The Cobb Chamber’s Northwest Cobb Area Council, which represents Northwest Cobb’s four distinct districts of Acworth, Kennesaw, West Cobb, and Town Center, has selected four community advocates as 2025 Citizens of the Year. These outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.
Barbie Brown, Kennesaw Citizen of the Year
Barbie Brown has dedicated her life to creating a meaningful impact in her community. As the founder of The Brown Agency, she’s helped countless individuals build successful careers and brighter futures for their families with multiple branches in the area. Barbie serves on many nonprofit committees, notably as the treasurer of the Davis Direction Foundation in Cobb County, supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health challenges. She also served on the Board of Directors for The Safe Path Children’s Advocacy Center, where she helped protect and support children who are victims of abuse and neglect, and on the Board of Directors for Blue Thanksgiving, serving first responders and families in need. She’s helped raise more than $300,000 through galas and local charity events that she has co-chaired.
Megan Strange, Acworth Citizen of the Year
Megan Strange has dedicated more than two decades to North Cobb Christian School, where she currently serves as Upper School Principal. Her commitment to academic excellence and student development has shaped countless lives and strengthened the school’s reputation within the community. Off campus, Megan guides the Principals 101 leadership group through the Atlanta Christian School Association. Her influence also extends internationally, having served as a presenter and delegate at the Vancouver Symposium on Christian Education, where she collaborated with global leaders in faith-based education. Megan is equally committed to service beyond the classroom. She's led several domestic and international mission trips, guiding students and faculty in hands-on ministry and outreach that reflect her deep faith and global perspective. As an active member of the Acworth Business Association, Megan supports local initiatives and helps build meaningful partnerships between education and the business community. In December 2000, Megan moved next door to past Acworth Citizen of the Year Alderman Butch Price, who helped foster her love for the city.
Kat Schwaig, Town Center Citizen of the Year
Kat Schwaig first served as interim president of Kennesaw State University in 2021 before being appointed president in 2022. Since then, she has guided the university through a period of significant growth and innovation. Under her leadership, KSU launched Taking Flight, a strategic plan designed to elevate the institution to national prominence and strengthen academic excellence. During her tenure, the university has implemented a comprehensive student success initiative, introduced more than 50 new undergraduate and graduate degrees, minors, and professional credentials aligned with in-demand fields, and launched FLIGHT, a first-year student engagement program focused on community, academic progress, and retention. KSU has also achieved an 81% increase in external research awards, more than doubled research expenditures, joined Conference USA, and relaunched HatchBridge, a community-centered business incubator. Kat’s leadership has been recognized through honors including the Oscar Burnett Award for Distinguished Achievement in Business, the Cobb Executive Women’s Glass Ceiling Award, and Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making a Mark Award. She is an active community leader, serving as chair of SelectCobb and on the executive committees of both the Cobb and Metro Atlanta Chambers of Commerce.
Joyette Holmes, West Cobb Citizen of the Year
Joyette Holmes, a Board Member on the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, has made a lasting impact on Cobb County through decades of public service and leadership. She made history as the first woman and first African American to serve as both Chief Magistrate and District Attorney in Cobb County, where she worked to strengthen public safety while approaching each case with fairness, integrity, and compassion. Prior to her current role, Joyette was a partner at the Marietta law firm Gregory Doyle Calhoun and Rogers before being appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to serve full-time on the Board of Pardons and Paroles. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Joyette is deeply engaged in community service. She serves on the boards of MUST Ministries, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Hospital, Kennesaw State University’s President’s Community Advisory Board, the Cobb County Prayer Breakfast Committee, Capital City Bank’s Advisory Board, and the Cobb Chamber, where she is Marketing Chair and Co-Chair for Leadership Cobb’s 2026 class. Her service has been recognized by numerous community honors, reflecting her enduring commitment to justice and civic leadership.