2024 Staff Recap
After a busy 2024 the GAM staff looks back on the past 12 months,
and ahead to 2025.
Brittney Hull
Vice President, Government Affairs
What are you most proud of this year?
I have been very proud of our members stepping up and being vocal on political advocacy. When I came to GAM our GAMPAC was small and not transparent. The dollars that our members give to help advance manufacturing at the legislature is instrumental. This year GAM was able double GAMPAC contributions and know where their dollars are being spent. GAMPAC gave to over 107 candidates with a 98% success rate in the elections.
What is one fun moment you had with a GAM member(s) this year?
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ .
[Upon review, Brittney's stories of the long hours spent advocating for manufacturing with members throughout the state have been redacted in the interest of professionalism. She suggests you find her at the next GAM event where she can regale you with her stories in person.]
What are you looking forward to most to in 2025?
Honestly, [Legislative] session! I love being able to advocate at the state capitol for our members’ interests. We have some very important issues coming in 2025 - truck weights, civil action litigation, workforce development and artificial intelligence – and I can't wait to talk about all of it with my co-host Clay Jones on the Legislative Update podcast.
Clay Jones
Vice President & General Counsel
What are you most proud of this year?
I’m most proud of our GAM team. We’ve set forth an ambitious plan to transform the Association by building on its rich legacy to expand GAM and make it even more effective. The buy-in from our team, as well as from our Board, Manufacturing Members and Associate Members, is inspiring and provides daily fuel to me to work to make Georgia the best place to be a manufacturer.
What is one fun moment you had with a GAM member(s) this year?
There are too many – every time we have a meeting I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie with all our members. But I guess I’d have to go with relaxing by the pool at the Workforce Seminar with Kevin Queen, Brittney Hull, Amna Shirazi, Angee Nugent-Rudny, and many others, along with kids and spouses and my son Duncan!
What are you looking forward to most to in 2025?
Continuing to grow the Association’s membership, navigating a busy year on energy matters and celebrating GAM’s 125th anniversary!
Robert Jones
Director, Marketing & Communications
What are you most proud of this year?
We pride ourselves on being responsive to members and that’s why GAM Connect has been such an important undertaking. Having a digital space that is exclusive to our members was important to them, and we’re seeing great activity and broad adoption on the platform. I’m also proud of the way we’re taking the message of manufacturing to the public. I had no manufacturing background before I came to GAM, and I quickly learned just how much impact the industry has on my daily life. With things like the Manufacturing Day Proclamation, the Made in Georgia event, and so much of our workforce development efforts, we’re showing people the importance, and the opportunity, of manufacturing.
What is one fun moment you had with a GAM member(s) this year?
So many fun moments stand out from our signature events, specifically the bonfire at the Spring Meeting and the Luau at the Workforce Seminar with my family, but I think some of my favorite moments have been talking to members about what they make. When I talk to people outside of our association about GAM, I make it a point to tell them how much our members care about what they make. It’s encouraging to see our members really enjoy the process and specifics of their work, because I know that dedication translates to dependability in products that people rely on.
What are you looking forward to most to in 2025?
Obviously, the Peachiest Thing Made in Georgia is already top of mind for me (make sure to nominate your product!), but I’m also really excited about our Insights Report. In 2025 we’re going to keep telling the story of manufacturers all over the state to even more people.
Rebekah Murray
Director, Engagement and Events
What are you most proud of this year?
This year, I am most proud of having delivered meaningful and memorable event experiences to our membership, achieving an average of 4.8 / 5.0 satisfaction rating from our three Signature events: Spring Meeting, Workforce Seminar, and the Fall Meeting. Industry standard for overall satisfaction is a 4.0. My personal goal has always been to achieve a 4.5. Our revamped event designs elevated the overall quality and provided greater visibility to our sponsors more so than ever before. By actively surveying members and incorporating your feedback, we were able to ensure each event was better than the last. Thank you to each member who engaged with us and helped make this year a resounding success!
What is one fun moment you had with a GAM member(s) this year?
This is a tough question because there were a lot! But, if I had to pick one, I would have to say the last night of the Spring Meeting in Point Clear, AL. As an Event Manager, I always try to stand back and assess the room and atmosphere to see what’s needed. Nothing was needed this night. We had just wrapped two days of excellent content. The weather was perfect, band was playing, members were eating and dancing. What I remember the most is that there was this electric buzz of energy that was radiating amongst the membership. It was really cool to witness and be a part of.
What are you looking forward to most to in 2025?
2025 is going to be a big year! It’s our 125th Anniversary, and we’ve got some really ‘peachy’ things in store for you. I look forward to celebrating with you all!
Stephanie Scearce
Vice President, Workforce Innovation
What are you most proud of this year?
This year, I am most proud of how our members rallied together to support GAM’s workforce development initiatives. Their dedication—whether through financial support or by generously giving their time—demonstrated a deep commitment to being at the table and driving positive change for our industry.
What is one fun moment you had with a GAM member(s) this year?
One of the most enjoyable moments this year was when Toyo invited GAM staff and their families to their Family Day at Dave & Busters in Atlanta, where I brought my parents along. It was fun introducing them to my Toyo colleagues and enjoying some friendly competition. I always appreciate when my work and personal life come together like that.
What are you looking forward to most to in 2025?
Exciting things are on the horizon for 2025. We're working on something that will empower our members to take control of their industry's narrative and forge a direct connection with the public. Stay tuned!
Cindy Thomas
Director, Operations and Membership Development
What are you most proud of this year?
I am most proud of how our GAM team has united to enhance the value and benefits we offer to our members. Through strong leadership, teamwork and dedication, we have elevated the Association’s profile and services for our members.
What is one fun moment you had with a GAM member(s) this year?
There have been many fun moments this past year, but the most memorable was a lunch I had with Subena Colligan, of EHS Transformation Consultants, and it was a truly delightful experience. We had an engaging conversation about the latest trends in environmental health and safety, shared some laughs, and brainstormed potential collaboration opportunities for the coming year. It's moments like these that highlight the value of personal connections within our GAM community.
What are you looking forward to most to in 2025?
I’m looking forward to celebrating the Association’s 125th anniversary in 2025. This milestone offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our rich history and achievements while looking forward to an even brighter future. I’m excited about expanding our outreach efforts to educate more manufacturers about the crucial work we do at GAM and its significance for the entire community.
Lloyd Avram
President & CEO
What are you most proud of this year?
The results we achieved and how we achieved them. Our advocacy for the industry, leadership on workforce development solutions, energy rate case work, numerous events, member communications, council meetings – it was a very productive year that delivered tangible value for our members. But importantly, my GAM team worked diligently, creatively, collaboratively and with the highest regard for our members and industry to make 2024 a major success. I am also proud of our Board of Directors for its engagement, commitment and sound counsel, and the tireless leadership of our Chair, Greg King and Vice Chair, Michael Edwards.
I couldn’t be prouder.
What is one fun moment you had with a GAM member(s) this year?
You know, an Association is all about people. Watching Team GAM and our members come together at events to share information, build relations and have a lot of fun in the process is an ongoing joy.
What are you looking forward to most in 2025?
It’s a long list, but here are the highlights:
- Celebrating our 125th anniversary and putting a spotlight on our past, present and future as the only association in Georgia founded by manufacturers for manufacturers.
- Building even greater momentum in our advocacy for the industry and growing our membership
- Continuing to do all we can to support our members in every way possible