Meet Julie Edwards, the executive director of the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. Julie has lived in Georgia her entire life and moved to Gainesville when she was 13 years old.
“I have lived in Hall County since then except when I was away at college. I attended Emory University, transferred and completed my degree in Mass Communications at Brenau University and completed graduate coursework at Georgia State University, also in Mass Communications.”
Julie’s parents and siblings all live in north Georgia, as well.
“I met my husband during college when we both worked at Belk in Gainesville. He is from Habersham and, in October 2016, we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary,” she said. “Our children have ‘four legs’—two Schnockers (Cocker Spaniel/Schnauzer mixes) we adopted them from the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia named Charlie and Roxie.”
Julie has worked for 20+ years in marketing communications, public relations and publishing. She will celebrate the end of her seventh year at HSNEGA Feb. 1, 2017.
Our community and our pets are so lucky to have Julie at the helm of HSNEGA and we want to thank her for sharing a little more about her life and love of the Hall County community with us.
Question: What led you to your career?
Answer: “From a young age, I have been an avid reader and enjoyed writing. My mom was diligent about fostering a love of books in me and my siblings from a young age, taking us to the public library at least once a week year-round. I knew I wanted to go into a creative field and initially started out pursuing a degree in English with the intent to write or teach; however, I discovered the marketing communications/public relations field mid-way through college and it combined so many of the things I loved from writing to graphic design to editing that I changed course and never looked back. My professional path has been long and varied, but I feel my current role is the perfect marriage of my professional skills and personal passions.”
Q: Who are some of the most interesting people you’ve met while living in Hall County?
A: “There are quite a few! One that comes immediately to mind is Bob Swoszowski, owner of McDonald’s of Northeast Georgia. Bob is a supporter of the Humane Society and I’ve developed a genuine respect for him. He worked hard for his success and he puts ‘his mouth where his money is’ by not only giving financially but also giving his time. I also am always happy to see Rev. Stuart Higginbotham, rector for Grace Episcopal Church. He is one of the most open, warm people I’ve ever met and always ready to give a hug!”
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to a crowd of people what would you say?
A: “Find what you love and put your heart into it, whether it be your family, your friends, your work, etc. Everything else will fall into place.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “This area of Georgia is a great place to live for its ‘geographic diversity’—you are near the mountains yet also less than an hour from downtown Atlanta and only a few hours to the beach. Within a few hours or less, you also can be in five other states.”
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
“2 Dog, and not just because I work at the Humane Society! Owners Tim and Tina Roberts are truly invested in the community and the food is local, fresh and I appreciate the wide array of vegetarian offerings since I do not eat meat. 2 Dog is always my ‘go to’ for business lunches!”
Q: What is your favorite social or outdoor outing in Hall County and why?
A: “I enjoy anytime I can meet up with fellow animal lovers, so I especially enjoy the Yappy Hour events the Humane Society hosts with Downtown Drafts. People can bring their pets, there’s always good beer, yummy food and fun entertainment. Add puppies and it’s the perfect afternoon! I also enjoy  meeting up with friends at The Loft at Scott’s Downtown—an upscale atmosphere and always a fun time.”
Q: Are there some events coming up the Humane Society that you would like to share with the community?
A: “Yes! Our 8th annual Art with Heart celebration will be held February 18, 2017. A benefit featuring silent and live auctions, Art with Heart is the Humane Society’s biggest fundraiser. It’s a fun, laid back evening with friends to help homeless animals in our community. Tickets are on sale now on our Website (www.HSNEGA.org).”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: In five years, I hope I am celebrating an expansive renovation of the Humane Society with my team. Our facility was built 16 years ago and we are a different organization with a different mission now. A remodel would allow us to save and serve many, many more at-risk and at-need companion animals. In 10 years, I hope I have handed over the reins to the next leader of the Humane Society and can devote my last years before retirement to helping other animal welfare organizations save lives through sharing my experience.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.