Julie Murphree
Executive Director 2017 - Present
I love coming to work and getting the opportunity to make a positive difference in Thomas County! I thrive on the challenge of finding the value proposition on both sides of a partnership and enjoy playing a liaison role to our partners. Early in life I developed a deep passion for nonprofit work and wanting to make a positive change in the world. Organizations I have been involved with include Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful Board of Directors, Big Brother-Big Sister, Atlanta Pet Rescue and the Florida Library Association. I have learned about the challenges and joys of nonprofit leadership from many different points of view. I joined the Board of Keep Thomas County Beautiful in 2015 and became Executive Director in July 2017. When not working, I can be found playing tourist, at an art museum, thrift store or doing a home improvement project to my Victorian home.
Executive Director 2017 - Present
I love coming to work and getting the opportunity to make a positive difference in Thomas County! I thrive on the challenge of finding the value proposition on both sides of a partnership and enjoy playing a liaison role to our partners. Early in life I developed a deep passion for nonprofit work and wanting to make a positive change in the world. Organizations I have been involved with include Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful Board of Directors, Big Brother-Big Sister, Atlanta Pet Rescue and the Florida Library Association. I have learned about the challenges and joys of nonprofit leadership from many different points of view. I joined the Board of Keep Thomas County Beautiful in 2015 and became Executive Director in July 2017. When not working, I can be found playing tourist, at an art museum, thrift store or doing a home improvement project to my Victorian home.
Rick Barnes
Chair 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Joined Board August 2017
I have been proud to call Thomas County my home since December of 1978. My family was always big on recycling and instilled in my siblings and I, a respect for this planet we live on. I joined the board of KTCB in August 2017. I currently maintain the Facebook pages and websites for The Cherokee Lake Pollinator Garden, The Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve and help maintain both for Keep Thomas County Beautiful as well. In my spare time I like to be outdoors, hiking, taking photos and volunteering. I joined KTCB because I want to be able to affect change in my community and provide a positive example for my kids and grand-kids. I am a member of the Waste Reduction Committee, the Litter Prevention Committee, the Public Awareness Committee and the Beautification Committee with KTCB
Chair 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Joined Board August 2017
I have been proud to call Thomas County my home since December of 1978. My family was always big on recycling and instilled in my siblings and I, a respect for this planet we live on. I joined the board of KTCB in August 2017. I currently maintain the Facebook pages and websites for The Cherokee Lake Pollinator Garden, The Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve and help maintain both for Keep Thomas County Beautiful as well. In my spare time I like to be outdoors, hiking, taking photos and volunteering. I joined KTCB because I want to be able to affect change in my community and provide a positive example for my kids and grand-kids. I am a member of the Waste Reduction Committee, the Litter Prevention Committee, the Public Awareness Committee and the Beautification Committee with KTCB
Rebecca Ramsey
Vice-Chair 2021, 2022 / Chair 2025
I was born and raised in Thomasville, GA and am thankful to call this wonderful town my home! I am in my 11th year of teaching with the Thomasville City Schools, and in addition to teaching 7th, 10th, and 12th grade Honors English classes, I serve as an advisor for National Honor Society and am the Thomasville High School Literary Coach. I have started recycling initiatives and supported numerous beautification projects within the school system and community. Being a steward for Mother Nature and helping to preserve our planet's natural resources has always been a passion of mine, and I am so thrilled to be serving on the KTCB's board of directors so that I can continue to make a difference through positively influencing my peers, fellow citizens, and students.
Vice-Chair 2021, 2022 / Chair 2025
I was born and raised in Thomasville, GA and am thankful to call this wonderful town my home! I am in my 11th year of teaching with the Thomasville City Schools, and in addition to teaching 7th, 10th, and 12th grade Honors English classes, I serve as an advisor for National Honor Society and am the Thomasville High School Literary Coach. I have started recycling initiatives and supported numerous beautification projects within the school system and community. Being a steward for Mother Nature and helping to preserve our planet's natural resources has always been a passion of mine, and I am so thrilled to be serving on the KTCB's board of directors so that I can continue to make a difference through positively influencing my peers, fellow citizens, and students.
Laura Kornegay
Treasurer 2022, 2023, 2024
Joined Board October 2019
My husband Dusty and I moved to Thomasville in 1988 to continue our education careers in Thomas County Schools. We have since retired from education, but continue our work part-time in the system where we spent most of our careers. All three of our children have taken a serious interest in the environment and are choosing careers and lifestyles to reflect their concerns. For the past few years I have sponsored a student-led environmental group that works to promote environmental awareness. Their projects have focused on promoting Y.E.S. (Youth Environmental Stewardship), America Recycles Day and Earth Day. This year, they also sponsored activities for Climate Action Week culminating in the Climate Strike. As a Y.E.S. school sponsor and AP Environmental Science teacher, I have enjoyed working with students to make a difference in environmental awareness. As a member of the Keep Thomas County Beautiful board, I look forward to expanding this work to the community
Treasurer 2022, 2023, 2024
Joined Board October 2019
My husband Dusty and I moved to Thomasville in 1988 to continue our education careers in Thomas County Schools. We have since retired from education, but continue our work part-time in the system where we spent most of our careers. All three of our children have taken a serious interest in the environment and are choosing careers and lifestyles to reflect their concerns. For the past few years I have sponsored a student-led environmental group that works to promote environmental awareness. Their projects have focused on promoting Y.E.S. (Youth Environmental Stewardship), America Recycles Day and Earth Day. This year, they also sponsored activities for Climate Action Week culminating in the Climate Strike. As a Y.E.S. school sponsor and AP Environmental Science teacher, I have enjoyed working with students to make a difference in environmental awareness. As a member of the Keep Thomas County Beautiful board, I look forward to expanding this work to the community
Bob Dyksterhouse
Former Board Chair 2017-2018
Founding Board Member 2011
Since 2003, my family and I have called Thomasville home. While moving here was part of a new career opportunity in the region, we chose Thomasville because of its beauty, downtown charm and great schools. After getting settled in, I began to get involved with those areas of interest to me related to environment and conservation. While my career has been in the pharmaceutical industry, my education and passion has always been in all things nature. I have served as a board member for some of the local environmental non-profits and love teaching recycling and composting. To change beliefs and habits around our green world would be my greatest desire.
Former Board Chair 2017-2018
Founding Board Member 2011
Since 2003, my family and I have called Thomasville home. While moving here was part of a new career opportunity in the region, we chose Thomasville because of its beauty, downtown charm and great schools. After getting settled in, I began to get involved with those areas of interest to me related to environment and conservation. While my career has been in the pharmaceutical industry, my education and passion has always been in all things nature. I have served as a board member for some of the local environmental non-profits and love teaching recycling and composting. To change beliefs and habits around our green world would be my greatest desire.
Candee Henderson
Founding Board Member 2011
I am wife to Bob, mother to Kristy and Rob, and grandmother to Aubrey, Allison and Teo. Environmentalism for me goes back to the late 1960’s, but it was not until I retired from teaching in 2007 that I really became an activist. Being on the board of Keep Thomas County Beautiful, almost since its inception, has provided a platform for my passion. Fundamentally, I believe humanity is viscerally a part of the life on planet Earth. This fact has been amply corroborated by genetic research. Therefore, as the dominant species, we have a responsibility to maintain an environment conducive to the survival of all of the life on our only home. We each do our little part. Mine is through education. A joy for me is working through KTCB with the teachers and children in our schools. I try my best to pass on the “good and true stuff” and to check up on the “questionable stuff” that comes my way. Consequently, I can be a curmudgeon, a skeptic, at times, but I’m basically an optimist; always looking for the pony in the barn full of manure!
Founding Board Member 2011
I am wife to Bob, mother to Kristy and Rob, and grandmother to Aubrey, Allison and Teo. Environmentalism for me goes back to the late 1960’s, but it was not until I retired from teaching in 2007 that I really became an activist. Being on the board of Keep Thomas County Beautiful, almost since its inception, has provided a platform for my passion. Fundamentally, I believe humanity is viscerally a part of the life on planet Earth. This fact has been amply corroborated by genetic research. Therefore, as the dominant species, we have a responsibility to maintain an environment conducive to the survival of all of the life on our only home. We each do our little part. Mine is through education. A joy for me is working through KTCB with the teachers and children in our schools. I try my best to pass on the “good and true stuff” and to check up on the “questionable stuff” that comes my way. Consequently, I can be a curmudgeon, a skeptic, at times, but I’m basically an optimist; always looking for the pony in the barn full of manure!
Sally Bowman
Former Board Chair 2019 - 2020
Joined Board in 2015
I joined the board of Keep Thomas County Beautiful in 2015, and it serves as the perfect outlet for me. KTCB allows me to help improve our community, influence young people, and be true to my farm-girl roots that taught me to always respect our natural resources. From early in my early career, I’ve believed that like a pebble cast into a pond, small changes can make a major impact. So working with young people through KTCB to teach them about reducing waste and recycling is important to me – the small ways we influence the next generation now will have a major impact on our environment for generations to come.
Former Board Chair 2019 - 2020
Joined Board in 2015
I joined the board of Keep Thomas County Beautiful in 2015, and it serves as the perfect outlet for me. KTCB allows me to help improve our community, influence young people, and be true to my farm-girl roots that taught me to always respect our natural resources. From early in my early career, I’ve believed that like a pebble cast into a pond, small changes can make a major impact. So working with young people through KTCB to teach them about reducing waste and recycling is important to me – the small ways we influence the next generation now will have a major impact on our environment for generations to come.
Faith Shiver
My sons and I are proud to call Thomasville our home. We moved to Thomasville in December 1995. I am presently the Gifted Coordinator for Thomasville City Schools and a 1st grade GATES teacher. Teaching my students to be good stewards of their environment and the world is important to me. I joined the Keep Thomas County Beautiful Board to have a positive impact on environmental education within our schools. In addition, I want to positively impact our beautiful and diverse city. My degrees include: a Bachelor of Science (BS), Early Childhood Education, MATL, Curriculum and Instruction, and Ed.S. BrainSMART Research and Instructional Leadership. My endorsements include: Educational Leadership (P-12), Gifted and Talented Education, and Elementary Science Education. I also serve as the Duke TiP Elementary Sponsor, Project Lead the Way Lead Teacher (Certified), Google Certified Educator Level 1, and 4EverFit4Kidz! and Ageless Grace Certified Educator. (GAGC), and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).I look forward to working with my fellow board members to Keep Thomas County Beautiful!
My sons and I are proud to call Thomasville our home. We moved to Thomasville in December 1995. I am presently the Gifted Coordinator for Thomasville City Schools and a 1st grade GATES teacher. Teaching my students to be good stewards of their environment and the world is important to me. I joined the Keep Thomas County Beautiful Board to have a positive impact on environmental education within our schools. In addition, I want to positively impact our beautiful and diverse city. My degrees include: a Bachelor of Science (BS), Early Childhood Education, MATL, Curriculum and Instruction, and Ed.S. BrainSMART Research and Instructional Leadership. My endorsements include: Educational Leadership (P-12), Gifted and Talented Education, and Elementary Science Education. I also serve as the Duke TiP Elementary Sponsor, Project Lead the Way Lead Teacher (Certified), Google Certified Educator Level 1, and 4EverFit4Kidz! and Ageless Grace Certified Educator. (GAGC), and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).I look forward to working with my fellow board members to Keep Thomas County Beautiful!
Jay Knight
Joined Board January 2025
I spent 20 years working in the private construction field. I have worked for Thomas County Public Works as a construction supervisor for the past 11 years and was recently hired as Public Works Director in January 2025. I am married to my wife Kerri Knight and have three daughters (Caroline-18, Samantha-12, Piper- 10)
Joined Board January 2025
I spent 20 years working in the private construction field. I have worked for Thomas County Public Works as a construction supervisor for the past 11 years and was recently hired as Public Works Director in January 2025. I am married to my wife Kerri Knight and have three daughters (Caroline-18, Samantha-12, Piper- 10)
Jimmy Smith, Jr.
I’m the Solid Waste & Landfill Director with the City of Thomasville. I have been with this wonderful organization since 1995. I’m married to an angel (Jeanne Smith) and we have 4 beautiful daughters together (Jazlyn, Giselle, and the twins Jayla and Jayda).
Over the years removing debris, litter, trash and garbage from our community’s streets I built a passion for beautification. I love giving my all to make our city/county a place of beauty. I’m currently enrolled at Columbia Southern University to enhance my passion by obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management. I’m hoping my efforts rub off onto my family and citizens of Thomas County so that they can understand how important it is to take care of our environment.
I’m the Solid Waste & Landfill Director with the City of Thomasville. I have been with this wonderful organization since 1995. I’m married to an angel (Jeanne Smith) and we have 4 beautiful daughters together (Jazlyn, Giselle, and the twins Jayla and Jayda).
Over the years removing debris, litter, trash and garbage from our community’s streets I built a passion for beautification. I love giving my all to make our city/county a place of beauty. I’m currently enrolled at Columbia Southern University to enhance my passion by obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management. I’m hoping my efforts rub off onto my family and citizens of Thomas County so that they can understand how important it is to take care of our environment.
Lee Thomas
Joined Board July 2020
I currently hold the title of Assistant Landfill/Solid Waste Superintendent with the City of Thomasville. I have been employed with the City of Thomasville for 22 years. I started my career at the Thomas County/Thomasville Landfill as a heavy equipment operator and then promoted to Scale master, Foreman, and now my current position. During my career, I have had the honor of educating many school aged children and adults on the operations of a landfill, as well as the importance of recycling, through on site field trips. I have met many wonderful people throughout the city and the county that have a passion for the environment as I do. Outside of my career, I enjoy spending time with my family which consists of my lovely wife and our 6 beautiful daughters. I look forward to continuing to learn and providing knowledgeable information to our great community.
Joined Board July 2020
I currently hold the title of Assistant Landfill/Solid Waste Superintendent with the City of Thomasville. I have been employed with the City of Thomasville for 22 years. I started my career at the Thomas County/Thomasville Landfill as a heavy equipment operator and then promoted to Scale master, Foreman, and now my current position. During my career, I have had the honor of educating many school aged children and adults on the operations of a landfill, as well as the importance of recycling, through on site field trips. I have met many wonderful people throughout the city and the county that have a passion for the environment as I do. Outside of my career, I enjoy spending time with my family which consists of my lovely wife and our 6 beautiful daughters. I look forward to continuing to learn and providing knowledgeable information to our great community.
Crystal Parker
Joined Board 2020
I grew up out in the country outside of Tallahassee and spent most of my youth playing outdoors. I moved to Thomasville to work at the police department in 2009 and have been here ever since! We are fortunate to have so many beautiful natural resources nearby. We are not far from a river, a lake, a beautiful forest, hiking/biking trails, historic sites, or even the beach! I love all animals and enjoy learning about the wonders around us. In my spare time I enjoy travel, time with family, and working on art projects. I am the Public Information Officer/Community Relations Officer for Thomasville Police Department. I am a liaison between the police department and many community partners and planner for many of our community events. I would like to make our events more Earth-friendly and incorporate waste reduction/recycling/anti-littering efforts into the mix. It breaks my heart to see trash scattered beside our roadways and neighborhoods, and I always make it a point to talk to kids if I see them drop trash on the ground. No one wants to play in garbage! I believe in the work KTCB is doing to protect Thomasville. I look forward to combining resources and efforts to help Keep Thomas County Beautiful!
Joined Board 2020
I grew up out in the country outside of Tallahassee and spent most of my youth playing outdoors. I moved to Thomasville to work at the police department in 2009 and have been here ever since! We are fortunate to have so many beautiful natural resources nearby. We are not far from a river, a lake, a beautiful forest, hiking/biking trails, historic sites, or even the beach! I love all animals and enjoy learning about the wonders around us. In my spare time I enjoy travel, time with family, and working on art projects. I am the Public Information Officer/Community Relations Officer for Thomasville Police Department. I am a liaison between the police department and many community partners and planner for many of our community events. I would like to make our events more Earth-friendly and incorporate waste reduction/recycling/anti-littering efforts into the mix. It breaks my heart to see trash scattered beside our roadways and neighborhoods, and I always make it a point to talk to kids if I see them drop trash on the ground. No one wants to play in garbage! I believe in the work KTCB is doing to protect Thomasville. I look forward to combining resources and efforts to help Keep Thomas County Beautiful!
Christy Owens
Joined Board May 2023
I’m an Atlanta native, Auburn University graduate, and proud mom of two boys, Ryan and Peyton. I’ve been fortunate to work for the City of Thomasville since 2001, initially working remotely on a part-time basis so I could be a stay-at-home mom while my boys were young. Since then, I’ve served in various marketing positions for the City including Main Street Manager, Events Manager, and Marketing Associate and currently serve as the Public Information Manager, assisting with the managing and planning of the City’s marketing programs across all departments. Prior to my career in Thomasville, I was the Main Street Director in Fort Valley, Georgia and also Marianna, Florida and also worked in marketing for a software development company in Atlanta. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, exercising, and traveling with my husband Mike. I’m excited to be a part of the Keep Thomas County Beautiful Board of Directors and learn more about this organization’s impact on our community!
Joined Board May 2023
I’m an Atlanta native, Auburn University graduate, and proud mom of two boys, Ryan and Peyton. I’ve been fortunate to work for the City of Thomasville since 2001, initially working remotely on a part-time basis so I could be a stay-at-home mom while my boys were young. Since then, I’ve served in various marketing positions for the City including Main Street Manager, Events Manager, and Marketing Associate and currently serve as the Public Information Manager, assisting with the managing and planning of the City’s marketing programs across all departments. Prior to my career in Thomasville, I was the Main Street Director in Fort Valley, Georgia and also Marianna, Florida and also worked in marketing for a software development company in Atlanta. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, exercising, and traveling with my husband Mike. I’m excited to be a part of the Keep Thomas County Beautiful Board of Directors and learn more about this organization’s impact on our community!
Amanda West
Joined Board April 2022
More than midway through my teaching career, I currently teach sixth-grade social studies within the Thomas County Schools MERIT program. I graduated in 2021 with my doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction through Valdosta State University, focusing on parental experiences with dyslexia education. I have taught sixth-grade social studies since 2004 in inclusion, regular, and gifted education programs. I continue my love of volunteering by being the Thomas County Middle School advisor for Builders Club. I live in Boston, Georgia where my husband, Robbie, serves on the city council. Our two daughters, Payton and Brennan, are students in Thomas County Schools. Payton is a post player for the TC girls basketball team and Brennan is an active member of FFA.
Joined Board April 2022
More than midway through my teaching career, I currently teach sixth-grade social studies within the Thomas County Schools MERIT program. I graduated in 2021 with my doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction through Valdosta State University, focusing on parental experiences with dyslexia education. I have taught sixth-grade social studies since 2004 in inclusion, regular, and gifted education programs. I continue my love of volunteering by being the Thomas County Middle School advisor for Builders Club. I live in Boston, Georgia where my husband, Robbie, serves on the city council. Our two daughters, Payton and Brennan, are students in Thomas County Schools. Payton is a post player for the TC girls basketball team and Brennan is an active member of FFA.
Leanna Willison
Joined Board September 2023
I am a Florida native living first in Jacksonville, and then moving to Tallahassee. I have always had a love of nature and enjoy hiking and gardening. This led me to pursue my degrees in Biological Science with a focus on food allergies, immunology, and microbiology. I am currently an Assistant Professor of Biology at Thomas University where I teach a variety of science classes and organize the biological science honor society. I enjoy engaging students in the process of science and encouraging them to appreciate the environment.
Joined Board September 2023
I am a Florida native living first in Jacksonville, and then moving to Tallahassee. I have always had a love of nature and enjoy hiking and gardening. This led me to pursue my degrees in Biological Science with a focus on food allergies, immunology, and microbiology. I am currently an Assistant Professor of Biology at Thomas University where I teach a variety of science classes and organize the biological science honor society. I enjoy engaging students in the process of science and encouraging them to appreciate the environment.
Emily Bragg