Let's Create Together

Pat Hinchey, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, serving clients primarily on the south side of Atlanta. Pat is the founder and director of Integrated Financial Partners (formerly Hinchey Financial Group). Pat and his team provide comprehensive financial planning services to individuals and small businesses.

Pat and his wife, Kim, have lived in both Henry and Fayette Counties since 1991, and they have two children, Halie and Sean. Pat graduated from Georgetown University in 1978, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics.

Pat is also a founding member of Integrated Financial Group, a consortium of independent financial planners serving over 50 member firms throughout the southeast. IFG is dedicated to making it possible for independent planners to offer world class services and expertise while maintaining objective independence.

Edward Johnson has been a Fayetteville elected official since Jan. 2012, serving first as a city councilman. He has served as Mayor since January 2016. He has lived in Fayetteville since 1994.

He graduated from L.B. Landry High School in 1973 and obtained his post-secondary education from Dillard University of New Orleans graduating with a B.S. degree in Biology.

After graduating from Dillard University he was selected to attend the U.S. Navy’s Aviation Officers’ Candidate School and upon graduating was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy.  He served in many capacities as a Navy Surface Warfare Officer obtaining the rank of Commander.  He served in many positions culminating his twenty-two year navy career as Executive Officer onboard the USS Santa Barbara (AE-28) and eventually XO of the Georgia Tech / Morehouse College Navy ROTC Program.  While in the U.S. Navy he attended the U.S. Naval War College and Salve Regina University obtaining two Master of Science Degrees.  He has been awarded several U.S. Navy awards and personal commendations for his service while in the navy.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Johnson is a retired U.S. Navy commander and educator who now serves as full-time pastor of Flat Rock African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Fayetteville area. He and his wife Dr. Vanessa O. Johnson have two sons and three granddaughters.

Johnson says he moved to Fayetteville to put his sons into an excellent school system. He says he is encouraged by the city’s growing sense of community as it encounters well-managed development and growth.

Darryl A. Hicks joined Equity Service, Inc. under Apogee Financial Partners in April 2022. Darryl worked for MassMutual, Capstone Agency for 9 years and Morgan Stanley for almost 3 years before building on a distinguished career in both public service and the private sector. In 2010, he ran for Labor Commissioner for the state of Georgia, attracting over 1 million votes in the general elections. Prior to the election, he served as the chief of staff to the chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the largest county in Georgia. Mr. Hicks also spent more than 20 years on the management team of AGL Resources, the parent company of Atlanta Gas Light Company.

Mr. Hicks was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to the State Ethics Commission and the Georgia Board of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers. In addition, he is currently on the board of the Fayette County Development Authority (chair), the Fayette County Board of Elections and Morris Brown College Trustee Board. He also co-foundered a non-profit organize called He Ain’t Heavy Pretrial Diversion Program (for young males with low offenses) and serves on the board. He is a former chair of the board of directors of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and was a trustee of Young Harris College Board. He previously served on the Atlanta Metropolitan College Foundation, where he served five years as its chairman, Habitat for Humanity of Atlanta Advisory Council Board, the boards of Atlanta-based Mutual Savings Credit Union, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta, Future Foundation, Center for the Visually Impaired of Atlanta, and the Butler Street YMCA. He also was a member of the Atlanta Junior League Advisory Committee and has chaired the South Metro March of Dimes annual drive. President George W. Bush honored Darryl as the “Outstanding Volunteer of Georgia” in 2002.

In 2003, Hicks earned an M.B.A. in executive management from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business while working full time at AGL Resources. The school honored him with the Brook’s Community Award for his exemplary record in the field of community service and business ethics. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. He has earned his FINRA series 7, 66, and 31 licenses, as well as licenses to sell Life Insurance, Accident & Sickness Insurance, and Variable Annuity products.

He also as a Property and Casualty license. He and his wife Shirelle have three children and lives in Fayetteville, GA.

Though a New York native, Sameera Tillman has been a self-proclaimed “Georgia Peach” for over 13 years and a resident of Fayette County for the past 10 years.  Sameera earned her BSocSc with a concentration in International Studies from New York University in 2006.  Founded in 2010, Sameera and her husband, Dwayne, own a roadside assistance company that provides services to motorists throughout the Southeast region of the country.    Sameera and Dwayne are the proud parents of two young boys.  

Tracy, a native of Georgia, currently serves as the Product Manager for Satair USA, overseeing spares support for airline operators and repair centers globally since 2017. Prior to joining Satair, Tracy held the position of Product Manager at Rinnai America, a leading global water heating company.

Before his role at Fayette County Development Authority, Tracy actively contributed to his community. He was elected to the Tyrone Town Council and dedicated his service from 2008 to 2011. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the Tyrone Elementary School Council from 2011 to 2012.

In his capacity as a representative of FCDA, Tracy advocates for the interests of the Town of Tyrone, where he and his wife Jacqui have proudly called home since 2002. The couple shares the joys of parenthood with their daughter, Sophie, who is currently pursuing her education at Kennesaw State University.

Mr. Braun is a management consultant working in the aviation industry where he serves clients through a range of engagements, including master plan studies, economic impact analyses, organizational change initiatives, and financial planning efforts.  A native of Virginia, he and his family set down roots in Peachtree City in 2017. Mr. Braun holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University. As a member of the FCDA, he represents the Peachtree City Airport Authority, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board. 

Dr. Luis Matta Jr., D.B.A., M.M.I.S., M.B.A., Technology Consultant, Economic Development Strategist, Speaker, Author & Board Member.

Dr. Luis Matta Jr. is a dynamic Technology Consultant, Economic Development Strategist, speaker, author, and board member, specializing in leveraging cutting-edge technology solutions to drive sustainable economic growth for businesses and communities. With expertise in both IT consulting and economic development, Dr. Matta provides a unique blend of technical insight and strategic planning that enables organizations to innovate, expand, and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

Throughout his career, Dr. Matta has worked with a range of businesses, from startups to large global enterprises, helping them implement advanced technology systems that enhance operational efficiency and unlock new opportunities for growth. As an Economic Developer, he partners with public and private sector organizations to craft and implement economic strategies that promote job creation, attract investment, and develop critical infrastructure.

His approach combines a deep understanding of emerging technologies, such as cloud computing and cybersecurity, with a passion for fostering economic resilience. Dr. Matta holds a Doctorate in International Business, a Master’s in Management of Information Systems, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, along with key certifications in IT and economic development.
In addition to his consulting work, Dr. Matta is an accomplished speaker and author, regularly sharing insights on technology, economic development, and innovation. He also serves on various boards, offering strategic guidance and thought leadership to organizations aiming to drive progress in the digital and economic sectors.

When not consulting, Dr. Matta stays at the forefront of industry trends and explores new ways to integrate technology and economic strategies to benefit communities and businesses alike. Feel free to reach out to discuss how he can help your organization harness technology for economic success.

Jim Kuo is the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations of Hoshizaki America, Inc. Jim is currently responsible for the manufacturing operations of two factories in Georgia. Before this assignment, Jim was an expat serving as the president and a board member of a Hoshizaki group company in Brazil for six years. Jim has experience in product design, manufacturing processes, management, and strategic development. Jim has joined Hoshizaki America and resided in Fayette County since 1998. 

Jim had moved to the US from Taiwan in 1990 to pursuit post-graduation educations. He earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and an EMBA from Georgia State University.

Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas currently serves as President of the Executive Leadership Academy and Talent Initiatives for the Technical College System of Georgia and its system of twenty-two colleges. She provides system-wide leadership for a comprehensive leadership development program for Assistant Commissioners, College Presidents, Vice Presidents, Deans, and Directors.   

Prior to her leadership role with the Technical College System of Georgia, Dr. Thomas served as President of Southern Crescent Technical College. During her five-year tenure at the College, she exercised oversight over a $30 million budget and the operations of five campus locations spreading over eight counties in Georgia’s South Atlanta region. Under her leadership, the College improved in all key performance indicators. It also increased business and industry partnerships as well as innovative programs of study for high demand careers. Dr Thomas also led the College through multiple building renovations, campus expansions, and new construction.   

Prior to her arrival at Southern Crescent Technical College in 2016, Dr. Thomas served for eight years as President of Atlanta Technical College. Under her leadership the college increased enrollment, developed global partnerships, and expanded campus facilities. Atlanta Technical College was also recognized as the 2012 Technical College System of Georgia College of the Year and America’s Best Community College in 2007. Before her appointment as President, Dr. Thomas served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Atlanta Tech. In that capacity, she led the institution to an unprecedented level of academic excellence and program expansion as well as accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  

Before arriving at Atlanta Technical College, Dr. Thomas served as Executive Director at Skills for Tomorrow Charter High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Education Specialist at the US Department of Defense; and adjunct assistant professor at Alabama State University.  

Dr. Thomas has a lifelong passion for education, empowerment, equity, and inclusion. In 2022 she formed the Peterman Group, LLC. She currently serves as a consultant supporting education initiatives for at risk students and the development of underrepresented women in leadership. As an expert in higher education leadership and data driven decision making, Dr. Thomas frequently serves as a speaker and facilitator for national, state, and local programs.  

Dr. Thomas has been honored by the National Science Foundation; US House of Representatives; the City of Atlanta; the Atlanta Business League; the Fayette County NAACP; and the DTAE/UGA Community and Technical College Leadership Initiative, of which she was a first-cohort graduate. She was also recognized by the State of Georgia’s Secretary of State as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen in 2011 and the Ford Motor Company as an Unsung Hero in 2012. Moreover, the University of Georgia Graduate School honored Dr. Thomas with the 2016 Graduate School Alumni of Distinction Award and she was honored as a Circle of 50 member of the Adult Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development Program at the University of Georgia. In 2022, Dr. Thomas was named as one of Atlanta Magazine’s Top 500 Leaders. She was also honored by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce with the 2023 Chet Wells for her service to the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. 

Dr. Thomas has a strong business and community connection. Her community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Business Women Empowerment Project and Phenomenal Women’s Health, Inc. She is a member of the executive committees of the Fayette County Chamber of  Commerce and the Fayetteville Rotary Club. In 2023 she led a nationwide search to hire a President and CEO for the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. In December, 2023 she was appointed by the Fayette County Commission to serve on the Fayette County Development Authority Board. 

Dr. Thomas is a proud member of Flat Rock African American Episcopal Church. She serves as Chair of the Foundation Board as well as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and the Mass Choir.  

Dr. Thomas received her B.S. in Political Science from Alabama State University, a M.A. in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University, and an Ed.D. in Adult Education from the University of Georgia. 

Dr. Thomas resides in the south metro Atlanta area. She is a proud mother and grandmother.