Leadership

About Jody
Jody Long is from Lizella (outside of Macon) and has lived his entire life in Georgia. He has worked in rural, urban, and suburban churches through a ministerial career of more than two decades. A “Triple Bear,” he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christianity from the College of Liberal Arts, a Master of Divinity from the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the Tift College of Education, all of Mercer University.
He is most proud, however, of being married to Rev. Julie Whidden Long, a certified empowerment coach and ministry consultant, and being the father of two amazing children.
- Bridge to an Interim
- CBF/GA Coordinating Council
- Church growth and strategic planning
- Conflict resolution
- Disaster response
- Executive committee of Coordinating Council
- Financial committee of Coordinating Council
- Georgia meeting at National General Assembly
- Giving to CBF/GA through church budgets or individually
- Interim and Supply
- Local Church Ministry Assistance
- National Leadership Team
- New Church Starts
- Nominating Committee of Coordinating Council
- Partnerships
- Pastors Network
- Peer Learning Groups
- Reference and Referral
- State General Assembly
- Support and encouragement of churches, pastors, church staff, and laity
- Vision and Mission of CBF/GA

About Megan
Megan, her husband Brian, and their daughter Caroline currently live in Aiken, South Carolina, where she currently serves as the Minister for Students and Missions at Aiken’s First Baptist Church. Prior to going to Aiken, she served as the Student Ministry Resident at First Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama. She has a Master of Divinity from McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University.
While in Seminary she served as the Student and Children’s Ministry intern at Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Carson Newman University, where she discerned her call into ministry and interned at her home church, First Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee, with the children and youth.
Megan understands her passion for relationship-building as guiding her call to serve with students. Megan is passionate and believes in the future of CBF. She has served on the Coordinating Council for CBF South Carolina, and Megan is currently serving as the Past President of the CBF Youth Ministry Network, while currently serving on the CBF Ministries Council. Megan will officially begin her work with CBF/GA February 1, 2021.

About Melissa
Melissa is a native of South Carolina and is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has served as a chaplain and associate minister and as a language arts teacher. Melissa is married to Richard Kremer, Pastor of Vineville Baptist Church in Macon. She and Richard have three young adult children and two grandchildren.
- Communications (brochures, flyers, and bulletin inserts)
- Database management
- Ordering and sharing of CBF/GA and CBF/National informational pieces
- Public relations
- Electronic communications — ReVisions newsletter and mass emails
- Visions print newsletter
- Shared responsibilities: Website updating, Social media management
- Assisting with CBF/GA events

About Rachel
Rachel graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Child and Family Development. After working for Childcare Licensing inspecting Daycare Centers for a few years Rachel moved to Macon where she worked as an Editorial Associate at Smyth and Helwys Publishing for five years. Rachel is married to Jon and has two daughters, Mallorie and Emily. This year Rachel’s house will be divided between the University of GA and GA Tech! When she isn’t at work she will be on the road between Athens and Atlanta visiting her daughters, Target, and Trader Joe’s! She attends Highland Hills Baptist Church in Macon where she teaches missions and serves on the Youth Committee.
- Finances
- Design of e-mails, flyers, programs, etc.
- Photography
- Shared responsibilities: Website updating, Social media management
- Assisting with CBF/GA events
CBFGA OFFICERS
MODERATOR
Steven Norris, Griffin
MODERATOR-ELECT
Emily Harbin, Athens
PAST MODERATOR
Norma Rushing, Decatur
CLERK
Jennifer Jindrich, Carrollton
TREASURER
Neil Heath, Macon
Endowment Management Board Chair
Lamar Barden, Rome

COORDINATING COUNCIL Members
At Large
- Katie Faison, Newnan
- Suzie McCullough, Macon
- Chip Reeves, Milledgeville
Missions Team
- Terri Byrd, Alpharetta, Chair
- Scott Hovey, Atlanta
- Bob Patterson, Warm Springs
- Josh Speight, Atlanta
- Melissa Willis, Augusta
Congregational Life
- Jessica Asbell Oravec, Roswell, Chair
- Kim Booth, Moultire
- Millicent Flake, Dalton
- Joy Huddlestun, Jasper
- Sherry Lester, Athens
- Greg Pope, Fitzgerald
Leadership Development Team
- Loretta Smith, Canton, Chair
- Andrea Jones, Rome
- Tina Maddox, Gainesville
- John Uldrick, Atlanta
- Deb Walters, Alpharetta
CBF GLOBAL
Alabama
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North Carolina
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Great Rivers Fellowship
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Oklahoma
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Texas
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Florida and the Caribbean Islands
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South Carolina
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Virginia
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