Today, I’d like to introduce you to Jeff Gill, our next Face of Hall County. And who better? For 32 years, Jeff has been telling the stories of Gainesville and Hall County as a journalist with The Gainesville Times. Interestingly, Jeff joined The Times the same year I began my real estate career. For more than three decades, we’ve both watched this community grow and change, although from very different perspectives.
This morning, I had the pleasure of turning the tables on a man who has spent much of his career asking the questions.
We sat down at one of downtown Gainesville’s three coffee shops, a fitting setting for a conversation about change. We talked about how The Times now publishes just one printed edition each week, how most of Jeff’s reporting is read online, and how the iconic Times building is being reimagined with workspaces, a coffee shop, and new possibilities.
Jeff also shared how much he enjoys his daily walks, a time to clear his mind and reflect.
That stayed with me.
Later this evening, while walking my dog, Penny, around the downtown square, I passed three visitors speaking entirely in Italian as they made their way toward the downtown Marriott.
I couldn’t help but think about our conversation.
Thirty-two years ago, Gainesville was a very different place. Newspapers arrived on doorsteps, downtown looked nothing like it does today, and hearing Italian spoken along the square would have been a rather unexpected experience.
Our community has changed in remarkable ways.
And through it all, Jeff Gill has been there, asking questions, listening to people, and documenting the story of a community growing into something new.
For 32 years, Jeff hasn’t just watched Gainesville’s story unfold. He’s helped us remember it.
It’s my pleasure to introduce Jeff Gill, our next Face of Hall County. Jeff is married to Lorrie Gill, a retired Hall County School System teacher. They have two grown children and two grandchildren, ages 5 and 3, who are turning 6 and 4 in December 2026.
Q: What do you do for a living and what do you like most about it?
I’m a reporter for The Times newspaper in Gainesville. I most enjoy helping keep people informed about what’s happening in the community — information they need to know.
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people? Or , If you could go back in time to give yourself some wisdom, what would you say?
Integrity is everything. Be honest and if you make a mistake — which you will — admit it as soon as possible.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
By then, I hope my work life will be in the rear mirror. Retired, I plan to enjoy family, traveling and just taking it easy.
Q: If reading for pleasure, what do you like?
Short stories because they are, well, short.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy. I love history and that’s the place for it.
Q: What is the most beautiful place in the world you have already visited?
I’m from Upper East Tennessee, so I’m staying close to home on this one. The mountains around Tennessee, Virginia and Western North Carolina are unparalleled, in my opinion.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Many to choose from here, but I’m thinking Paul McCartney. Because of older siblings, I grew up hearing The Beatles and still regard them as the greatest band ever. I’m not sure where we’d meet, but it would have to a quiet place so I could hear our conversation.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A couple of family favorites are Texas Roadhouse and Provino’s in Buford for birthdays.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I will have worked at The Times 32 years in November and just a little shy of that in Hall County.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I just like Hall’s diversity. Its closeness to a major city, major interstates, a popular lake, North Georgia mountains are virtually unmatched in this area.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Shawshank Redemption and then pretty much anything Alfred Hitchcock.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love my daily walks.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My darling wife!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
See above — The Beatles.
Q: If you were given ONE EXTRA HOUR every day, and you could not use it for sleep, work, or with anyone else, what would you use it for?
Probably something boring, like a house project.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? And the absolute best single day on the calendar?
Hands down, October. Christmas, so Dec. 25.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, love, peace
