Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the state organization that supports and promotes volunteer advocacy for children in foster care, welcomes five new members to its Board of Directors for fiscal year 2027. They bring experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, higher education, technology, and business to the organization’s statewide board.

New board members include Jessica Blackrick, Southeast Georgia CASA, Waycross; Stacy Garmon, Leadership Perimeter, Marietta; Cary Greenfield, CASA Glynn, Brunswick; Ursula Reynolds, University of Georgia, Suwanee; and Mandira Mehra, MRI Software, Atlanta, returning to the board following a one-year sabbatical. Georgia CASA also welcomes its fiscal year 2027 officers: Wendy Cobb, Chair; newly elected Katherine Herndon, Vice Chair; Marvin Vaughn, Secretary; and Elena Chang, Treasurer.

“We are grateful for the expertise, commitment, and passion each of these leaders brings to Georgia CASA,” said Jen King, Executive Director of Georgia CASA. “Our board plays an important role in helping us strengthen the CASA network and ensure that more children experiencing foster care have access to a consistent, caring adult advocate. We look forward to the leadership and perspective these members will bring to our work in the year ahead.”

Additionally, Jennifer Alewine, Judge Anne Barnes, Laura Brown, Keagan Clark, Sandy Day, Michael Eads, Kim Harrington, Daniel Hathaway, Bill Holbert, Jane Hale Hopkins, Lauren Hyatt, Dr. Kip Lynch, Jessica Merriman, Don Miller, Julia Neighbors, Alecea Quintyne, Carlene Redmond, Ann Rotroff, Marcie Smith, Jeff Sprinkle, Heather Steen, Rod Walker, Jan Wheeler, and Danielle Wilkes return as dedicated board members, serving on various committees.

Finally, Honorary Member Duaine Hathaway and Life Members John P. Adams, Michelle Barclay, Ann Barrett, Ethel Ware Carter, Bernadette Hartfield, Roya Irvani, Kellyn O. McGee, Jack McMillan, Marcy McTier, Dianne Scoggins (newly added), Donna Shapiro, Nicki N. Vaughan, and Nancy Wood continue in their unwavering dedication to the mission of Georgia CASA.