Board of Directors
As a nonprofit membership corporation, MIC is governed by a Board of Directors elected by voting members of MIC. Our bylaws provide for the Board of Directors to staggered two-year terms. The Board elects the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. These positions are usually filled by Board members, but may be filled by other MIC members.
Board of Directors and Officers
Beth Akers, President
Elizabeth “Beth” Akers currently serves as President of the Mableton Improvement Coalition (MIC). She joined MIC in 2022 and has since, alongside her fellow board members, helped drive advocacy efforts centered on collaboration, community connectivity, and sustainable growth within the City of Mableton.
Beth also serves as the Partnerships Steering Lead for the City of Mableton’s 4 P’s Initiative, a collaborative effort uniting Principals, Pastors, Public Safety, and Partnerships to strengthen communication, coordination, and community resilience across the city. In addition, she serves on the board of the South Cobb Business Association and is a member of Cobb Executive Women, supporting business engagement, leadership development, and economic growth throughout South Cobb.
Her advocacy is deeply rooted in her professional background in criminal justice and capital punishment work. Through founding her own mitigation firm in Texas, Beth built a strong record of impactful case outcomes and successful rulings while advocating for dignity, fairness, and rehabilitation within complex systems. Her background in restorative justice, systems navigation, and client advocacy continues to shape her approach to civic leadership today.
Beth previously served as President of her homeowners association for four years and currently functions as the Chief Operating Officer for a national media and community platform, overseeing operations, organizational strategy, partnerships, and large scale initiatives. She is also the owner and principal designer of New ERA Designs, specializing in residential and commercial spaces grounded in creativity, authenticity, and purpose.
Beth lives in Mableton with her husband and children and remains passionate about advancing initiatives rooted in integrity, equity, and meaningful impact. She believes lasting transformation happens when people and systems are encouraged, equipped, and empowered to thrive.
Sharicka Samuels-Johnson, Chairwoman
Sharicka Samuels-Johnson has proudly called Mableton home since 2015, alongside her family. With over two decades of cross-industry leadership experience, she is a trusted executive advisor known for her strategic foresight, operational excellence, and crisis management expertise. Sharicka holds dual master’s degrees in Legal Studies from Emory University School of Law and Organizational Leadership from Brenau University, underscoring her commitment to impactful, values-driven leadership.
Deeply committed to service and civic engagement, Sharicka has held volunteer and board leadership roles with several nonprofit organizations, including the Grady Young Foundation, Atlanta Women’s Foundation, The Junior League of Atlanta, and Atlanta GLOW. She is also a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Sharicka is passionate about fostering vibrant, inclusive communities through outreach, empowerment, and local economic development initiatives.
Troy Refuge, Treasurer
Troy has lived in Mableton since 2016 and, with his wife, has called the area home since 2018. He looks forward to the community’s continued growth with additional restaurants, entertainment, and recreational options. Troy has been a member of the Mableton Improvement Coalition since 2019 and previously served on its Zoning Committee.
He has also served on the Cobb Board of Tax Assessors for four years and as Chair of the Identifying Publicly Owned Properties Subcommittee for the Advance Cobb Housing Task Force, where he helps provide strategic solutions to the county’s workforce housing shortage.
Troy holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Houston, an MS in Management Information Systems from Houston Christian University, and a JD from South Texas College of Law. With over 20 years of experience in real estate and 15 years in real estate law, Troy is licensed as both a Real Estate Attorney and Commercial Real Estate Broker in Georgia and Texas, with Refuge Law, PLLC and Berkshire Hathaway’s Commercial Division.
Before transitioning to real estate, Troy gained extensive experience as an IT project manager, overseeing global server installations for a major oil and gas corporation.
He is involved in his church’s hospitality ministry, mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, is a member of Leadership Cobb’s Class of 2025, and is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Douglas Simmons, Secretary
Cox Communications leader Douglas J. Simmons brings more than 25 years of experience in technology, project management, and community leadership. He currently serves as a Project Management Officer and has spent over 15 years leading inclusion, diversity, and mentorship initiatives while empowering emerging professionals and interns.
Originally from Cleveland and raised in New Orleans, Douglas earned a Bachelor of Applied Science from Troy University with a concentration in Sports Management, along with multiple Agile and technology certifications. After relocating to Atlanta in 1992, he began building a career centered on leadership, service, and operational excellence.
Douglas is deeply engaged in civic, church, and fraternal leadership. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Freemasonry, and several affiliated Masonic bodies. He is also a member of Leadership Cobb Class of 2025 and serves his community through Cascade United Methodist Church.
Douglas and his wife, Donna, are proud parents of Maya and Deshawn. Guided by faith and service, Douglas remains committed to building bridges, mentoring future leaders, and creating lasting impact through compassion, inclusion, and purpose.
Becca Ford, Zoning Chair
Becca is a lifelong resident of South Cobb, having lived off Old Alabama Road since 1985. She loves Mableton’s diversity, small-town feel and proximity to Atlanta. Becca has a background in retail management and marketing, where she has developed skills in communication, creative problem solving and teambuilding. Her volunteer experience includes county wide voter registration and election awareness activities, Mableton’s roadside cleanups and helping improve the Boys & Girls Club’s vegetable garden. She has served as an active member of the MIC Zoning Committee since 2020. Along with her husband and dogs, Becca loves her life in Mableton and is excited to play a role in its progression. She is passionate about advocating for the community’s growth while maintaining its unique character and accessibility. Her free time is spent gardening and tracking down all the tacos in 30126.
Brandeis Thompson, Community Engagement Chair
Brandeis Thompson, her husband and two children, have resided in Mableton since 2020. Brandeis co-chairs MIC’s Education Committee, where she has assisted with façade improvements at Lindley Sixth Grade Academy and celebrated high achieving students at Lindley Middle School. Outside of volunteering with MIC,
Brandeis has a plethora of unique volunteer experiences including being a judge at the annual Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, donating items to those less fortunate and creating events for a purpose. She is committed to impacting the community surrounding topics that affect daily life.
Brandeis is a board member for Charge Up Campaign, an active member of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Omega Chapter. Professionally, she is a communications specialist at a large public health organization. Brandeis has a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and an MBA from Keller School of Management.
Linda Pharr, Sponsorship Chair
Linda moved to Mableton in 2012 and joined MIC as a lifetime member that same year. She was elected to the MIC board in 2023 and serves as Vice Chair and chairs the Marketing Committee. In 2025 she led the production of Taste of Mableton.
She is a senior marketing and communications executive that brings a wealth of business, brand development and communications knowledge to the team. In her role as Director of Client Services of the leading minority owned agency, she developed marketing initiatives targeting African Americans, Hispanic and Asian consumer markets for Fortune 500 companies.
Prior to that, as a managing director at a major agency she managed a portfolio of more than $300 million. She was responsible for all marketing disciplines including advertising, sales promotions, public relations, database management, marketing research, telemarketing, internet marketing and international marketing.
Linda is originally from NY and graduated from NYU School of Commerce and attended NYU Graduate School of Business. She spent 12 years working in Chicago and returned to her native New York in 997. In 2006 she relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia where she led the marketing organization for a major healthcare company until retirement in 2012.
Demetrius Lockett, Membership Chair
Demetrius Lockett is a mortgage professional, community leader, and educator who believes everyone deserves clear, honest information about money, credit, and building a strong future.
By day, Demetrius works with Southeast Mortgage, helping individuals and families understand the homebuying process and make smart financial decisions — especially first-time buyers who may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. His approach is simple: break things down, answer the hard questions, and meet people where they are.
Outside of work, Demetrius is deeply involved in the Mableton community through the Mableton Improvement Coalition, where he supports efforts focused on education, economic growth, and creating opportunities for families to thrive.
Demetrius is also the Founder of The Rena Carter Foundation, a nonprofit created to help young people and families build real-life money skills that aren’t always taught in school. Through workshops and mentoring, the foundation focuses on practical topics like budgeting, credit, smart spending, goal-setting, and understanding how everyday financial choices impact the future.
In addition, Demetrius was appointed by the Cobb County Commissioner to serve on the Cobb County Parks and Recreation Board, where he works to help ensure parks and programs remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for children, families, and the broader community.
At the heart of everything he does, Demetrius is passionate about education, encouragement, and empowerment. His goal is to help young people and parents feel confident, informed, and prepared to make smart financial choices — now and for years to come.
Joel Cope, Membership Co-Chair
Joel was first elected to the MIC Board in 2005. During his tenure, he has served as Vice President, Chair and President, most recently serving as interim President from late 2024-2025.
An attorney who lives in the Cooper Lake Road area, Joel currently serves on the Cobb County Neighborhood Safety Commission, a citizens’ panel that acts as a liaison between the public safety community and the citizenry, as well as the Precinct Discussion Group (PDG) for Precinct 2. He also serves on the Board of the South Cobb High School Foundation and serves on the Wellstar Advisory Board. Joel was appointed to the Mableton Development Authority, where he was elected by the members of that Authority to serve as its Vice-Chair.
Joel has served on the Cobb County Transportation Advisory Board, the Austell Road LCI Committee, the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, the Board of the Harmony-Leland Elementary Board and the Austell Road Corridor Access Committee. In addition he has held offices within the Board of his HOA.
Dr. Bre Peeler, Education Co-Chair
Dr. Bre Peeler is a dedicated educator and Mableton resident with over 15 years of service in South Cobb schools. A proud Spelman College alumna, she holds a Master’s in Urban Teacher Leadership from Georgia State University and a Doctorate in School Improvement from the University of West Georgia. Her extensive career spans roles as a teacher, academic coach, and Head of School across traditional public and charter settings. Notably, Dr. Peeler served as an Educational Consultant for the CDC’s COVID-19 Emergency Task Force, where her research helped shape national K-12 and higher education policy.
Deeply committed to the Mableton community, Dr. Peeler seeks to leverage her expertise in school improvement and her professional network to ensure that Mableton schools are a driver of our city’s success. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Peeler enjoys tennis, golf, and global travel, which continuously fuel her commitment to educational equity for all.
Brionna Stewart, Marketing Chair
Brionna Stewart is an integrated marketing professional with a passion for building meaningful connections and bringing ideas to life. With a strong background in strategic communications, brand storytelling, and audience engagement, she thrives at the intersection of creativity and impact, always looking for ways to connect people, ideas, and communities.
A natural leader and the oldest of four, Brionna has always embraced her “born to be bossy” energy in the best way — guiding, organizing, and uplifting those around her. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, staying on top of her monthly book club reads, and unwinding with a good reality TV show.
Brionna is excited to bring her experience and passion for collaboration to the Mableton community, where she looks forward to helping drive thoughtful initiatives, foster connection, and contribute to the continued growth and vibrancy of the community.
Christia Ceballos, Marketing Chair
Christia Ceballos is a public health professional and Project Manager with experience leading initiatives, improving operations, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to create a meaningful community impact. She currently serves with the Fulton County Board of Health, where her work focuses on improving outcomes for the communities served.
A proud Mableton resident for over 30 years and a dedicated wife and parent, Christia is passionate about community engagement, thoughtful growth and preservation, and strengthening the connection between residents and healthcare. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she actively participates in service and volunteering opportunities.
As a longtime resident of Mableton, Christia is honored to serve with the Mableton Improvement Coalition and looks forward to supporting projects that will help Mableton continue to grow as a thriving, connected, and engaged community.