On Saturday, February 22, 2025, nine of Rome’s “unsung heroes” will be honored at the Heart of the Community Foundation Awards of Honor black-tie gala. The ticketed event will be held at The Forum River Center with the silent auction and reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a seated dinner and awards program at 7:00 p.m. Returning this year will be the post-party celebration immediately following the awards program.
For 39 years, AdventHealth Redmond has served as the presenting sponsor of the Foundation and awards program. The mission of The Heart of the Community Foundation is to recognize individuals for their commitment to outstanding community service in Rome and Floyd County.
The 2025 recipients include: Wanda Whitten; Ciara McKnight; Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc; Stephanie Dean; Lynn Green; Virgina Barrow Harmon; Dave Roberson; Mimi Weed; and Marquita Wright-Davis.
Brooks Mathis, a native of Rome, has been appointed chairman of the 2024-2025 Heart of the Community Foundation Board of Governors.
Brooks is the Business Development Officer for LGE Community Credit Union. He is a graduate of Leadership Rome and now serves on the advisory committee for the Rome Floyd Chamber Leadership Rome program. Brooks serves on the boards for the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia, ESP Rome Champions, and Hospitality House for Women. He has been selected as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s 40 Under 40 as well as the publications list of Most Notable Georgian’s.
The mission of the Heart of the Community Foundation is to recognize individuals in Rome and Floyd County for their outstanding community service. Recipients of these annual awards are honored at a black-tie gala presented by AdventHealth Redmond and the Heart of the Community Foundation, Inc. The 39th annual event will be held on February 22, 2025.
The Heart of the Community Foundation also supports local community agency projects with heart-health and humanitarian missions. Proceeds from this year’s event will support similar community agency programs in Rome and Floyd County. Previously funded projects have included the Heart House for families of critically ill patients on the AdventHealth Redmond campus, AED units in public facilities in Rome, a fitness course at Ridge Ferry Park, fitness equipment at the Thornton Center, swimming scholarships at the YMCA, exercise equipment for Summit Quest, and grants to various humanitarian and heart related agencies in Rome and Floyd County.
Additional members of the Heart of the Community Foundation Board of Governors include: Shannon Newby, Chair-Elect; Megan Treglown, Secretary; Sara Molnar, Treasurer; Andrea Pitts, Immediate Past Chair; Kevin Allen; Kristy Brown; Luke Chaffin; Eric Collins; Ella Givens; Courtnay Griffin; Jake Hager; Chris Jackson; Sarah Martin; Carey Pilgrim; Mimi Richards; William Richardson; Michelle Rikard; Heath Rogers; Kelly Sanker; Lauren Sklar; Dwight Stout; Jim Talley; and Emma Wells.
Deana was born and raised in Rome. She received a B.A. Degree in History from Mercer University. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from Faulkner Law in Montgomery, Alabama. She practiced Family Law, Estate Law, and Juvenile Law at her law office Deana Perry, LLC. Deana was appointed Associate Juvenile Judge of Floyd County in 2023, becoming the first African American Judge appointed in Floyd County. She is currently an Associate Juvenile Judge in the Tallapoosa and Rome Circuit Courts. She shares her home with her fur baby, Lincoln.
Community Service Activities:
• Past-President and current member of Junior Service League since 2013
• League for Learning
• Chieftain’s Museum
• Women of Worth
• Restoration Rome
• Floyd Commission on Children and Youth
• Brighter Birthdays
Nominator: “Deana is dedicated, organized, focused, and without fail, always puts service at the heart of each decision she makes as a leader.”
