Executive Forum
The executive forum is a quarterly program for executives and business leaders in the Milledgeville-Baldwin community. Each quarter, business executives come to speak about their area and topics of interest to our community. Membership is by invitation only and limited to 50 individuals or 25 companies. Each forum consists of a beer and wine networking hour, meal, and presentation. Executive forums typically take place on Monday evenings from 5-8pm. Presentations vary based on business community interest and needs.
2025 Speakers
November 17: Lou Childs, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of SlumberPods
Lou Childs is co-founder of Slumberpods. She has 25+ years of marketing and communications experience with small financial services software and Fortune 500 companies. Childs has presented on SharkTank and brings a wealth of knowledge about the marketing industry to campus.
October 6: Kristina Turner, Deputy State AUditor, georgia department of audits and accounts
Kristina Turner is the first woman to be appointed to the role of Deputy State Auditor in the State of Georgia, and was appointed in 2019. In this role, she initially managed the financial work performed by the Department at both the State and Local levels. In 2022, her focused changed to fostering a culture that values individuals, public service, and innovation at a department level. Over her 25 years at DOAA, Kristina has contributed to numerous areas of the department’s mission. Her work has included: technology integration into financial audits and leading data analysis efforts as well as spearheading development and research initiatives.
Kristina is a GCSU Alumna, with her Bachelor's degree in Accounting, and Master's degree in Management Information Systems. She holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
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Previous Presentations:
January 27, 2025: "An AI Road Map for Business Leaders"
Kevin Neary, CEO, Orcawise
Kevin Neary is the co-founder and CEO of Orcawise. He works with AI developers and compliance leaders from large corporations, tech companies, and startups, providing them with responsible AI services, tools, and training.
Kevin is actively involved in the AI community. He is a member of the industry steering board at CeADAR, Europe’s leading Digital Innovation Hub, and sits on the board of the AI Lab at Georgia College & State University. He also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at several international universities.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Kevin is the author of the OrcaPulse newsletter, which reaches 35,000 readers with updates and insights on responsible AI and technological excellence.
March 3: "From Blight to Bright: A Blueprint for Community Rejuvenation in Central Georgia"
Mike Ciabattoni, Managing Partner, CW Holdings LLC
CW Development Holdings was co-founded by Mike Ciabattoni to pursue the acquisition & development of a 22.5-acre parcel in downtown Macon, Georgia. Mike moved to Macon as his wife was attending a medical residency program at Mercer University, and instantly saw the potential of a city that was experiencing a revival. Recognizing a need for wholesome family entertainment, the low-cost basis and upward trend of downtown provided the motivation to acquire the property and begin phase 1 of this project; The Yard.
Mike has spent thirteen years as a commercial pilot, and four years as an investment advisor for a NY based firm. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from West Chester University.