Gainesville's Norton Insurance merges with Southeastern Insurance Group
The Norton Agency of Gainesville announced Friday its merger with Southeastern Insurance Group.
Southeastern is a regional insurance property casualty business and has become a wholly owned subsidy of Norton Insurance. Lee Rogers will become a partner and vice president with Norton.

"The Norton Agency continues to seek strong alliances of businesses in the changing insurance climate," said Bob Norton, president of Norton Insurance. "We are excited about the merger of talent, resources and offerings and the strength the combined businesses can provide."

"This merger gives us a strong broad platform of insurance products and customer care services for our existing clients," Rogers said.

The Norton Agency now operates 15 offices in two states.

Wilson is new chairman of Edmondson Telford board
Cindy Wilson has been named new chairman of the board of directors for the Edmondson Telford Center for Children.

Wilson has served on the board since 2003, and will serve a two-year term as chairman. She is vice president and business banker at SunTrust Bank.

The Edmondson Telford Center is a child advocacy agency serving Hall and Dawson counties.

Ty Cobb Healthcare's Adams to head Georgia Hospital Association
Charles T. Adams, president and chief executive officer of Ty Cobb Healthcare System in Royston, was installed as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Hospital Association at the association's annual convention on Feb. 17 in Atlanta.

He succeeds R. Timothy Stack, president and chief executive officer of Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta.
Adams has served as president and CEO of Ty Cobb Healthcare System, a private, non-profit health care organization, since 2002. The system includes health facilities in Royston and Hartwell.

"Chuck Adams has brought essential positive change to each facility he has directed," said Joseph Parker, president of GHA. "His vast experience in health care leadership will serve him well in his chairman duties."
Established in 1929, GHA is the state's largest trade organization of hospitals and health systems providing services to its 174 hospital and health system members.

Hall County Hospital Authority elects 2 new board members
The Hospital Authority of Hall County and the city of Gainesville has elected two new board members, Dr. Ben Hawkins and Ricky Presley.

Hawkins is an associate dentist and partner with Gainesville Family Dentistry LLC. He is an active member of the Georgia Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Hinman Dental Society of Atlanta.

Hawkins lives in Gainesville with his wife, Suzie, and two children.

Presley is founder of Presco Steel Company. Since selling the company in 2000, he has managed and developed personal commercial real estate investments. He is the past president of the Southern Association of Steel Fabricators and served on its board for nine years. He also is a member of the board of directors for Regions Bank in Gainesville.

Presley lives in Gainesville with his wife, Teresa. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Kennedy chosen as life care consultant at Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville
Paula Jo Kennedy has been named life care consultant for Lanier Village Estates, an ACTS Retirement-Life Community located in Gainesville.

Kennedy has more than 20 years experience in sales, mostly in the health care industry. As a life care consultant, she will provide education and review retirement living options with retirees and lead tours of living facilities.

ACTS owns and operates 19 not-for-profit life care retirement communities serving more than 8,100 older adults in six states. The 38-year-old company, with headquarters in West Point, Pa., employs more than 5,400 people.

Griffin named as vice president of Resource Development for United Way
United Way of Hall County has named Gainesville native Joy Simpson Griffin as vice president of resource development.

Griffin comes to United Way as an experienced public relations and nonprofit professional who began her career in 2002 after graduating from Georgia State University. Born in Gainesville, she is a 1998 Gainesville High School graduate.

"Joy brings a strong hometown spirit along with a heart for giving," said Jackie Wallace, president of United Way of Hall County. "We're excited to have Joy's many talents. Her energy to connect volunteers and corporate support will strengthen our Hall County community."

Griffin and her husband, Bryan Griffin, live in Gainesville with their two children. She is the daughter of David and Faith Simpson.