Macon It

In this episode of Macon It, we welcome back Stephen Adams, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, to pull back the curtain on one of the organizations shaping Macon's future. Stephen explains what the Industrial Authority actually does; from recruiting major industries and supporting the expansion of existing businesses to helping create the high-quality jobs that drive...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Emily Hopkins, Executive Director of Historic Macon, to explore how preserving historic homes and buildings helps preserve the stories of our community. Emily shares Historic Macon's mission to revitalize neighborhoods by protecting the places that make Macon unique and explains why preservation is about more than architecture, it's about people, cultu...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Julia Morrison, Executive Director of the Piedmont Grand Opera House and the Robins Financial Capitol Theatre at Mercer University, to talk about the role the performing arts play in building a vibrant community. Julia shares how these historic venues are creating welcoming spaces where everyone can experience the arts, whether it's your first show or...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Natalie Allen, Recreation Programmer for Macon-Bibb County, to learn about the person behind many of the programs that bring our community together. From summer camps and after-school programs to Movies in the Park, adaptive recreation, fitness classes, and special events, Natalie helps create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn, and...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims as students head back to the classroom for a new school year. We talk about his journey to Macon, the first week of school, and what drives his passion for making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Dr. Sims also shares why educating the next generation goes far beyond the classroom....

This special edition of Macon It, hosted by Chris Floore, takes you behind the scenes of one of the biggest projects in Macon-Bibb's history, the new Macon Arena. Chris is joined by Will Christenbury of MFA Project Management and David Aiello of OVG to explore the vision and intentional design behind the arena as the community looks ahead to its groundbreaking. From architecture inspired by the Oc...

In this episode of Macon It, we're turning up the volume with a conversation about one of Macon's most beloved traditions, Bragg Jam. Joining us are current Bragg Jam President Olivia Walter, and former board members Everett Verner and Sean Pritchard.  Together, we dive into the history of Bragg Jam, how it has evolved from a memorial concert into one of Macon's signature events, and what it takes...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with the CEO of Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Krystal Crawford to talk about the impact Girl Scouts has on young girls across our community. While many people know Girl Scouts for their famous cookies, Krystal shares how the organization is about so much more — from building confidence and leadership skills to encouraging service, entrepreneurship, and ci...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Macon-Bibb County's Chief Information Officer, Tekquell Watson, to learn more about the person leading technology and innovation for our local government. A U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 25 years of experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and public service, Tekquell shares her journey to Macon and her vision for the future. We als...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bill Causey, a longtime public servant and one of the driving forces behind many of Macon’s most beloved green spaces and trails. Even in retirement from Macon-Bibb County, Bill is still hard at work advocating for projects that connect people to nature, and to each other. From helping pave roads and shape Macon’s water drainage systems early in his ca...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Sherita Sims Jones, Director of Budget and Grants for Macon-Bibb County, during one of the most important times of the year…budget season. As she prepares to present the FY27 budget, Sherita gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the county plans, prioritizes, and funds the services that keep our community running. We also dive into the critical role...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Dr. Henry Ficklin, Macon-Bibb County’s Community Affairs Executive Director, a role that truly touches every corner of the community. From reading proclamations and connecting with residents to leading the Council of Clergy and helping guide conversations that matter, Dr. Ficklin is at the heart of community engagement. We also talk about his work inve...

In this episode of Macon It, we bring you Mayor Lester Miller’s full State of the Community Address, delivered at this year's Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce event. This annual address highlights the progress, priorities, and vision shaping Macon-Bibb County. From major projects and community investments to the momentum driving our city forward, Mayor Miller reflects on where we are and where we...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Wanzina Jackson, Director of Economic and Community Development for Macon-Bibb County, to talk about the work that’s helping transform lives across our community. With more than 20 years of service to Macon, Wanzina shares how the ECD department partners with organizations to support low- to moderate-income households through housing, resources, and op...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Jerry Battle, Macon-Bibb County’s new Neighborhood Program Coordinator, to talk about his role as a boots-on-the-ground connector between residents and local government. Jerry shares how he’s working directly with neighborhoods to listen, build trust, and make sure every voice is heard. We discuss the importance of neighborhood pride, how stronger comm...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Hannah Theus, Director of Marketing and Fulfillment for the International Cherry Blossom Festival, to talk about one of Macon’s most beloved traditions. Known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, Macon transforms each spring into a massive pink celebration that draws visitors from across the country...and around the globe. Hannah shares the stor...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, to talk about the power of local philanthropy and what it means to invest in our own community. Kathryn shares how the Foundation partners with donors and organizations to strengthen Central Georgia, from supporting the Macon Violence Prevention initiative to scholarship funds, D...

In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Natalie Bouyett, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund, to talk about how the community is tackling housing challenges head-on. Natalie shares updates on current projects, the vision behind the Affordable Housing Fund, and how Macon-Bibb County is setting a new standard for affordable housing across Georgia. It’s a conversa...

In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Alison Bender, Director of The Brookdale Resource Center, as we reflect on five years of transformation, hope, and community impact. Once a former school building, Brookdale has become a place of stability and new beginnings for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Alison walks us through Brookdale’s journey over the past five years, and we hear powerfu...

In the Season 3 premiere of Macon It, we welcome back Macon-Bibb County Manager Keith Moffett for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, listening, and this unique moment in our city’s story. Keith shares what it’s like to oversee more than 20 county departments, how he ensures every voice is heard, and why community engagement is essential to getting things done. Keith also introduces his...

In the final episode of Macon It for 2025, we’re joined by Mayor Lester Miller to reflect on a year filled with progress, milestones, and momentum in Macon-Bibb County. From the demolition of an abandoned 16-story hotel, major paving projects, to plans for a new arena, the launch of a Youth Council, and even a trip to Japan, we revisit the moments that defined the year.

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bryan Nichols, the mind and creative force behind the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza. Bryan shares how the (Christmas) light bulb first went on in his head for this idea, the huge amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing downtown to life each holiday season, and why Macon’s light show is unlike anything else in the country. We also...

In this episode of Macon It, we talk with Kathy McCollum, President & CEO of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, about the Food Bank’s beginnings and its vital role in serving our region. We also discuss Macon-Bibb County’s recent $150,000 commitment to fight food insecurity and what that investment means for families across our community. Learn more about the Middle Georgia Community Food...

Look both ways — and then tune in! This week we’re joined by Greg Brown from the Macon-Bibb County Pedestrian Safety Review Board to talk about how everyone plays a role in keeping our community safe. Whether you’re walking, biking, or behind the wheel, Greg shares updates, insights, and easy safety tips to help make every trip a safe one.

We’re talking big ideas and even bigger community impact. Lynn Murphey from the Knight Foundation joins us to share how their projects are transforming Macon — from the new Mercer School of Medicine downtown to the Emerging Cities Champions making a difference in our neighborhoods. This is what it looks like when a city invests in its own bright future. Learn more about The Knight Foundation here:...