Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1184234
4 6 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 them in a myriad of ways, like how they've made new friends who they want to make music with, or how it's given them confidence to go after something else, or how they never thought they could write a song and now it's all they want to do. WHAT ARE YOU PERSONALLY COMMITTED TO ACCOMPLISHING IN MACON AND WHY? Bringing people together to show that we are more alike than we are different means a lot to me. We can argue about a lot of things, and anyone can find faults in what you're doing, but unless they are willing to help out and find a solution, you've just got to do your best with what you've got. Bragg Jam and the Otis Music Camp always bring people of all different types together and I'm so proud to help make both of them become a reality. RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS THE BEST THING GOING ON IN MACON? We've got a lot of young people putting down roots here, planning on bringing up families and continuing their careers. They are dedicated to making Macon a better place – not just through their jobs, but through all the volunteering, lending a hand, coming together and celebrating where we are and where we can go. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR COMMUNITY? We have so much momentum going in a few areas, and it's easy to get caught up in that bubble. I'd love to see that momentum spread around the whole city, to equalize opportunities in areas that have been ignored while downtown has flourished. WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE TO ENCOURAGE CONTINUED PROGRESS IN OUR CITY? Viewing Macon as many parts which create a whole city, instead of ignoring the parts to which we don't belong. Recognizing what each neighborhood is accomplishing and what they need, and how we can help each other out with the work we are already doing. We should reward the great work that is going on under the radar in all areas of the community. WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT MACON TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T LIVE HERE, WHAT DO YOU TELL THEM? The people here are so incredibly friendly and giving, and the city is a beautiful, vibrant place that would surprise them. The architecture is so stunning and it's so easily accessible; you just walk down the street and see the most beautiful buildings. The food scene is so fabulous – not to mention the home brewed beer that is popping up all over the place. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GOOD LEADER? Listening to those around you, and making sure everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts, but also having strong conviction and sense of self. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Being able to do and be all the things I love and staying true to myself while being a worker, a leader and a mother – all of that incredibly. "BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO SHOW THAT WE ARE MORE ALIKE THAN WE ARE DIFFERENT MEANS A LOT TO ME." -Leila Regan-Porter TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACTIVITIES IN THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY WHAT YOU'RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT. With two young boys ages 4 and 2, we absolutely love the Museum of Arts and Sciences. I have been involved there as the attorney for the Board of Directors and was named the president-elect for 2021. Additionally, this year I joined the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. It has been a great experience to see the many groups and projects that the Foundation helps and the many philanthropic visions it facilitates. WHAT ARE YOU PERSONALLY COMMITTED TO ACCOMPLISHING IN MACON AND WHY? Continuing to fully support the organizations that I am part of, and to work on new projects as I am able to be an effective participant. My wife, Amanda, and I both work full time as attorneys, and the best thing I know to do is to participate when I can and allow others who are better suited and situated to step in when circumstances won't allow me to take part. RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS THE BEST THING GOING ON IN MACON? The people. People in this community are excited about Macon. They want to be a part of it or they want to make it better. It has been interesting to see – when I returned for law school in 2004 and then for good in 2008 – the evolution of the community. In the past, there were people who only wanted to talk about issues and challenges surrounding Macon. G. BOONE SMITH IV, 37 Attorney/Partner, Smith, Hawkins, Hollingsworth & Reeves, LLP