Get to Know Us
Firefly Trail, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) Georgia non-profit incorporated for the purpose of creating a multi-use trail from Athens to Union Point along the corridor of the historic Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad. The Board of Directors comprises volunteers from trail communities - dedicated individuals who are determined to make this dream become reality. We're also working with Local Action Committees to assist cities, towns, and counties directly with trail planning and implementation.
Technical support and meeting space is provided by the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, with partial funding for planning activities provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Firefly Trail, Inc., is developing a membership base, and currently provides an e-newsletter to members and others who request to be added to the mailing list. We are happy to answer questions, attend or speak at your organization’s event, or help you make connections with other Firefly supporters.
Technical support and meeting space is provided by the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, with partial funding for planning activities provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Firefly Trail, Inc., is developing a membership base, and currently provides an e-newsletter to members and others who request to be added to the mailing list. We are happy to answer questions, attend or speak at your organization’s event, or help you make connections with other Firefly supporters.
Board of Directors
Mark Ralston, President, public relations manager
Mike Hall, Vice President, member of Athens-Clarke County Rails-to-Trails Committee, local business owner
Tom Keene, Treasurer, retired history professor
Mary Cook, Secretary, retired Oglethorpe County planner
Lisa Baynes, member at-large, real estate company administrator
Ivette Bledsoe, member at-large, social worker
Stephanie Doerr, member at-large, local business owner
Warren Gilson, member at-large, Mayor of Maxeys
Bruce Johnson, member at-large, IT network specialist
Doug Kleiber, member at-large, retired UGA professor
John Stephens, member at-large, former Mayor of Maxeys
Jim Smith, member at-large, retired UGA law school professor
Diane Harris, member at-large, retired account consultant
Trail Development Coordinator
John Kissane
The Firefly Trail, Inc., Board of Directors meets the third Thursday of each month from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, 305 Research Drive, Athens. Meetings are open to the public, but please contact us to make sure that the date and/or time have not changed prior to attending a meeting. If you would like to become involved in our board, email us at fireflytrail@gmail.com.
Mark Ralston, President, public relations manager
Mike Hall, Vice President, member of Athens-Clarke County Rails-to-Trails Committee, local business owner
Tom Keene, Treasurer, retired history professor
Mary Cook, Secretary, retired Oglethorpe County planner
Lisa Baynes, member at-large, real estate company administrator
Ivette Bledsoe, member at-large, social worker
Stephanie Doerr, member at-large, local business owner
Warren Gilson, member at-large, Mayor of Maxeys
Bruce Johnson, member at-large, IT network specialist
Doug Kleiber, member at-large, retired UGA professor
John Stephens, member at-large, former Mayor of Maxeys
Jim Smith, member at-large, retired UGA law school professor
Diane Harris, member at-large, retired account consultant
Trail Development Coordinator
John Kissane
The Firefly Trail, Inc., Board of Directors meets the third Thursday of each month from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, 305 Research Drive, Athens. Meetings are open to the public, but please contact us to make sure that the date and/or time have not changed prior to attending a meeting. If you would like to become involved in our board, email us at fireflytrail@gmail.com.