News Quarterly | June 2022
Hunter Hill to serve as GEFA executive director
On the recommendation of Governor Brian P. Kemp, the board of directors of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) approved Hunter Hill as the the next executive director effective July 1, 2022.

Hill has held numerous leadership positions in the private sector, the U.S. military, and in the Georgia General Assembly as a State Senator.

Communities receive financing for environmental infrastructure projects
The GEFA board of directors awarded $178.6 million to 16 Georgia communities for water, wastewater, sewer, and solid waste projects during its May meeting. Read more
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
GEFA will receive funding for water and energy programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To learn more, please visit GEFA’s website regularly for updated information as it becomes available. Read more
Solar Resiliency Technical Assistance Program
The Solar Resiliency Technical Assistance Program provided technical assistance and funding to local governments to improve resiliency at critical facilities using solar and battery backup technology. Nine Georgia communities participated in feasibility studies, and 10 communities will receive funding to install 584.1 kilowatts of solar power. GEFA also created a solar resiliency toolkit to assist Georgia communities interested in solar resiliency. Read more
GEFA staff announcements
GEFA Executive Director Kevin Clark is retiring after more than 30 years of faithful service. GEFA and the state of Georgia thank him for all his years of hard work and dedication.

GEFA welcomed four new employees:

  • Jamelle Cherry, project manager II
  • Vince Harvey II, project manager II
  • Leah Lord, program manager I
  • Quenton Talley, project manager I

The following staff members received career path promotions:

  • Alshaday Abate, administrative assistant III
  • Kelly Cutts, senior state energy program manager

GEFA has nothing but well wishes for Cecily Jones who recently accepted a new job opportunity.
Staff highlight: Leah Lord
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Q: Where did you go to college?
A: I attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).

Q: How long have you worked for GEFA?
A: I have worked at GEFA for little more than a month.

Q: What do you do for GEFA?
A: I am the State Energy Program Manager.

Q: What has been your favorite memory from this past year?
A: All the places that I have traveled: Nashville, Tennessee; Napa Valley, California; Florida; and Aruba. I have also enjoyed becoming a NASCAR fan.

Q: Are you a sports fan? What team(s) do you pull for?
A: I am a big Atlanta Braves fan. I also love watching Virginia Tech, whenever I can get the ACC channel.

Q: What is your favorite movie or television show?
A: My favorite movie is Gone Girl and I love watching cooking show competitions.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Currently on the top of my list are the Greek Islands and Cappadocia, Turkey.

Q: What would we most likely find you doing on the weekends?
A: I am usually walking the beltline, playing lots of tennis, visiting farmers markers, going to the lake...really anything outdoors.

Q: What is one item that you do not leave home without?
A: I can not go anywhere without an iced coffee, usually from Dunkin'.
GEFA Around Georgia
GEFA will be exhibiting at conferences in 2022. Visit us at one of the events below.

  • Georgia Association of Water Professionals Annual Conference and Expo: Savannah, Savannah Conference Center, July 17-20
  • Georgia Environmental Conference: Jekyll Island, Jekyll Island Convention Center, Aug. 23-26
  • Georgia Economic Developers Association Annual Conference: Savannah, Hyatt Regency Savannah, Sept. 14-16
  • Georgia Association of State Facilities Administrators: Augusta, Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, Sept. 26-28
  • Georgia Rural Water Association Conference: Helen, Unicoi State Park and Lodge, Oct. 24-26
  • Georgia Association of Regional Commissions Annual Training Conference: St. Simons Island, Nov. 2-4
  • Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators: Athens, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Dec. 4-6