The Power of Place: Innovation, Partnership, and Philanthropy in Cartersville
We are excited to welcome you to Cartersville, population 25,000 and home to Smithsonian-affiliated museums that have welcomed more than 3 million visitors. GGA’s 2025 Place-Based Philanthropy Tour will commence on Tuesday, October 28th at 4:00 pm and conclude on Wednesday, October 29th at 3:00 pm.
Cartersville’s nonprofit, civic, and philanthropic leaders are working together to spark economic growth, strengthen education, and meet community needs. Experience firsthand how place-based philanthropy is shaping a thriving Georgia community—and gather fresh ideas for your own work.
Our full agenda is below!
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The Mayor of Cartersville will welcome GGA attendees, and speakers from the city and county will help introduce us to this special place in the northwest corner of Georgia. Setting the stage for the two-day gathering, leaders will share a brief history of the region, its economic development trajectory, and the community’s philanthropic legacy. Speakers will share how a culture of innovation, through partnerships between city, philanthropic, business, and nonprofit leaders, has led to remarkable community growth. The session will preview examples that will be explored in depth throughout the visit.
Marty Sonenshine, Anverse, Inc.
Marty Sonenshine has led Anverse, Inc., a private operating foundation, since its founding in 2000. Under his leadership as Executive Director, Anverse has advanced philanthropic initiatives across Georgia, the Southeast, and Puerto Rico. He also oversees operations of The Grand Theatre, WBHF Radio, the Teacher Resource Center in Cartersville, and the Carroll County Nonprofit Center in Maryland.
Before joining Anverse, Marty built his career at Prestige Communications, where he rose from reporter to Director of Operations, gaining deep experience in leadership, communication, and community engagement.
A committed civic leader, Marty has served on numerous boards, including the Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center, Georgia Highlands College Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia. He co-founded and served as the inaugural president of the Rotary Club of Etowah and is a charter member of the Georgia Grantmakers Alliance.
Matt Santini, Mayor of Cartersville
Steven Schumacher, President of Cartersville Bartow County Tourism
With over a decade of destination marketing experience, Steven has spent the last 3+ years in his role as President of the newly rebranded Cartersville Museum City team, leading the sales & marketing efforts in growing this wonderful destination in Northwest Georgia. A recent Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce IMPACT Award winner, Chair of the local arts commission: Art in Bartow, member of the Leadership Bartow Class of 2025 and one of Georgia Trend’s 500 Most Influential Leaders in 2025, Steven’s passion for tourism can be felt from the baseball diamonds at LakePoint to the ruins of Barnsley Resort. Steven lives in Woodstock, Georgia with his wife MaryKate and is the proud dad to 7-year-old Quinn, 4-year-old Rowan and new Baby Boy Cassian!
Macra Adair, Savoy Museum
Macra Adair is the founding executive director of the Savoy Automobile Museum. She has served in that role since 2018, when she helped turn the museum from an idea into reality. She leads the staff in connecting people with the cultural diversity of the automobile. Macra started her non-profit career at the Booth Western Art Museum, where she spent 16 years gaining experience in museum operations through various leadership roles. She is passionate about engaging people through exhibits and educational programs. Macra graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
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Attendees are invited to enjoy a private, self-guided tour of the museum, which will be closed to the public for participants’ exclusive access.
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Following the self-guided tour, participants can reconnect with friends and meet new colleagues at a special reception and dinner served in the museum's event space. To close the evening, program leaders will connect the day’s themes and preview what lies ahead. Speakers will frame Cartersville’s story as one of aspiration, innovation, and care for community. From supporting K-12 students and strengthening the workforce pipeline to meeting human needs and positioning Cartersville as both an industrial hub and cultural destination, participants will gain a roadmap for the discussions and site visits to come.
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Transportation will be provided from the hotel to the Tellus Museum for the morning program, and then to the College & Career Academy and downtown for the afternoon programs. Please make plans to check-out prior to the morning program. You may leave your luggage in your vehicles or with the front desk. A continental breakfast with coffee and refreshments will be provided at Tellus Science Museum.
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Marty Sonenshine will open the day with an overview of Anverse’s distinctive approach to philanthropy. As both a family foundation and operating entity, Anverse has leveraged partnerships with elected officials, agency leaders, and nonprofits to respond to community needs in creative ways. Participants will hear how programs such as the Benevolence Fund and challenge grants have seeded long-term change, while collaborations with civic partners have ensured that resources reach where they are most needed.
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Cartersville and Bartow County are experiencing rapid growth, balancing industrial expansion with cultural tourism and workforce development. This panel will showcase how public-private partnerships have centered arts and culture as a powerful means of economic growth in Cartersville. Melinda Lemmon from the Joint Development Authority will present key data on economic and population growth in Bartow County, a destination for industry and tourism. Leaders from the Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum, Savoy Automobile Museum, and Bartow County History Center will then discuss how their respective institutions, through collaborative ownership and management models, have driven economic prosperity and kept local assets within the community.
Speakers include:
Moderator: Cathy Lee Eckert, COO of Georgia Museums
Cathy Lee has served as the Chief Operations Officer for Georgia Museums, Inc., since 2004. Georgia Museums, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs four museums in Cartersville, GA, including the Bartow History Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, Savoy Automobile Museum, and Tellus Science Museum. Prior to that, she came from the corporate world with 14 years experience as an operations professional and transitioned to the nonprofit world as a program director for Anverse, Inc., a private operating foundation. Cathy Lee used her operations background to help transition the museums from a privately funded organization to a 501(c)(3), establishing appropriate policies and procedures and ensuring the organization was complying with all regulations. As someone who works in the museum field, she has the privilege of seeing how museums can connect, enrich, and educate people. Cathy Lee is a graduate of Reinhardt University with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Leadership.
Adam Wade, Tellus Science Museum
Adam Wade has been a part of the Georgia Museums, Inc. family since 2003, primarily focusing on leading fundraising initiatives such as capital campaigns, donor programs, membership drives, and expanding the museum's advocacy base. Since 2023, he has served as the Executive Director of Tellus Science Museum, where he is responsible for upholding the museum's mission while balancing strategic impact and economic sustainability. Under his leadership, the museum completed its largest project since opening in 2009—a 20,000 square foot expansion. A native of Cartersville, GA, Adam has been married to his wife, Conilia, for 16 years, and they have three children. He holds a B.A. in Marketing from the University of West Georgia.
Trey Gaines, Bartow County History Center
Trey Gaines has been the director of the Bartow History Museum since 2008. Prior to that he also served as museum’s program manager and archivist. He has a master’s degree in history with an emphasis in public history from the University of West Georgia. He is an active member in state and regional professional organizations as well as the Cartersville Rotary Club.
Macra Adair, Savoy Automobile Museum
Macra Adair is the founding executive director of the Savoy Automobile Museum. She has served in that role since 2018, when she helped turn the museum from an idea into reality. She leads the staff in connecting people with the cultural diversity of the automobile. Macra started her non-profit career at the Booth Western Art Museum, where she spent 16 years gaining experience in museum operations through various leadership roles. She is passionate about engaging people through exhibits and educational programs. Macra graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Seth Hopkins, Booth Western Art Museum
Since 2000, Seth Hopkins has been Executive Director of the Booth Museum a world class, 120,000 square foot Smithsonian Affiliated Museum that houses the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the world. For three years running the Booth was named the #1 Art Museum in America by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards. From 2003 until 2019, Hopkins was also Executive Director of Georgia Museums, Inc., parent organization for the Booth, Bartow History and Tellus Museums. He holds a degree in journalism from Syracuse University and a Masters from the University of Oklahoma, where his thesis was Andy Warhol’s Western Art. Hopkins has curated or co-curated over 100 exhibitions. Cowboys & Indians magazine recently named Hopkins a New Hero of the West, along with Dolly Parton, Red Steagall and Poet Laurette Joy Harjo, for the work he is doing sharing Western art and history with new audiences.
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What does it look like when a community takes ownership of its own challenges? This discussion will feature nonprofit leaders addressing homelessness, addiction recovery, and support for children and families. Moderated by David Aft of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, the panel will explore how Cartersville’s “homegrown” approach has created lasting impact. Nonprofit leaders will provide firsthand examples of how philanthropy has helped build a stronger social safety net to meet the needs of the community's most vulnerable residents.
Speakers include:
Doug Belisle, Good Neighbor Shelter
Doug Belisle is the Executive Director of Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter in Cartersville, Georgia, where he leads initiatives to support men, women, and families experiencing homelessness. Under Doug's guidance, the shelter provides temporary housing alongside physical, emotional, and spiritual resources. By fostering goal-setting and empowerment, the shelter equips individuals to re-enter their communities as self-sufficient and productive members. Since moving to Bartow County in 2007, Doug has become a dedicated advocate for community development and resilience. His work extends beyond the shelter through service on multiple community boards, where he collaborates with various leaders to address systemic challenges like poverty, housing instability, and trauma. Doug is also an active contributor to local faith-based initiatives, ensuring that community partnerships are inclusive and far-reaching.
Rachel Castillo, Advocates for Children
Rachel Castillo is an accomplished nonprofit executive and visionary leader transforming outcomes for children, youth, and families across Northwest Georgia. As President and CEO of Advocates for Children, she led an $8 million capital campaign that established a new regional headquarters and Newman House, a state-of-the-art residence for homeless and foster youth. Under her leadership, Advocates has expanded housing, prevention, and advocacy programs that now serve more than 20,000 individuals each year. Her leadership has earned statewide and national recognition, including the 2025 National Safe Place Network Executive Leader Award, CASA Georgia’s Innovative Agency of the Year, and Together Georgia’s Agency of the Year honors. Rachel’s bold vision is reshaping the regional landscape for youth housing and family stability while positioning Advocates for long-term sustainability and continued growth. A mother of three college-age children, she is driven by a deep commitment to creating a world where every child is safe, every youth has opportunity, and every family can thrive.
Jessica Mitcham, Recovery Bartow
Jessica Mitcham is a graduate of the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and holds a Master's of Divinity and Master's of Social Work from Baylor University/George W Truett Theological Seminary. She has served over 15 years in nonprofit organizational leadership which includes serving as ED at Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter and now Recovery Bartow Inc. Jessica has served on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia since 2018. She is a graduate of Leadership Bartow, has served on the steering committees of Leadership Bartow and Youth Leadership Bartow, and has served multiple terms on the Board of Bartow Collaborative. She and her family attend Cartersville First Baptist, where she serves in the Youth Ministry, and Jessica is an avid reader.
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Participants will have the opportunity to explore the new Tellus Science Museum exhibit, Journey to Space. Journey to Space was designed and developed by the Science Museum of Minnesota in partnership with NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the International Space Station Office, the California Science Center, and partner museums.
Then, participants will be transported to the Bartow County College & Career Academy.
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The Bartow County College & Career Academy is a cornerstone of the region’s workforce development strategy. During this presentation, school leaders, employers, and alumni will share how the Academy equips students with skills that align with industry needs while also supporting personal growth and career exploration. Participants will hear first-hand accounts about how this model is preparing the next generation and addressing demographic changes in the community.
Speakers include:
Superintendent Clint Terza
Lisa DiPrima, CTAE Coordinator
Greg Doss, Principal
Current Students & Alumni
Lunch will be provided by local favorite, Scott’s Walk-Up Bar-B-Q.
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Attendees will be transported downtown for a guided walking tour of the Radio Station and the Teacher Resource Center, a public-private partnership, before the group convenes at the Grand Theater.
Speakers:
Kim Martin, Teacher Resource Center
Kim Martin has served in a multitude of leadership roles in private corporations, nonprofits and government agencies. As a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate), former Chairman of the Carterville High School Governance Board, a member of the Etowah Foundation Executive Board, Leadership Bartow and serves on the education team at Crosspoint City Church, she values the commitment to community service. She holds a Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Global Leadership from Reinhardt University and currently serves as the Director of the Teacher Resource Center. Mrs. Martin is passionate about inspiring the next generation of STEM educators and leaders. She regularly participates in outreach programs designed to inspire young people and those who work diligently to educate the students of Bartow County. Mrs. Martin enjoys hiking with her husband, enfolding herself into a good book, playing Mahjongg with friends or just digging in the dirt.
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Many of Cartersville’s most valued community assets exist because of innovative philanthropy. This panel will highlight how philanthropic support saved the Grand Theater, revitalizing it and giving it back to the community as an anchor that sparked community gathering and downtown development, drawing visitors to local restaurants and businesses. Speakers will also discuss the theater's role in providing enrichment and educational programs, including summer camps for students. The session will also showcase the community resource of the local AM/FM radio station, which provides local news and broadcasts community celebrations and high school sports, reinforcing a sense of local pride and connection.
Speakers include:
Matt Santini, WBHF
Kristy Montgomery, The Grand Theater
Kristy Montgomery is the Program Director for the Grand Theatre in Cartersville, Georgia. Alongside the talented team at the theatre, she helps build and facilitate engaging, exciting programs for patrons of all ages. She is also a professor of English and Theatre at Georgia Highlands College. She serves as the president of ACT I, a local non-profit theatre and dance company, and is the current president of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Cartersville and Bartow County.
Lillie Read, Downtown Development Association
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This concluding panel will bring together key leaders to share specific case studies where philanthropy was a catalyst for starting and sustaining initiatives, such as the GateKey program, enhanced afterschool programming for at-risk K-12 students, and the Teacher Resource Center. Local education leaders and philanthropic voices will share how private giving has sustained programs that government and markets alone could not. Together, they will illustrate how philanthropy continues to fuel Cartersville’s identity as both a cultural destination and a community that invests deeply in its people.
Speakers include:
Dr. Marc Feuerbach, Superintendent of Cartersville City Schools
Dr. Feuerbach began his career at Gordon Central High School as a special education teacher, and later he was appointed assistant principal. He also served as principal of Ashworth Middle School and Calhoun Elementary School. As superintendent of Cartersville City Schools, he is responsible for leadership, administration, and management of the school system.
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Feuerbach obtained his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Florida. He received his master's degree from Kennesaw State University, his specialist degree from Georgia College and State University, and his doctorate from Valdosta State University.
Lisa Bell, President of Cartersville City Schools Foundation
With over 18 years of service as Executive Director of the Cartersville Schools Foundation, Lisa Bell has focused on expanding educational access and student success in the Cartersville City School System. A passionate advocate for equity and opportunity, Lisa was involved in creating the needs-based GateKey Scholarship Program that became the blueprint for REACH Georgia — now a statewide initiative operating in every school district. Since its inception, GateKey has impacted more than 250 students in Cartersville City Schools, helping to open doors to higher education and brighter futures. Prior to this role, she served as a marketing coordinator for a large engineering firm, where she developed a strong foundation in strategic communication and marketing. She holds a B.S. in Advertising Management from Bellevue University and continues to bring a thoughtful, results-driven approach to community engagement and student support.
Jennifer Wiggins-Matthews, After School Programs
Jennifer Wiggins Matthews is a proud alumna of Cartersville City Schools, Reinhardt College, and The University of Georgia. With nine years of experience in the After School Program (ASP - K through 5th), she is passionate about supporting working families and enriching the lives of young children through quality care, tutoring, activities, and engagement. Jennifer resides in Cartersville with her husband, Mark, and their son, Knox, a freshman at Cartersville.
Sara Tornincasa, Empowering Canes (6th-12th grade afterschool programs)
Sara Tornincasa holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English and brings 17 years of dedicated experience in education. Currently serving as the Department Chair of ESOL and World Language, Sara has developed a reputation as a compassionate leader who prioritizes student success and teacher collaboration. She was invited to coordinate Empowering Canes, an initiative that continues her commitment to supporting and uplifting students, funded by generous community donors. Sara is also pursuing her Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Berry College, where she is deepening her expertise in instructional leadership and program development. Her educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student has immense potential and deserves to feel valued, loved, and empowered to achieve their dreams. Through her leadership and teaching, Sara strives to create inclusive environments that foster both academic excellence and personal growth.
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The gathering concludes with reflections from program hosts and participants, connecting themes across economic development, education, culture, and human services.
Transportation via charter bus will be provided to return to the Courtyard Cartersville hotel.
