMI. For 34 years, Rev. Griner has been a Rotarian serving as President three times during his tenure. Rev. Griner is married to the former Lisa Twombley of Sumter, SC. Married for 49 years, they have two sons, Jonathan, who is married to the former Christi Pitts, and David, who is married to the former Kasey Knight. Rev. and Mrs. Griner have five granddaughters, Lily, Georgia, Lilah, Holly, and Kate.

bio

bio

Brian Knighton is an educator, nonprofit leader, and community advocate whose work is centered on developing young people, strengthening families, and building future leaders.

He currently serves as Principal of Stringfellow Elementary School in Colquitt County, Georgia, where he works alongside students, families, and educators to create opportunities for success and help every child reach their full potential.

Beyond his work in education, Brian is deeply committed to community service and youth development. He is the Co-Founder of Leadership Legends, a nonprofit mentoring organization dedicated to empowering young African American males through leadership development, critical thinking, character building, and community engagement. Through mentorship and service opportunities, Leadership Legends seeks to inspire young men to become positive leaders who create lasting impact in their schools, families, and communities.

Brian serves on the Boys & Girls Club Board of Moultrie-Colquitt County and the Hero House Board. His service reflects a belief that strong communities are built when organizations work together to invest in children, support families, and develop future leaders.

A graduate of Leadership Georgia and the High Potential Leaders Program, Brian is passionate about servant leadership and lifelong learning. He believes strong communities are built by investing in people, developing leaders, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Brian and his wife, Shemeka, are proud parents of two daughters, Brooklyn and Zoie. Together, they are committed to serving their community and helping create opportunities for the next generation to thrive.

Dan Chappuis began his career in education as a teacher in Nevada in 1996, where he taught physical education/health, biology, and physical science until 2007. He and his family relocated to Valdosta, Georgia, where he taught biology for four years before becoming an assistant principal in 2021. Chappuis began his tenure as Colquitt County School District Superintendent in May of 2024.

Chappuis has received a B.S Degree in Education, M.A. in Education Administration and Ed. S. Degree in Educational Leadership.