Vickers named Wiregrass’ executive director for community relations and fundraising

VALDOSTA — President DeAnnia Clements announces Elizabeth Vickers as the executive director for community relations and fundraising for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Vickers brings to the college 23 years of foundation and fundraising experience from the South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) Foundation where she was the executive director and then the director of operations.

Vickers worked for Valdosta Technical School from 1998-2000 in public relations and foundation.

She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communications, Organizational Communications from Valdosta State University. She brings a wealth of experience in successful capital campaigns raising over $12 million in local funds when she was at SGMC. She is a member of the Leadership Lowndes Class of 2004, has served on the Rotary Club, Turner Center for the Arts/Lowndes – Valdosta Arts Commission board, Chapter advisor for Valdosta State University, Phi Mu, Habitat for Humanity women’s build, member of Christ Episcopal Church and is a current member of Kappa Beta Alumnae Chapter of Phi Mu.

In her role as the executive director, she will oversee multiple departments including the Foundations, and Marketing and Public Relations for all Wiregrass Campuses. The Foundation North and Foundation South of Wiregrass are 501 c (3) nonprofit organizations established to support students and programs in their respective counties. The donors assist with support for students in developing skills needed in the workplace, provide equipment for programs, and assist Wiregrass Georgia Tech in providing workforce development.

Some of the many uses of donors’ contributions include scholarships for students, textbook assistance for students, support for GOAL (Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership award) nominees and finalists, equipment and supplies for programs, room naming opportunities, and program expansions.

To learn more about the Foundations of Wiregrass Tech and how you can give, Vickers can be contacted at 229-333-2124 or by email at Elizabeth.vickers@wiregrass.edu.

Visit Wiregrass.edu to learn more about opportunities at Wiregrass Tech. Wiregrass has four campus locations including Fitzgerald, Douglas, Valdosta, and Sparks.

Southern Riot & Rage cuts ribbon for new location

The Valdosta – Lowndes Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for new member, Southern Riot & Rage, LLC, for their mobile business in the form of a pull behind, enclosed trailer.

Southern Riot & Rage is Valdosta’s First Rage Room with mobile ability to come to you and anywhere in Valdosta and surrounding areas.

“We understand that life can be challenging, and emotions can build up, affecting your overall well-being. Through our unique services and dedicated team, we aim to provide an outlet for emotional release, helping our customers regain their peace of mind. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to release their frustrations and find solace,” Owners of Southern Riot & Rage said.

Southern Riot & Rage plans to open for bookings on Sept. 30.

Southern Riot & Rage offers an unforgettable experience, allowing customers to let out steam by smashing, breaking, and destroying a variety of objects.

This innovative rage room promises to provide a unique and exhilarating way for individuals to release pent-up frustration, anger, and stress in a safe and controlled environment.

“We are all so excited and incredibly proud that we have been able to bring this vision to life. We want to become more involved with all businesses in Valdosta and the surrounding areas. We may be a mobile unit now, but we plan to be brick-and-mortar one day. We cannot wait to see where it takes us,” exclaimed the owners.

For more information, contact Kayla Briggs, Cherranie Terbizan, and Alisha Williams at 229-585-RAGE (7243).

SGMC announces Brown as director of EMS

South Georgia Medical Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Emily Brown to director of Emergency Medical Services.

Brown has 20 years of nursing experience and has been with SGMC for four years, during which time she successfully led the effort for SGMC to be recognized as a Level III Trauma Center. This included community injury prevention and education programs, as well as trauma education facilitation and oversight for many first responders and public safety agencies in our referral area.

She has a strong background in emergency services, with experience spanning a variety of areas to include education, leadership, and performance improvement.

Brown shared that she is so grateful and excited for the opportunity. “I look forward to being able to build upon relationships with all community partners in order to provide excellent emergency services to our citizens,” she said.

She is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association, Society of Trauma Nurses, Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association, and American Trauma Society. Brown received her nursing degree from Thomas University. She has one fur baby, Doodle, who also serves SGMC as a certified therapy dog.

To learn more, visit sgmc.org.