Board Members
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Liliana BrennerPresident
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Liliana has served as a member of the Secret Garden Tour Committee since 2018, providing technical and creative support for Johns Creek Beautification's website and online presence for several years. She has also been an active part of school boards, including Dolvin Elementary and Johns Creek High School, supporting environmental programs and serving as VP of Communication. As an independent Web designer and IT Consultant, with a Bachelor's degree in Science Technology, Liliana has been volunteering her time promoting Environmental Education in our community since her move here from Germany in 2005. She helped develop a hands-on, elementary school science program for the Teaching Museum North and served on the North Fulton Council PTA board as the VP of Environmental Education and as President of the organization.
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Kelly KennedyTreasurer
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Kelly has been an integral part of our community for the past 20 years, calling Johns Creek home with her husband Chris and their four children. She brings a wealth of financial and business expertise to the JCB Board.
Kelly embarked on her career at Deloitte & Touche, where she became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and managed audit engagements across various industries before shifting to Cox Enterprise where she focused on Business Development.
Following a sabbatical focused on family and community volunteering, Kelly's career took her to Vesta Corporation, where she excelled in financial planning, budget management, forecasting, and financial reporting, all while assuming a leadership position in account management. In response to the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, Kelly lent her expertise to SnapNurse, managing the deployment of 4,000 nursing professionals in California. Currently, Kelly is a valuable asset to Firm Financial Partners where she focuses on the Multi-Family Office division, providing services to high-net-worth individuals.
Beyond her career, Kelly has devoted her time to various volunteer roles, including serving as a board member, VP Parliamentarian for the Young Men's Service League, and Treasurer for both the Swim & Dive Team at Johns Creek High School and the Oxford Mill Swim Team. She also held multiple positions at Dolvin Elementary, including PTA Treasurer. Kelly engaged with her community through Saint Brigid Catholic Church, serving as a Parish Council member, Catechist, and participating in three mission trips to Nicaragua. Additionally, she served as Senior Presents Treasurer and Volunteer for the National Charity League.
In her free time, Kelly actively engages with the Johns Creek community. She's an enthusiastic tennis and pickleball player and enjoy walks alongside her sweet goldendoodle.
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Jennifer SchauSecretary
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After working in both South Carolina and Georgia as a school psychologist for more than 28 years, Jennifer recently retired from Forsyth County Schools. Throughout her career she was trained in crisis response, child abuse prevention, and mediation. Jennifer's career has been focused on child advocacy for the needs of students and parents, as well as providing professional learning for the schools and communities she served. In the past she has been the president and regional representative on the board of a non-profit educational organization. At the community level Jennifer has been a Girl Scout leader for a cadet troop.
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Lynn L. PenningtonPast President and ArtSpot Co-Chair
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Lynn is the past president and Co-Chair of the ArtSpot Program at Johns Creek Beautification. She has been an active board member since 2019. Education has been the mainstay of Lynn’s career, with 40 plus years in the field. She’s held a number of professional positions including those with school districts and universities, and as an independent educational consultant. She recently retired as the executive director of the Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators (SSTAGE), a non-profit professional association she helped create in 2007. Lynn has also served as the president of the Newtown Park Community Foundation and the Centennial High School Foundation for the Fine Arts. She chaired the Parks and Recreation study group for the Committee for Johns Creek. Currently, she is a board member of the Cultural Arts Alliance at Johns Creek and is a member of the Johns Creek Historical Society.
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Mic (Michele) BishopDirector
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Mic Bishop is an accomplished freelance graphic designer with over 25 years of experience. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University, Mic's interest lies in creating captivating visual experiences. She made her mark in 2022 as a key member of the Secret Garden Committee, leading the redesign of the Secret Garden Logo and promotional materials for the highly anticipated 2023 Secret Garden Tour. Mic’s artistic flair extends beyond her professional pursuits, with a lengthy history of volunteering with school organizations like the PTSA, and contributing her skills to crafting intricate costumes, hats, and set pieces for various school theater productions. When she's not designing, Mic enjoys gardening, tennis, yoga, and baking. Since 2002, Mic has been an active part of the Johns Creek community alongside her husband, two teenagers, and two silly dogs.
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Deborah BranscombDirector
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Deborah Branscomb brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our organization, drawing on a diverse background that spans journalism, education, public service, and real estate. Currently a realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty at their Avalon office in Johns Creek, Deborah has been serving the local community with her real estate expertise since 2022. Her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to community service and professional excellence.
Deborah’s career began in journalism, where she served as a reporter for The Elberton Star and The Daily News, covering government news, police reports, and special features. Her early dedication to public service was later channeled into her role as a Special Assistant and Scheduler in the Office of the Georgia Secretary of State, where she managed high-profile schedules, coordinated public engagements, and provided essential communication support.
Beyond her professional life, Deborah has been an advocate and educator. She spent time teaching music to preschoolers and tutoring students in creative writing, sharing her passion for the arts and literacy. Her commitment to community education extended to her volunteer roles in local schools and her church, where she coordinated Sunday school programs and served as an Elementary Sunday School Coordinator.
Deborah’s academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia and music studies at Stetson University. She has also led initiatives like organizing a chapter for the Equal Rights Amendment in Elberton, GA, and served as National Committeewoman for the Young Democrats of Georgia.
With her extensive experience and deep-rooted dedication to service, Deborah is a valuable asset to our community’s mission.
Deborah’s career began in journalism, where she served as a reporter for The Elberton Star and The Daily News, covering government news, police reports, and special features. Her early dedication to public service was later channeled into her role as a Special Assistant and Scheduler in the Office of the Georgia Secretary of State, where she managed high-profile schedules, coordinated public engagements, and provided essential communication support.
Beyond her professional life, Deborah has been an advocate and educator. She spent time teaching music to preschoolers and tutoring students in creative writing, sharing her passion for the arts and literacy. Her commitment to community education extended to her volunteer roles in local schools and her church, where she coordinated Sunday school programs and served as an Elementary Sunday School Coordinator.
Deborah’s academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia and music studies at Stetson University. She has also led initiatives like organizing a chapter for the Equal Rights Amendment in Elberton, GA, and served as National Committeewoman for the Young Democrats of Georgia.
With her extensive experience and deep-rooted dedication to service, Deborah is a valuable asset to our community’s mission.
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Lynn CantyDirector and ArtSpot Co-Chair
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Lynn is the Director of Operations for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology of the American Psychological Association and serves as a class trustee for the University of Virginia. She is the former Executive Director of Leadership Johns Creek and served as co-chair of the Leadership Class that proposed the Public Art Master Plan for the City of Johns Creek. Lynn is a theatrical costume hobbyist and an honorary member of the International Thespian Society. As a community volunteer Lynn has served as the Cultural Arts Committee chair, Boy Scout leader, ALTA Vice President, Hands-On and Keep Johns Creek Beautiful Coordinator.
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Mina DysonDirector
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Mina brings a great amount of experience and commitment to community enhancement. With a decade-long career as a Realtor for Coldwell Banker, Mina possesses a keen understanding of the real estate landscape. Her expertise extends further to her five-year tenure at Ledford Landscape specializing in seasonal color designs.
Mina's dedication to community service is exemplified through her roles as the Development Committee Chair for Peachtree Corners Triangle Green Space, where she contributed significantly to its growth. Having served as Vice President and President for Bellmere Garden Club since its inception around 1981, Mina brings a wealth of leadership experience. Her recent role as Committee Chair for the Johns Creek Beautification Secret Garden Tour in 2023 showcased her commitment to the board's programs.
With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, Mina's education in Journalism and Public Relations adds a unique dimension to her skill set. As a former member of the North Fulton Master Gardeners, she brings a rich background in gardening and landscaping.
Having resided in Johns Creek for 36 years, Mina has witnessed the community's evolution and is acutely aware of the challenges posed by unregulated growth on the environment and the community's quality of life. As a proactive advocate for preserving the natural beauty of Johns Creek, Mina's dedication is evident in her role as a Board Member in the HOA River Club, serving as Landscape Chair for over two decades.
Mina's skills encompass program development, landscaping, gardening, non-profit leadership, and special events. Her participation in the Johns Creek Beautification Board reflects her strong commitment to preserving the community's natural allure.
Mina's dedication to community service is exemplified through her roles as the Development Committee Chair for Peachtree Corners Triangle Green Space, where she contributed significantly to its growth. Having served as Vice President and President for Bellmere Garden Club since its inception around 1981, Mina brings a wealth of leadership experience. Her recent role as Committee Chair for the Johns Creek Beautification Secret Garden Tour in 2023 showcased her commitment to the board's programs.
With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, Mina's education in Journalism and Public Relations adds a unique dimension to her skill set. As a former member of the North Fulton Master Gardeners, she brings a rich background in gardening and landscaping.
Having resided in Johns Creek for 36 years, Mina has witnessed the community's evolution and is acutely aware of the challenges posed by unregulated growth on the environment and the community's quality of life. As a proactive advocate for preserving the natural beauty of Johns Creek, Mina's dedication is evident in her role as a Board Member in the HOA River Club, serving as Landscape Chair for over two decades.
Mina's skills encompass program development, landscaping, gardening, non-profit leadership, and special events. Her participation in the Johns Creek Beautification Board reflects her strong commitment to preserving the community's natural allure.
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Ingrid JacobsDirector
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Ingrid Jacobs, brings a distinctive vision and passionate leadership to our community. Having recently relocated from Boston, Ingrid's fresh perspective is coupled with a deep commitment to enhancing the beauty of Johns Creek. Her journey began as a participant in the 2023 Johns Creek Secret Garden tour, offering her valuable insights into event planning processes and a keen understanding of local gardening dynamics.
Holding a Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University with a major in Agricultural Business and a Master's degree from Xavier University with a major in Human Resource Development, Ingrid blends her academic background with hands-on experience.
Ingrid is dedicated to collaborative efforts with our board members, working together to elevate Johns Creek into an even more stunning place to live. With a sincere passion for fostering connections and cultivating deeper community relationships, she derives immense satisfaction from the awareness that her dedicated efforts contribute meaningfully to the ongoing beautification and enhancement of Johns Creek.
Holding a Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University with a major in Agricultural Business and a Master's degree from Xavier University with a major in Human Resource Development, Ingrid blends her academic background with hands-on experience.
Ingrid is dedicated to collaborative efforts with our board members, working together to elevate Johns Creek into an even more stunning place to live. With a sincere passion for fostering connections and cultivating deeper community relationships, she derives immense satisfaction from the awareness that her dedicated efforts contribute meaningfully to the ongoing beautification and enhancement of Johns Creek.
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Cassandra LittlejohnDirector and Daffodils4Hope Chair
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Cassandra Littlejohn is a seasoned consultant, entrepreneur, and grassroots organizer. She made history in 2005 as the first African American elected to the At-Large position on the DeKalb County School Board in Georgia and later served as chair for consecutive terms. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies, is a Certified Personal Development Coach, and an ordained Church Elder.
Cassandra has excelled as a program director, political consultant, and community leader in San Antonio, TX, and later returned to Georgia in 2020. She is a proud Leadership Johns Creek alumnus, co-chair of the Daffodils for Hope project at Johns Creek Beautification, and serves on various boards and civic initiatives. Cassandra attends Eagles Nest Church in Roswell, GA, alongside her husband Kevin Littlejohn.While she finds fulfillment in her political and community roles, Cassandra's greatest joys stem from her family, including children, grandchildren, and her miniature poodle, Ace.
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Cassandra has excelled as a program director, political consultant, and community leader in San Antonio, TX, and later returned to Georgia in 2020. She is a proud Leadership Johns Creek alumnus, co-chair of the Daffodils for Hope project at Johns Creek Beautification, and serves on various boards and civic initiatives. Cassandra attends Eagles Nest Church in Roswell, GA, alongside her husband Kevin Littlejohn.While she finds fulfillment in her political and community roles, Cassandra's greatest joys stem from her family, including children, grandchildren, and her miniature poodle, Ace.
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Michele MorelDirector
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Michèle has been serving on the Johns Creek Beautification board since 2017. She is a proud naturalized American from Montréal, QC, Canada. Following graduation from the Université de Montréal with a BSc in Nursing, she quickly advanced in Sales and Marketing positions focused on medical devices. After a successful international career of almost 30 years, it was time for a change. In 2001, Michèle completed the Georgia Master Gardener program. In 2002, she started her own successful Design and Build landscape business. Retiring in 2019, Michèle continues to volunteer as a Master Gardener, enjoys working in her own garden, and is very involved in the Johns Creek community. Traveling has become a priority; she likes to be out of her element… Africa, Egypt, the Rockies, Alaska - and coming up, India! Entertaining "her family of friends" is Michèle’s favorite pastime
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Debbi OatesDirector
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Debbi is a Realtor for Keller Williams North Atlanta. From 2014 to 2016, she worked in banking, including roles at Integrity Bank and Community & Southern Bank. Debbi has a strong commitment to community service and has volunteered as PTA President, an Odyssey of the Mind coach, and with the Foster Care Support Foundation. Additionally, she has been actively involved with the Johns Creek Arts Center. Debbi's diverse background in real estate, banking, and volunteer work makes her a valuable asset to the Johns Creek Beautification Board.
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Marty ThomasDirector
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Marty Thomas brings decades of community dedication and a wealth of experience to our cause. Having been an integral part of our community for decades, Marty's journey in John's Creek is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Marty relocated to John's Creek in 1991, where she has since made her mark as a devoted educator, nurturing young minds in elementary schools for years. Marty's involvement in various aspects of community life extends far beyond the classroom. She has been a cherished volunteer docent for our John's Creek garden tours, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for horticulture with all who attend. This longstanding commitment exemplifies her dedication to our community's beautification.
In 2018, she earned the title of Master Gardener, demonstrating her green thumb and commitment to cultivating beauty in our city. Her gardening prowess has also been extended to the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, where her volunteer work has enriched the local ecosystem. Marty is an active member of the National Hydrangea Society, aligning with our mission to nurture the environment. She also contributes to the spiritual well-being of our community through the Women's Ministry at First Redeemer Church, where she also leads engaging Bible study discussion groups.
In her free time, Marty enjoys quality moments with her four lively grandchildren, embodying the essence of family values.
In 2018, she earned the title of Master Gardener, demonstrating her green thumb and commitment to cultivating beauty in our city. Her gardening prowess has also been extended to the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, where her volunteer work has enriched the local ecosystem. Marty is an active member of the National Hydrangea Society, aligning with our mission to nurture the environment. She also contributes to the spiritual well-being of our community through the Women's Ministry at First Redeemer Church, where she also leads engaging Bible study discussion groups.
In her free time, Marty enjoys quality moments with her four lively grandchildren, embodying the essence of family values.
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Marilyn DavisDirector Emeritus
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Julie Coco
Director Emeritus
Chuck Wilkinson
Director Emeritus