2025-2026 Board of Directors
Andrew Hajduk
SWGC Chairman
(470) 375-6962
Andrew is the founder and president of Voxpopuli. Voxpopuli is a 30 year old marketing production company based in Peachtree Corners. He is active in the Peachtree Corners Rotary as well as serves on the Downtown Development Authority for Peachtree Corners. He and is company are very active in the efforts to grow Town Center and the Summer Concert Series.
He is also a resident of Peachtree Corners, where he lives with his wife, Cindy, and their dogs. Cindy works in the business as well and runs the apparel division. They have three adult children: Megan and Daniel, who are both involved in the business, and Steven, who is currently serving in the Navy and stationed in California.
David A. Wood
Partner – B2B CFO
David has provided executive leadership and financial management services as a chief financial officer for over 35 years. After spending the first four years of his career in public accounting he transitioned into the private sector where he gained extensive experience in a wide range of financial related positions. His responsibilities have included financial management, strategic planning, financial analysis, acquisitions, cash management, tax planning and compliance. David has extensive experience with numerous privately held companies spanning several industries including real estate development and management, manufacturing, SaaS software development and health care.Â
David earned his Bachelor of Science degree in management from the AB Freeman School of Business, Tulane University in 1983 and moved to Atlanta following graduation.
William (Bill) B. Lyons
City of Berkeley Lake
I am a native Virginian, but my Atlanta roots go back to my father who was attending The Candler School of Theology at Emory University and my mother who was a chemist for Dupont and taught grade school in East Point.
Attended Duke University on a football scholarship unfortunately it was pre NIL.
I have degrees in Economics and Psychology from Duke.
My career was in management in the steel industry, including a stint with the former Atlantic Steel, which was on the site of the current Atlantic Station. My main focus was in sales, marketing and operations, including several startups.
I have been active in community service, serving as the president of ellingrath Commons Home Owner’s Association, president of the Berkeley Lakes Homeowners Association and the City of Berkeley Lake city council.
I have 3 children and 4 grand children who live in Sandy Springs and Greenville, SC. My wife Peggy and I live in Berkeley Lake and Prewar cars occupy my free time.
Stephanie Newton
City of Norcross
(678) 628-8793
The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber is pleased to welcome Stephanie Newton, Director of Cultural Arts and Tourism & Downtown Manager for the City of Norcross, to its Board of Directors. With a dynamic background in communications, hospitality, and the arts, Stephanie brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to the Chamber.
In her role with the City of Norcross, Stephanie leads initiatives that highlight the city’s vibrant cultural scene, manage historic exhibits, and promote tourism in the charming downtown district. As Downtown Manager, she serves as a vital link between City Hall and the local business community, fostering strong partnerships and supporting economic growth.
Stephanie previously spent a decade with Southeast Tourism Society as Director of Communications, where she developed her deep passion for the travel and tourism industry. A lifelong musician, she has also served as a music director at several metro Atlanta churches, weaving together her love for the arts with her commitment to community enrichment.
Residing in Roswell with her husband, three daughters, and two beloved and spoiled dogs, Stephanie is excited to bring her energy, experience, and enthusiasm to the Chamber board. She looks forward to championing local businesses and helping elevate Southwest Gwinnett as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Bertrand Lapoire
Economic Development Director City of Peachtree Corners
(404) 394-1202
Bertrand Lapoire has served as Economic Development Director for the City of Peachtree Corners since October 2024, where he leads efforts focused on business recruitment, retention and expansion, redevelopment, and international partnerships. His work supports the city’s continued growth as a hub for technology, innovation, and business investment, while strengthening connections between businesses, local government, and the broader Gwinnett community to promote sustainable economic growth.
Originally from France, Bertrand moved to metro Atlanta in 2006 and brings an entrepreneurial background, having spent more than 15 years building and operating a business in the wine industry. He holds a master’s degree in International Business and Entrepreneurship.
Bertrand also serves as President of the French-American Chamber of Commerce – Atlanta and is actively involved in regional civic and business organizations. He and his wife, Anne-Catherine, have called Peachtree Corners home since 2013, where they are raising their two children.
Madison Chucci
Explore Gwinnett
(770) 362-4314
Madison Chucci currently serves as the Community Development Manager for Explore Gwinnett, Tourism and Film office. She joined the team in 2023 and is responsible for elevating Gwinnett’s film and arts presence through events and grant programs, community involvement and safety initiatives, and event management. In addition, she has more than ten years of event management experience and has worked with multiple Gwinnett cities to plan award-winning events for thousands of attendees. Many of the city events that she has produced have won awards through the Southeast Festivals and Events Association. Madison is also an active member of the Gwinnett Young Professionals program.
She was born and raised in Loganville, Georgia and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Kennesaw State University. Madison is passionate about empowering communities to thrive through innovative strategies and inclusive initiatives. She is always seeking ways to foster collaboration, inspire positive change, and is fueled by a drive to make a lasting impact.
When not working, Madison loves to attend festivals and events, explore new restaurants, and spend time outdoors with a good book and her four-legged sidekick, Roxy.
Ryan Jones
Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
(770)-263-0013
Ryan Jones currently serves as Director of Community Development for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries. After spending 15 years in the banking industry providing support to Georgia companies of various sizes, Ryan decided to pursue his passion for serving others full time by helping families in crisis in Southwest Gwinnett County. In the community, Ryan serves as the Director of the Pantry @ HMUMC, a food pantry serving an average of 600 families every week. Ryan is the service chair for the Duluth Rotary Club, a mentor for Gwinnett County Schools, council member for the North GA Housing and Homeless Council of the Methodist Church and member of the Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2023. In his free time, Ryan enjoys coaching youth sports and chasing around his two young, active boys.
Larry Benator
American Management Services
(404)-262-3931
Larry Benator, was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and has a strong commitment to both his profession and the community. Larry brings years of business experience and knowledge encompassing commercial real estate, mortgage financing, and business marketing and sales to the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.
His role as a Portfolio Manager with American Management Services highlights his leadership and expertise as his responsibilities include the leasing and management of 13 commercial retail developments across 3 states, comprising over 1.3 million square feet of retail space with over 175 businesses from the small business owner to Fortune 100 companies.Â
His passion for mentoring young people, particularly through initiatives like Junior Achievement, and the Gwinnett County Schools District Wide Business and Finance Advisory board, shows his dedication to guiding the next generation. His advice to young people about paying oneself first, when they start getting their first paychecks, is a practical and impactful way to help young people develop good financial habits early on.
Larry is a proud graduate of The University of Georgia ( GO DAWGS ! ) and his lighthearted rivalry with his wife, a Florida Gator fan, and his youngest daughter, a Florida State University graduate, adds a fun and personal element to his story. Larry also has an older daughter who works and lives in Laguna Beach, California and two bonus daughters ( he does not like the word step daughters ) who live in NYC. It’s clear that he’s not only a professional but also someone who values family and tradition.
Heather Juras
Business Development Manager
(770) 687-3188
Heather Juras has been a Business Development Manager with NetPlanner Systems for a little over 2 years, where she works closely with clients to identify technology solutions that will help their organizations achieve their operational and business objectives. After a 16-year career as a special education teacher and department lead, she transitioned into the corporate sector, bringing a unique perspective that combines strategic business development with a passion for serving others. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering in her community, playing pickleball, reading, and crocheting. As a new member of the Board of Directors for the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber, Heather is honored to support the Chamber's mission of championing local businesses, promoting economic growth, and making meaningful community connections.Â
Rick Karsten
The Corner Gathering
(470) 939-8242
Darcy Copeland
Smith+Howard Advisory, LLC
(404) 879‑3332
Heather Fleming
MST
(770) 236.9051
Heather Fleming brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community engagement to her role as a Business Development Manager for MST. With a background in banking, Heather spent nearly a decade at SunTrust Bank (now Truist) specializing in providing tailored financial solutions to privately held companies as a commercial relationship manager. She built her reputation on investing time with her clients, understanding their unique needs, and helping them achieve their business objectives.
As the daughter of entrepreneurial parents, Heather has always had a keen interest in working with privately held companies. Her transition to MST in 2021 as a Business Development Manager was a natural progression, allowing her to continue her mission of building meaningful relationships and assisting businesses in navigating their accounting and financial challenges.
A graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Financial Management, Heather is deeply committed to contributing her time, talents, and resources to her community. She has served on the board of Valley Light Programs, Inc., as Secretary for two years before assuming the role of Director of Donor Engagement. Additionally, Heather dedicated six years to the board of Young Men's Service League Johns Creek (YMSL), serving as President for the last three years.
Heather's community involvement extends to her church, Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, where she is an active member and has taught Life Groups for high school girls for the past seven years. As a resident of Peachtree Corners since 2005, Heather is deeply invested in the success and prosperity of the community. Joining the SouthWest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is another opportunity for her to contribute to the growth and development of the area she proudly calls home.
In her personal time, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, including her adult son and teenage son and daughter. She can often be found attending Clemson sporting events, especially football in the fall, and cheering on the Wesleyan Wolves. If you can't find her in one of those places, she's likely at the local CrossFit PPG gym, pursuing her passion for fitness and wellness.
With her diverse background, dedication to community service, and passion for helping businesses thrive, Heather Fleming is excited to make a significant impact as a member of the SouthWest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.