Georgia Northwestern Technical College recently added four new members to the college’s Board of Directors. The Honorable Scott Smith administered the Oath of Office to the new members, who will serve three-year terms on GNTC’s board. GNTC’s new board members include Brian Anderson, representing Whitfield County; Vann W. Brown, representing Whitfield County; Dr. Vickie Reed, representing Murray County; and Joe Yarbrough, representing Whitfield County.

GNTC’s board serves both in a community advisory capacity and in a limited administrative capacity, performing certain oversight responsibilities as designated by state board policy. The local board is comprised of members from the business and industrial communities from nine counties in the service area (Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties). State board policy defines the role and responsibilities of the local Board. Board members are selected because of their experience, ability, and dedication to deal with issues that relate to the mission of occupational education. GNTC’s board of directors includes Brian Anderson, Whitfield County; Mary Sib Banks, Floyd County; Bob Berry, Floyd County; Vann W. Brown, Whitfield County; Christopher Corbin, Chattooga County; Dr. Paul Ferguson, Floyd County; Randall Fox, Gordon County; Penny Grigg, Walker County; Dr. Carl Herring, Floyd County; Robert Hitchcox, Catoosa County; Anne Kaiser, Floyd County; Jimmy Lester, Polk County; Todd Murphy, Polk County; Rebecca Page, Dade County; Dr. Vickie Reed, Murray County; Scott Tucker, Chattooga County, Chair; and Joe Yarbrough, Whitfield County.

Brian Anderson has been the President and CEO of the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce since 2008. Prior to his current position, he served four years in the US Army as a Military Intelligence Officer, and spent 10 years in the Coca-Cola system both with assignments with Coca-Cola Bottlers and the Coca-Cola Company. In 2000, he joined Dalton Beverage Company. In 2004, he served four years as Chairman of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners. He is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He is a member of the Dalton Rotary Club, serves as the LT. Governor’s appointee to the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, serves on the North Georgia Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee, and as Mentor for Southeast High School “Project Success” Program. Anderson serves on the board of directors for many organizations including the Dalton – Whitfield Solid Waste Authority as Vice-Chair, Workforce Investment as Chief Elected Officer, Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Vann W. Brown is President of ArrowStar, LLC. He has over 20 years of experience in research management with multi-national, technology-based durable goods/chemical companies. Prior to his present position, he served as Vice President of Innovation and Technology at Mohawk Industries where he directed the company`s research and development, environmental services, and sustainability efforts. In addition, he formerly was the Global Carpet Business Manager for Shell Chemicals, moving PTT (Triexta) polymer into a leading position for carpet applications, and he pioneered the product applications and business development activities to commercialize bio-based Polylactic Acid (PLA) polymers at NatureWorks. He currently serves on the Piedmont College Alumni Association, Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership, and The Roman Open Charities boards. Vann majored in Business Administration and is a graduate of Piedmont College.

Dr. Vickie Reed has served as the Superintendent for Murray County Schools since 2006, and also served as their Director of Curriculum for PK-12 from 2001-2006. Previously, Reed also served as Assistant Principal and Fourth Grade Teacher for Murray County Schools. Reed currently serves on the board of directors for Georgia School Superintendent Association, Chair of the Board of Control for North Georgia RESA, North Georgia Health Partnership, Board of Health for Murray County, Mountain View Boy’s Home, Northwest Georgia System of Care, and Creative Arts Guild. She is also affiliated with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators. Reed has received numerous awards and honors including being named the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders Educator of the Year for 2010, Murray County Teacher of the Year in 1992, Chatsworth Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1993, Who’s Who Among American Teachers, and Outstanding 7th District PAGE member. Reed is an active participant in her community and is involved with many organizations including Partners in Education, JONAS Foundation, Chatsworth-Murray County Chamber of Commerce, Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Rotary Club, Murray County Strategic Planning member, and Family Connections.

Joe Yarbrough currently serves as Senior Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering for Mohawk Industries. He is a 1970 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has since completed numerous leadership development and skill improvement programs. Prior to his current position, Yarbrough spent several years in various positions with Coronet Industries. He joined Aladdin Mills in June, 1978 as Director of Manufacturing. Aladdin Mills was merged into Mohawk Industries in February, 1994. In the first quarter of 1995, he was named Vice President Manufacturing and in March 2004, Yarbrough became Executive Vice President of Operations. He led the integration of new technologies for the business and was active in the assimilation of numerous mergers and acquisitions. Also active in his community, he currently serves on the boards of directors for RossWoods Adult Day Services and is the Chair of the Building Campaign Steering Committee, is Chair Elect of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, the Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership, and the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). Additionally, he serves as Chair of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Operating and Technical Issues Committees. He also owns and operates Walnut Hill Farm Event Center north of Dalton.