Susan Boatwright is a longtime member of GPHSA, and took over as GPHSA Executive Director in 2021. Susan recently retired as the DFCS Director of Communications and continues to work to facilitate Road Shows and other events. She has a rich career of service in DFCS including time as the Director of Gwinnett County DFCS. Her experiences have led to many positive relationships with key legislators and stakeholders. She works closely with the Leadership Team to assure that our mission of supporting the professional staff that serve individuals, families, and children continues and is enhanced.

Jennifer Brogdon has been a member of GPHSA for over 20 years. She has worked for DHS for 23 years in the Division of Family and Children’s Services. She is currently the Director of Region 3 DFCS and served in many roles including County Director for many years. She completed her BSW at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has been married for 36 years with 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. She promotes GPHSA whenever possible and believes in advocating for state employees. She is honored to now serve as the President of GPHSA.

Torrey Love began his career with the Division of Family & Children Services in 2008 and has been an active member of GPHSA since 2015. He works in the Office of Family Independence (OFI) and is currently the District 1 Deputy Manager. Throughout his career in OFI, he has served in several roles, including Economic Support Specialist, Supervisor, and Administrator. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Carson Newman University and a Master of Science from the University of Central Missouri. As President-Elect, he is dedicated to expanding the association’s membership and fostering a dynamic network of professionals that encourages collaboration, growth, and professional development.

DeDe Artis earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from The University of Akron in Ohio in 1992 and started her career in child welfare in Canton, Ohio, in 1995. In 2005, DeDe moved to Georgia, where she continued her child welfare career as an Investigation Supervisor, Risk Consultant, and trainer in the Education and Training Services section for the State Office, among other roles. She served as the Deputy Director for Fulton County DFCS in 2018 until she accepted the County Director position at Douglas County DFCS in May 2020. DeDe has a history of solid work ethic and a heart for community service. DeDe is results-driven, emphasizing developing others to reach their full potential, and has a passion for serving others. She is married and has 5 adult children and 3 grandchildren. She resides in Douglas County.

Darbi has worked for the Division of Family and Children’s Services since 2014. She started in OFI and then transferred to Regional Accounting. She has been a member of GPHSA since 2018, when she immediately started attending meetings/conferences; joined the Legislative Committee, participated in a salary study, and has been part of the Advocacy Academy. GPHSA has inspired “out of the box” personal growth, and working with this wonderful group has provided confidence to accept challenges and new opportunities. Darbi graduated from Sanford Brown Business College in 1991. She is married to Dean Hixson, who works at Gerdau Ameristeel in Cartersville. They have five wonderful children; Nick, Spencer, Sydney, Millie, and Sam, and two amazing grandsons, Eli and Chance. The family has attended Northpointe Church in Adairsville, GA, since 2004.

Juliet has been with DFCS for six years and serves as the Family Preservation Supervisor in Gordon County. She is known for her tenacity and her enthusiasm for learning about different aspects of the agency, having gained experience in Foster Care, Adoption, and now CPS. Her interest in the position was sparked during the first GPHSA meeting she attended, where she gained insight into budgeting and other aspects of the agency. Juliet is eager to continue learning through GPHSA meetings and is known for her outgoing nature and ability to connect with others. Colleagues would describe her as a detail-oriented, prepared, and organized individual. She looks forward to building relationships within the agency during her role as Secretary.

Rhonda began her duties as Executive Secretary on April 1, 2020. She retired from DFCS on February 1, 2020 after a 30+ year career in Region 5. During this time she was a member of GPHSA serving as Treasurer, Board Member, Foundation Member and also served on various committees. Rhonda has always been a strong advocate of GPHSA and feels an honor now to serve and work for those still doing the great work of the organization. Rhonda holds a degree in Accounting and also serves as Administrative Assistant for the Georgia State Retirees Association. She resides in Elberton on the family farm where she enjoys horses, dogs, and her grandsons.