Cobb Reporter

Chattahoochee Technical College welcomed business leader Ford Thigpen as the new chair of its Board of Directors while honoring outgoing Board Chair Debbie Underkoffler at a recent meeting. Outgoing board members Mark Haney and Stevan Crew were also commended for their years of service.

Thigpen is the Northwest Georgia Regional President of The Piedmont Bank. He grew up in Paulding County and is active in many civic organizations, including serving as chair of the Wellstar Cobb Hospital Authority, president of the Rotary Club of Paulding County, and chair of the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce and past chair of both the South Cobb Business Association and the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority.

Outgoing Board Chair Debbie Underkoffler is the president and CEO of North Georgia Staffing, an award-winning human resource consulting and staffing services firm headquartered in Kennesaw. North Georgia Staffing has won the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Top 25 Small Business award five times. Underkoffler has served as chair of the Cobb Executive Women and president of the Kennesaw Business Association.

“Debbie’s hard work and dedication over the years has been truly inspiring,” said Chattahoochee Tech President Dr. Ron Newcomb in presenting her with an award of appreciation. “We greatly appreciate her steadfast support for the college and our students.”

Awards were also presented to outgoing board members Mark Haney and Stevan Crew. Haney is a retired healthcare executive who served in leadership positions for over 40 years at Wellstar Health System. His civic engagement includes serving as chair of the Georgia Association of Healthcare Executives and both the Paulding and Douglas County Chambers of Commerce.

Stevan Crew, a native of Paulding County, is the founder and owner of Crew & Associates. After serving in the U.S. Army, he pursued a career in insurance and financial services, specializing in employee benefits and estate planning for business owners and families. He has served on multiple community boards, including the Paulding Schools Foundation, Paulding County Courthouse Preservation Commission, and KSU Center for Regional History Advisory Board.

“We thank both Mark and Stevan for their unwavering support," said Dr. Newcomb. "Their tenure on the board through the years was marked by wisdom, dedication, and a deep passion for our mission."

The Chattahoochee Tech Board of Directors is an advisory board composed of members nominated by area industry and community leaders, approved by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Board members advocate within the community on issues involving the college and local workforce.

For more information, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.