2025 Georgia Hall of Fame
The Georgia Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame began in 2009 as a result of a proposal presented to the Georgia Area Council. The plan provided that the Georgia Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame would be developed under the leadership of a council of advisors to honor those youth members, men, and women who have best served the Boys & Girls Club cause in Georgia as well an effort to preserve institutional knowledge and the culture of the Boys & Girls Club Movement.
The Georgia Hall of Fame celebrates the extraordinary youth, men and women who have made significant contributions to the Boys & Girls Club Movement in Georgia. Each has helped raise the standards and level of professionalism in the Boys & Girls Club Movement, while inspiring and mentoring future generations, laying the ground work that encourages us all to strive for excellence in helping children who need us most.
Abbott “Abb” Hayes
Career Achievement -Board Member
Abbott “Abb” Hayes, a lifelong Gainesville resident, has been a driving force behind the growth and success of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier since 1996. His journey with the organization began through his service on the Girls Inc. board, which later merged with the Boys & Girls Clubs. At the time, Abb was working as a law clerk when then-board chair Phillip Sartain and Executive Director Duane Hinshaw invited him to get involved—a simple invitation that sparked nearly three decades of remarkable service and leadership.
Throughout his professional career with Hulsey, Oliver & Mahar, Abb became a respected leader not only in his field but also across the community he calls home. Equally devoted to his family, Abb and his wife, Juli, have raised five children—Sara, Andy, Noah, Lily Grace, and Weatherly—whose lives and experiences have shaped his personal connection to the Clubs and his commitment to creating brighter futures for young people.
Under Abb’s leadership, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier experienced a period of transformative growth. He played a pivotal role in major capital campaigns, strengthened and mentored a high-performing board of directors, and helped establish signature fundraising events that continue to thrive today.
Abb’s story is one of steadfast dedication, vision, and impact. His leadership has opened doors for countless young people, transformed lives, and built an enduring legacy that will inspire and support generations to come.
Doris Brown
Career Achievement-Board Member
Mrs. Doris Brown is a lifelong educator, community leader, and tireless advocate for young people. A 1959 graduate of Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama, she was the first and only of 15 siblings to earn a college degree. She went on to teach for more than 30 years, shaping young minds across multiple schools in Alabama and Georgia, and later serving as a leader in the Jackson County Retired Teachers Association and the Jackson County Community Outreach (JCCO).
Through JCCO, Mrs. Brown was a part of the board that established the first Boys & Girls Club in Jackson County in the late 1990s. For nearly three decades, she has served on finance, fundraising, and parent involvement committees, personally supporting campaigns like “It Just Takes One,” and contributing generously to major events such as the annual Steak & Steak Dinner and Spring Auction. Her leadership helped advance the capital campaign that resulted in the construction of new Boys & Girls Clubs in Jefferson and Commerce, ensuring children would have safe, inspiring spaces to grow.
In recognition of her more than 20 years of service, Mrs. Brown received the prestigious National Service to Youth Award in 2023. At 90 years old, she continues to remain active in her church, community, and Club work, connecting with others through technology, reading her local paper, and mentoring the next generation.
She is the proud widow of Mr. James Brown, mother of three, and grandmother of college graduates—including two former Club kids
John Didier
Career Achievement-Board Member
John Didier, a native of Bunkle, Louisiana in the "Cajun Heartland," graduated from LSU in 1978 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and began his career with Dow Chemicals in Baton Rouge and Dalton, GA. After moving to Dalton, he transitioned into real estate development and, in 2006, joined the Board for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Gordon, Murray & Whitfield Counties. He has served as Board Chair, Area Council Representative, Treasurer, and now Endowment Chair, and was instrumental in the merger that formed the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Georgia.
John’s passion for helping kids has driven his long-standing commitment to the Club. His expertise in finance, operations, and management has been vital to its growth and success. In 2013, he helped establish the Club’s first endowment, which has grown to over $2 million. He has championed sustainability, saying, “We have to make this Club sustainable for the future kids, not just today.” He also spearheaded the creation of the Planned Giving Heritage Group and Legacy Leaders, personally leading by example as the first to commit.
Beyond finances, John advocated for scholarships to help Club staff attend college and regularly collaborates with other Clubs across the state, offering support and sharing best practices. His thoughtful leadership challenges board and staff to strive for more for the kids they serve.
Through recessions, pandemics, financial challenges, and leadership transitions, John has remained a steadfast voice of reason and stability. His dedication is evident in his willingness to travel across Georgia to strengthen Clubs and expand their reach.
John Didier’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment have shaped the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Georgia and inspired others to build a stronger future for kids.
Duane Hinshaw
Career Achievement
Duane Hinshaw is a dedicated and accomplished leader in the Boys & Girls Club (BGC) movement, with a distinguished career spanning local, regional, and national levels. He has led local Clubs in Georgia and served as Regional Vice President for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), overseeing more than 250 Clubs across the Southeast, including the state of Georgia.
Duane’s academic background includes studies in Public Administration at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne, Criminal Justice at Indiana University Bloomington, and coursework at Vincennes University. Throughout his career, he has completed over 30 BGCA training programs and certifications, further demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence.
As CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier from 1997–2005, Duane led a dramatic transformation of the organization into a state-recognized model of excellence. He tripled the budget, and the number of youths served, positioning the Club as a cornerstone of the community.
Known for his heart for children, Duane continues to impact young lives even in retirement by volunteering and raising funds for his scholarship that is with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier.
In his regional leadership role, Duane spearheaded strategic growth, strengthened board and organizational capacity, coached future leaders, and helped launch new self-sustaining Clubs. His ability to build relationships with Board Chairs, executives, and board members has left a lasting impact across the Southeast region.
Duane’s career embodies his lifelong mission: to inspire hope, create opportunity, and transform the lives of young people through the Boys & Girls Club movement.
Jack McKinney
Legacy
Jack McKinney was a Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Service for Centurion. During his 25 years of working in automotive logistics, Jack has gained a unique perspective by working in many facets of the business. Even from an early age, Jack had a passion for technology and innovation.
Jack holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee. In true Volunteer spirit, Jack served as a dedicated board member for Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County for more than 10 years. He played a pivotal role in the Capital Campaign that made possible the building of both the Jefferson and Commerce Clubs. His leadership helped change the course of the organization—and the futures of countless young people.
Through his career with Centurion Auto Logistics, a long-time supporter of the Boys & Girls Club Movement, Jack amplified his commitment to the mission. Beyond his professional involvement, he also gave generously on a personal level, contributing directly to the Boys & Girls Clubs that brought the organization to life.
Known for his warmth and genuine spirit, Jack had a remarkable gift for connection—whether sharing a laugh, offering advice, or simply being present to listen, he made people feel truly seen and heard.
Jack’s vision, generosity, and heart continue to inspire us and leave a lasting mark on the Boys & Girls Clubs and the young people we serve.
Matthew Gambill
Career Achievement-Board Member
Matthew Gambill is a lifelong Bartow County resident with a strong legacy of public service. His grandfather, Frank Harris, helped shape Cartersville in the 1920s, and his uncle, Joe Frank Harris, served as Georgia’s Governor from 1983 to 1991. Matthew’s parents, Bill and Glenda Gambill, are both retired from careers in public education which instilled in him a deep appreciation for education. A graduate of Cartersville High School and Lee University.
Matthew currently serves as Business Development Manager for Parrish Construction Group. In this role, Gambill is responsible for leading Parrish’s industrial and higher education initiatives, driving revenue, maintaining and growing business relationships, and is a key part of the implementation of new business.
Prior to joining Parrish, he spent 4 years in business development with NFP Corporate Benefits, and prior to that over 14 years building relationships in the public and private sector serving as Executive Director for the Georgia Association for Career & Technical Education.
Active in his community, Matthew is a member of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Economic Developers Association, serves on the Board of Directors of the Indian Springs Holiness Camp Meeting, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bartow County, and Recovery Bartow. He is a Past Chair of the Murphy Harpst Children’s Home. In addition to his local Club service, Matthew also has served as the Georgia Area Council Chair and Vice Chair for the GA Alliance Board.
Gambill is a graduate of the 2007 Leadership Bartow Class, a graduate of the 2010 Leadership Georgia Class, and was selected by Georgia Trend Magazine for their 2012 “40 Under 40” publication. Committed to faith and family, Matthew and his wife Danae are the proud parents of 3 children—Mary Harris, David, and James. In 2018, Gambill was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives from District 15 & Also a Floor Leader for Governor Kemp.
