Southwestern District: Meet the Officers

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Dr. Heather Colson Hardy
President

Family
I married my high school sweetheart, Geoff, in 2010.  We have two puppies, Herbie and Red.

Interests
In my free time, I love to watch Gator football, read, bake and work in my garden. I also enjoy salt water fishing in the Gulf.  I love being a dentist, and seem to find myself "working" when I'm not at work:  I volunteer with the Valdosta Baptist Association, local area churches, and the Pearlman Cancer Center, and I have recently started with the William Broadfoot Dental Clinic.  I also serve as Chief of Dental Services for South Georgia Medical Center.

Organized Dentistry
Surprisingly, I wasn't big on organized dentistry when I got out of school.  I joined because that's what you did.  Looking back, it was silly, because the GDA does SO many things to help the individual dentists in the state.

Several years ago, Dr. Greg Morris asked if I'd be interested in going through the chairs, and I thought it might be fun, so I said yes.  I'm glad I did it.  I have two local mentors, Dr. Joe Kirbo and Dr. John Roan.  Both have helped me so much.  I'm praying they never retire!

Goals
My biggest goal for this year was to raise awareness for our local charity clinics. Through the tireless efforts of George Thomas and Joe Kirbo, we have been made aware of the great need for volunteers and financial support for these clinics. I am so proud of this district's decision last month to donate not only time, but funds, to help the citizens of the Southwest District. Because of you, hundreds of patients will be helped. Thank you!

My next goat is just as important. We need to focus on being inclusive. Most of us have forgotten what it felt like to be the new kid on the block, and we need to remember that it's difficult to walk into that first district meeting not knowing a soul. Because of this, I would like to encourage more frequent social engagements to introduce these new members to our organization and help them feel like they are a part of this district. These socials would help all of our members meet and get to know each other better.  

Dr. David Howington  
President-Elect

Family
I am the youngest of 4 children. I grew up in Commerce, Ga. I am single with a fur baby shitzu named Gizzie. She is 12!

Non-dental Interests
I enjoy travel, antiquing, decorating, home improvement projects, landscaping, working in my yard, hanging out with friends and spending time at my condo in ATL. I am currently remodeling a house to rent on Airbnb.

Practice
I practice in Moultrie, Ga.; which I affectionately refer to as 'Mayberry'.
The road to my career in dentistry started with a toothache at the age of 3.
My dentist made my experience a positive one. My parents were certain that I visited the dentist regularly from that point forward. I always loved going to the dentist; mainly because I loved his staff. They were always complimenting my teeth and my smile. Career day came along in about the 7th grade. I dressed as a dentist. My mama encouraged me from that point forward. She was more determined for me to become a dentist than I was!

Organized Dentistry
My ex-wife, Dr. Bonita Richter White, has always given back; to her family, community and her career, on and on and on. She encouraged me to get involved. She was impressed with all the 'behind the scenes' things that the GDA did that she nor I were aware of. She felt it would be a good thing for me to get more involved; to give back. At her prodding I started in the officer chain. It has been a true learning experience.

Dr. Hardy Gray
Vice President

Family Life
I have been married to my wife, Lundie, for 7 years going on 8 and we have three beautiful babies Amelia, Parker and Jewels.  

Non-dental Interests:
My hobbies at the moment consist of doing as much as I can with my wife and kids.  Even though I don't get to go much these days, I love hunting and offshore salt water fishing.

Practice
I practice in Rochelle, Georgia at Rochelle Family Dentistry. My first career was civil engineering which lasted only 3.5 years. Towards the end of 2008, I was laid off due to the economy. I knew that railroading wasn't my life calling but something in healthcare was, so after much research and talking with different doctors, I decided to return to Georgia Southern to pursue a career as a dentist. After 2 years of undergraduate work, I was accepted into the Class of 2006 at MCG College of Dentistry.

Organized Dentistry
I was a member of ASDA in dental school and participated in many meetings during my 4 years in dental school. After graduating, I knew I wanted to become more involved in organized dentistry so after I attended my first district meeting, I volunteered to become an officer in the Southwest District.

 

Lou Ann Best
Treasurer

Family
I have been married to Dr. Thomas Talley, an OB-GYN, for 30 years.  We have one son, Daniel, who is in his second year of medical school at MCG. 
 
Non-dental Interests
We love going on active outdoor vacations such as hiking, canoeing, sailing and had a great time going to Idaho and viewing the eclipse in the Sawtooth Mountains.

Practice
My father was a dentist and I worked in his office in high school.  Dentistry won out over medicine as a career as I realized that dentistry offered more flexibility in case I did get married and become a mother.  While I have always worked full time, it has been nice to have some control over my schedule.  I have practiced in Albany for 26 years.

Organized Dentistry
I got involved later in my career, and kind of through the back door.  I accepted the position of SW district chair of the GA Section of PFA when my son was about 10.  Working the PFA brought me in contact with GDA members who were actively involved.  I saw the importance of activities like ​LAW Day, and supporting an organization that does so much, not only for its members, but all GA dentists and the oral health of GA citizens.

Dr. Eric Greene
Editor

Family
I am the daughter of a dental husband and wife team.  I have one cat, Punky Buttons.

Non-dental Interests
I love guitars and making music.  I also enjoy nature which includes vegetable gardening, camping, hiking and cycling.

Practice
I was in the first grade when my dad started MCG.  I worked as an administrative assistant as well as a dental assistant prior to going to dental school.  I have been practicing for 12 years with my dad in Albany. 

Organized Dentistry
Dr. Keith Crummey approached me several years ago about getting involved.  I completed an introduction to leadership program.  Since then, I have noticed the cry for help getting louder.