ABOUT US

HISTORY OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD CLINIC

The Good Shepherd Clinic was envisioned by Dr. Mark Weaver, the Organizing Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Dawsonville, Georgia. Seeing a need in the community, Dr. Weaver and the church congregation first provided holiday meals and later started a community café to help local residents. As their outreach expanded, Dr. Weaver proposed opening a healthcare clinic for those without health insurance. Church members supported this idea and worked together to create an important clinic for the people of Dawson County.

Finally, in September 2009, the clinic proudly opened its doors in the basement of the church, featuring three exam rooms and an office space where Prescription Assistance volunteers diligently worked during clinic hours to help provide essential free prescription assistance to the patients of the clinic.

In 2010, the clinic lost its visionary, Dr. Weaver, to a fatal brain aneurysm, but his vision lives on. An expanded Board of Directors, drawing on talented volunteers from within the community, has helped lead the clinic to its current status as a vitally important part of the community.

Now located in modern facilities at 200 Dawson Commons Circle, Suite 200 in Dawsonville, an expanded wider range of services includes general medical care; basic dental care; women’s Wellness screening; prescription assistance; eye exams and glasses; and information, referral and advocacy for health and support services. The clinic does not provide emergency care or treat chronic pain requiring narcotics.

BOARD OF DIRECTIORS

OFFICERS

TOM HARTER

Thomas earned his BS in Engineering and MS in OperationsResearch from the Georgia Institute of Technology. During his career, he was President of Engineering Associates, specializing in telecommunications and state of the art technologies from 1986 to2015. He sold this company to Quanta Services in 2015. Resigning in 2020 as Vice President, Tom started a new company, Harter Management Group, LLC, a telecom engineering firm. Tom was past president of the Association of Communication Engineers, Dawson Co. Tiger Touchdown Club and participated in the Dawson Community Corale for 10 years. He and his wife, Janice, attend Bethel Methodist Church where he is Chair of the Church Council.
Board Responsibilities: Chair of the Board and Counselor
bob anderson, pharmd

Dr. Anderson received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy at Purdue University; his Doctor’s degree from the University of Kentucky; and completed his Residency at the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center inLexington. Dr. Anderson is a retired professor of Clinical andAdministrative Sciences at Atlanta’s Mercer University’s SouthernSchool of Pharmacy, and Professor Emeritus from Mercer University. Bob is a licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in optimizing pharmaco therapeutic care of patients, by developing, implementing, monitoring, and modifying complex treatment plans, providing advanced level education and consultation, and collaborating with other health professionals in the management of therapy. He is a popular Smoke Signals columnist in Big Canoe where he gives common sense advice on medications in his column, "Ask the Pharmacist."
Board responsibilities: Vice Chair, Fundraising Committee, Nominating Committee & Clinic Pharmacist
Margie M. O’Byrne

Margie graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science. She spent her career at Pacesetter Steel Service and retired in 2000 as a VP. Margie serves as a volunteer at the clinic obtaining cost-free medications from pharmaceutical companies for clinic patients.
Board responsibilities: Board Secretary, Director of Prescription Assistance, and Past Board Chair
MARY POPE, EA

Mary graduated from Augusta State University with a BA in Accounting. She is a partner and tax accountant with McKenzie Pape & Company, LLC Accounting firm, and previous owner of Business Solutions of North Georgia, LLC. She also worked in accounting with MedQuest & Associates and Suntrust. Mary served as Financial officer for the former non-profit Ric Rack of Dawsonville.
Board responsibilities: Treasurer and Financial Committee Chair

board members

CARLA BOUTIN

Carla is a graduate of North Georgia College & State University with a BS degree in Education. She is a small business owner in Dawson County representing State Farm Insurance Companies as an Agent for over 25 years. She has been a member of the Rotary Club of Dawson County since 2003, serving as club President in 2012-2013. She is actively involved in the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce having previously served as a board member for 5 years, including Chairman of the Board. She was the recipient of the 2015 Don Gordon Business Leader of the Year award by the Chamber of Commerce for her leadership in the business community. She is currently serving in her third year as a board member for The Bowen Center for the Arts. Carla has been married to Charles, her better half, for 24 years. She attends church at FreeChapel.
Board Responsibilities: Board Member and Business Fundraising.
DEBRA H. DUKE, MHA, CRA

Ms. Duke is a Healthcare Executive Consultant with over 30 years of academic and not-for-profit experience, leading hospital and physician practice operations in a multi-hospital system. She is currently Director, Client Services for SG&A Services, LLC, responsible for client services to include needs assessment, project structural review, and development of consultative services needed by clients. From 1998-2017 she served as Executive Director of Imaging, Neurosciences, Bariatric, Oncology Service Lines forNortheast Georgia Health System in Gainesville, GA. Prior to that she served as Administrator of Radiology/Cardiology at Emory Clinic in Atlanta, GA. She received a Bachelors of Medical Science degree from Emory University, Atlanta, GA and a Masters of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of St. Francis, Chicago, IL. Ms.Duke is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, is Founding Chair of Rotarian of Hall County, and is an Advisory Board Member of Lanier Technical College.
Board Responsibilities: Board Member, Grants Committee and Counselor
CHRIS CONOWAL

Chris graduated with Bachelor of Science inPolitical Science/Pre-law from University of North Georgia, obtained Juris Doctor (JD) in John Marshall Law School 2004-2007. He currently practices as family & criminal attorney with Conowal~Welch~Womack, LLC. 2007-present. Served as Operations Specialist, First Class in US Navy02/1993–06/2003. He serves as the public announcer for Dawson County Schools; Varsity Football and Basketball.
Board Responsibilities: Board Legal Counsel
Joseph F. Fortune, Jr.

Joe is a graduate of Georgia State University and the American Institute of Banking. He worked for Trust Company of Georgia (SunTrust). Joe worked for The Coca-Cola Company for 29 years before retiring. Joe has 12+ years of experience working in free clinics. Joe served on the Board of Christian City (Union City GA), Good Samaritan in Jasper, Ga, as well as Good Shepherd.
Board Responsibilities: Member and Volunteer Coordinator
Tony Holtzclaw

Tony is pastor of the Harmony Baptist Church in Dawsonville and works with Universal Roofing & Construction as Commercial Director. He also owns Holtzclaw Metals, LLC. Tony is active in the community in recreational football and CEO of the Dawson County High School Tiger Touchdown Club.
Board Responsibilities: Board Member & Community Liaison
WARREN KING

Warren graduated with BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Northwestern University (Kellogg School). He spent 36 years with BP/Amoco and was President and CEO of ARCO Polypropylene LLC and Managing Director of Singapore Aromatics, a joint venture with Exxon. After retirement from BP, Warren started WJKing& Associates. Over the last few years Warren has served as a lecturer in the Cottrell School of Business at UNG. His community service has included board and leadership positions in the Rotary Club, Bowen Art Center, Ric Rack, Wee Books, and the Georgia State Board for the Arts.
Board Responsibilities: Board Member & Fundraising
DAVID MOORE, MD

Dr. Moore graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He practiced in Helen, Cleveland and, for the past 21 years, in Cumming as part of theNortheast Georgia Medical Center physician group. He is board certified in family practice and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice.
Board responsibilities: Medical Director and Counselor
BOBBY NORRIS

Bobbie received his BS in Exercise Science from University of North Georgia, and MBA in Healthcare Management from Brenau University. Bobbie comes with eighteen years of experience in healthcare management working for Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) where he is Vice President of Operations whom he has been with since 2007, starting out as manager of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. Bobbie holds PCCC & PCMH Certification.
Board Responsibilities: Board Member, Hospital Expert and Counselor
TONY PASSARELLO

Tony holds a BS in chemistry from Presbyterian College. He started his career at DuPont, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for StarTechnologies, and Sales Director for Agfa Health Care US. Tony serves as a member of the Development Authority of Dawson County Board, President of Dawson County Civic Association, and Dawson Rotary Club. He is a licensed US Rowing Association referee for NCAA and High School regattas across the US.
Board Responsibilities: Board Member & Marketing
REGINA VARNADO

Regina is the Branch Manager at United Community Bank in the Dawson Downtown location. Other positions held have been Loan Operations Manager and Assistant Branch Manager. She was named Employee of the Year 2009 and 2011. She is a member of Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Dawson County, having held office in both organizations. She and husband Lloyd are members of New Life Apostolic United Pentecostal Church where he is associate pastor and Regina is treasurer.
Board Responsibilities: Fundraising and counselor

EMERITUS

Larry W. Anderson, DO, FACOFP

Dr. Anderson practices Family Medicine in Dawsonville, Georgia and is associate professor of clinical medicine at the Georgia Campus–Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from West Georgia College and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathy degree at University Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Anderson is board certified in osteopathic family medicine and was a reviewer for both the Georgia Composite State Board of Medical Examiners and the Georgia Medical Care Foundation. Dr. Anderson also serves as Chair of the County Board of Health in Dawson County. Founding Physician of the Clinic.
Board Responsibilities: Member Emeritus, Clinic Volunteer and Counselor
Dwight R. Weathers, DDS, MSD

Dr. Weathers received his pre-dental education at Emory, his DDS and MSD degrees from Emory University School of Dentistry. He served in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Weathers held many positions at the Emory dental School, including Chairman of the Department of Oral Pathology, and Dean of the dental school from 1985-1992. He is author of 70+ peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters, and has lectured internationally.
Board Responsibilities: Member Emeritus and Counselor
JEAN A. WEATHERS

Ms. Weathers served 26 years as Senior Legal Assistant with an insurance defense law firm. She is past Vice President and Chairman of the Continuing Education Committee of the Georgia Association of Legal Assistants. She has been involved with organized dentistry involving the Alliance of the Georgia and American Dental Associations, and the Alliance of the Northern District Dental Society. She has served as alliance legislative chair at the state, local and national levels and received the prestigious ADA ADPAC Award. Jean is a recipient of the ANDDS Meritorious Service Award and theAADA Thelma J. Neff Distinguished Service Award.
Board Responsibilities: Member Emeritus and Counselor

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kay studied nursing at the University of Alabama and Florida State. She subsequently attended Georgia State University and earned a BS in Accounting. She began her career with Ernst & Young in the IT department and later East Coast Facility Manager. Afterwards, Kay held leadership positions with two companies where she managed administration and the accounting functions. Currently Kay is Executive Director of the clinic.

Board Responsibilities: Presents a stewardship report at each board meeting and answers questions, Counselor

KAY PARRISH

fundraising

Annual Fundraising Events

Grits & Granola Brunch

The Good Shepherd Clinic’s 8th Annual Grits & Granola Brunch was held on Sunday, September 10th 2023 at the Swan Lake Overlook. The event was highly successful, with great food and fellowship.

Scarecrow ‘Fest

This a fun, community involvement event providing an opportunity for institutions, businesses and individual homeowners to display their creative Scarecrow displays during the month of October leading to Halloween. A small entry fee raises money to support the Clinic’s operations. The winning displays in each category are determined by community voting via Facebook.