Do you want to be a part of the next edition?

   The journey of Horace Bernard Franks with the Clayton County Water Authority began nearly 29 years ago.  It was in 1996, when the ambitious and eager to learn Franks started as a Water Service Mechanic.  He would steadily advance through multiple operational and leadership roles, including Equipment Operator, Senior Equipment Operator, Crew Leader, Sewer Cleaning Foreman, and Distribution & Conveyance Technical Services Foreman. After eight and a half years in that position, Franks became Department Manager of Distribution & Conveyance.

     In 2014, Franks was promoted to Assistant General Manager of Operations, overseeing water reclamation, water production, general services, and distribution & conveyance departments. He later served as Assistant General Manager of Support Services, managing customer service, finance, program management and engineering (stormwater), risk management, purchasing, safety, and public information. In June 2018, he was promoted to his current position of General Manager/CEO. He served as the first Black President of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) from July 2021 to July 2022 and remains an active member. Additionally, Franks participates in the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA), and Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA). Franks holds multiple professional licenses and certifications, including a Water Distribution System Operator License, Wastewater Collection System Operator License, Backflow Testing License, Backflow Proctor Certification, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). He is certified by the University of North Carolina’s Water and Wastewater Leadership Institute, where he completed advanced training in utility management and leadership.

     Shandra Stringer of West Palm Beach, FL, is a faith-driven woman, community leader, and lifelong learner who believes in the power of purpose, preparation, and people.  She is also a proud mother and mentor and earned her education in business and finance.  However, she states that much of her growth has come through lived experience, navigating real-life challenges, leadership transitions, and seasons of rebuilding.  “I’ve learned that life’s greatest lessons don’t always come from a classroom but from the courage to keep showing up when it would be easier to quit,” she says.

     Today, Shandra is the owner of Grassroots Consulting, Inc.  Her company provides professional consulting, corporate training, and development services for individuals, businesses, and organizations. She also specializes in capacity building, grant readiness, leadership development, and organizational structure for both nonprofit and for-profit entities.

     Grassroots Consulting, Inc. was birthed nearly two decades ago.  Shandra says it came from a place of purpose and pain.  She adds, “The vision came from seeing how many talented, committed people had ideas and heart but lacked structure, strategy, or access.  I started by helping small nonprofits and startups get organized, not just on paper, but in purpose.  Over time, that grew into a full consulting firm offering business, nonprofit, and professional development services.  The name “Grassroots” came from my belief that real change begins at the ground level with people who care enough to build something that lasts.”

     While managing Grassroots Consulting, Inc., Shandra also serves as a full-line insurance agent licensed in multiple states, serving clients with expertise in life, health, and retirement planning.  She is also a real estate associate, tax preparer, and retirement specialist.  These additional roses, she says, allow her to help individuals and families navigate financial decisions from multiple angles, whether they’re protecting what they’ve built, planning for retirement, or investing in their next opportunity.  Beyond consulting, Shandra has created several professional and empowerment platforms, including Becoming The Best You®️, Locker Room Talk©️, and The Village Speaks Talk Show©️, all designed to inspire personal growth and professional excellence.