Macon It

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Macon-Bibb County's Chief Information Officer, Tekquell Watson, to learn more about the person leading technology and innovation for our local government. A U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 25 years of experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and public service, Tekquell shares her journey to Macon and her vision for the future.

We also pull back the curtain on the Coun...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bill Causey, a longtime public servant and one of the driving forces behind many of Macon’s most beloved green spaces and trails. Even in retirement from Macon-Bibb County, Bill is still hard at work advocating for projects that connect people to nature, and to each other.

From helping pave roads and shape Macon’s water drainage systems early in his career to spearheading th...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Sherita Sims Jones, Director of Budget and Grants for Macon-Bibb County, during one of the most important times of the year…budget season. As she prepares to present the FY27 budget, Sherita gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the county plans, prioritizes, and funds the services that keep our community running.

We also dive into the critical role grants play in supporting p...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Dr. Henry Ficklin, Macon-Bibb County’s Community Affairs Executive Director, a role that truly touches every corner of the community. From reading proclamations and connecting with residents to leading the Council of Clergy and helping guide conversations that matter, Dr. Ficklin is at the heart of community engagement.

We also talk about his work investing in the next generation ...

In this episode of Macon It, we bring you Mayor Lester Miller’s full State of the Community Address, delivered at this year's Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce event. This annual address highlights the progress, priorities, and vision shaping Macon-Bibb County.

From major projects and community investments to the momentum driving our city forward, Mayor Miller reflects on where we are and where we’re headed next. It&rsq...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Wanzina Jackson, Director of Economic and Community Development for Macon-Bibb County, to talk about the work that’s helping transform lives across our community. With more than 20 years of service to Macon, Wanzina shares how the ECD department partners with organizations to support low- to moderate-income households through housing, resources, and opportunity.

As we celebrate Na...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Jerry Battle, Macon-Bibb County’s new Neighborhood Program Coordinator, to talk about his role as a boots-on-the-ground connector between residents and local government. Jerry shares how he’s working directly with neighborhoods to listen, build trust, and make sure every voice is heard.

We discuss the importance of neighborhood pride, how stronger communication leads to real...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Hannah Theus, Director of Marketing and Fulfillment for the International Cherry Blossom Festival, to talk about one of Macon’s most beloved traditions. Known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, Macon transforms each spring into a massive pink celebration that draws visitors from across the country...and around the globe.

Hannah shares the story behind how the festival fir...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, to talk about the power of local philanthropy and what it means to invest in our own community. Kathryn shares how the Foundation partners with donors and organizations to strengthen Central Georgia, from supporting the Macon Violence Prevention initiative to scholarship funds, Downtown Challenge Grants, and On Th...

In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Natalie Bouyett, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund, to talk about how the community is tackling housing challenges head-on. Natalie shares updates on current projects, the vision behind the Affordable Housing Fund, and how Macon-Bibb County is setting a new standard for affordable housing across Georgia. It’s a conversation about growth, oppo...

In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Alison Bender, Director of The Brookdale Resource Center, as we reflect on five years of transformation, hope, and community impact. Once a former school building, Brookdale has become a place of stability and new beginnings for neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Alison walks us through Brookdale’s journey over the past five years, and we hear powerful interview clips from ...

In the Season 3 premiere of Macon It, we welcome back Macon-Bibb County Manager Keith Moffett for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, listening, and this unique moment in our city’s story. Keith shares what it’s like to oversee more than 20 county departments, how he ensures every voice is heard, and why community engagement is essential to getting things done.

Keith also introduces his 2026 theme: “The ...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bryan Nichols, the mind and creative force behind the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza. Bryan shares how the (Christmas) light bulb first went on in his head for this idea, the huge amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing downtown to life each holiday season, and why Macon’s light show is unlike anything else in the country. We also talk through Bryan’s ma...

In this episode of Macon It, we talk with Kathy McCollum, President & CEO of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, about the Food Bank’s beginnings and its vital role in serving our region. We also discuss Macon-Bibb County’s recent $150,000 commitment to fight food insecurity and what that investment means for families across our community. Learn more about the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank at https://mgcfb...

We’re talking big ideas and even bigger community impact. Lynn Murphey from the Knight Foundation joins us to share how their projects are transforming Macon — from the new Mercer School of Medicine downtown to the Emerging Cities Champions making a difference in our neighborhoods. This is what it looks like when a city invests in its own bright future. Learn more about The Knight Foundation here: https://knightfoundat...

It started as a way to raise money and boost morale — now it's setting timelines (and comment sections) on fire. In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Fire Chief Shane Edwards and Captain Phillip Herndon to talk about the 2026 Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar that’s got the world swooning.

From international buzz to behind-the-scenes stories, hear how this sizzling project went viral, what it means for t...