Leah Mayo serves as an Assistant District Attorney in the Floyd County District Attorney’s Office. She is a graduate of Darlington School, Presbyterian College, and received her Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law. With an impressive career in public service, to her numerous volunteer and community leadership engagements, Leah exemplifies the type of young leader integral to the future of Rome and Floyd County.
Leah’s dedication to excellence permeates every aspect of her community presence. When she commits to a project, she gives every ounce of her energy and devotion to ensure a successful outcome. Leah attends every board and committee meeting, even those she is not required to participate in. She is the first to arrive and the last to leave when preparing for or cleaning up after an event.
In the words of one of her nominators: “Throughout her life, Leah has shown an exemplary dedication to public and community service. Not only has she chosen a career path dedicated to serving others, but she leans in at nearly every opportunity to give back to her community and the people within it. “
- Rome Area Council for the Arts – President (2019-2025); Past President and Social Committee Co-Chair (Current): In her role as President, she has overseen the growth of the appreciation for the arts in Rome, hosted the largest annual fundraiser for RACA, and several smaller events throughout the year.
- Chosen to deliver the 2024 Opening Convocation at Presbyterian College entitled, “To Move Forward, You Have to Give Back”
- Outstanding Young Alumna Award from Presbyterian College (2022)
- Exceptional Young Professional Award from the Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce (2021)
- College Mentor, Pepperell High School (October 2018 – Present): Mentoring students who are interested in college, but who may not have the opportunity otherwise, by teaching them about college preparation, the college application process, how to excel at college interviews, and obtain financial aid. To further this role, she filmed her self-designed multi-part series: “College 101.”
- Darlington School Alumni Council, Committee Chair (August 2022-Present)
- Leadership Rome XXXIX (August 2021-May 2022)
- Leadership Darlington Class ‘22 (March 2022)
- Rome Bar Association, Member (November 2018-Present)
- Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, Member (November 2019-Present)
- Mock Trial Coach, Pepperell High School (October 2018-May 2022)
- Mercer University School of Law Young Alumni Council, Class Representative (February 2019 – June 2021)
Ciara McKnight – Young Heart Award
Ciara McKnight, a proud Rome, Georgia native and the youngest of seven siblings, combines her passion for family, community, and personal growth in all she does. With a bachelor’s in social work and a master’s in clinical Mental Health from Jacksonville State University, Ciara began her career in 2013, working with adolescents and later transitioning to roles supporting adults in the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Her heart for youth empowerment led her to found A Teen’s Choice, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to guiding teens through adolescence with confidence and resilience. Ciara’s innovative “Maximizing Your Value” curriculum, along with her expertise in leadership, communication, and life skills training, has made a significant impact. She also serves as a Field Coordinator and Adjunct Teacher at Kennesaw State University and supports local nonprofits by sharing her expertise as a certified trainer.
• Founder of A Teen’s Choice, Inc. – Providing resources and support for youth in Northwest Georgia.
• Founder of A Dream Ball Gala – Raising scholarship funds for students in Northwest Georgia.
• Founder of the CASH Program – A six-month initiative offering hands-on training, certifications, and stipends to empower teens with practical skills and knowledge.
• Afterschool Program Provider – Offering academic support and enrichment activities for youth.
• Open Gym Coordinator – Creating a safe, structured space for students to socialize and stay active.
• Trainer for Teen Communication – Teaching agencies strategies to effectively connect with teens.
• Senior Program Leader – Assisting high school seniors with college tours, applications, and scholarship opportunities.
• Substance Abuse Group Facilitator – Leading recovery-focused sessions for youth at local Youth Detention Centers.
• Mental Health Advocate – Promoting awareness and resources to support teen mental health.
• Youth Mentor – Offering guidance, encouragement, and support to teens.
• Board Chair for Chattooga Family Connection – Strengthening family and community support systems.
• Organizer of Home for the Holidays – Providing meals and essentials to families during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Back-to-School Drive Organizer – Distributing supplies to 300-400 students annually.
• Prevention Group Facilitator – leading wellness and self-care programs
• Family Well-being Workshop Host – strengthening family relationships through programs like Strong African American Families
• Community Service Collaborator – working with agencies to support local needs
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.
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.”
