In every strong community, there are individuals whose quiet leadership, steadfast service, and commitment to others help shape the heart of the place they call home. Smyrna and Vinings are no exception—and this month, we’re proud to shine a light on four men who exemplify the power of purpose-driven leadership.
From protecting public safety and championing inclusivity to mentoring the next generation and pioneering life-changing healthcare solutions, these gentlemen lead with humility, integrity, and heart. Their paths may differ, but their impact is undeniable—woven into the very fabric of the community they serve.
Here, they share what drives them, the lessons that guide them, and the passions that keep them grounded.
Brian Marcos
Fire Chief, City of Smyrna
Before he ever donned a uniform or led a department, Brian Marcos was the kind of kid who thrived on teamwork. Whether he was out on the ballfield or leading a group project at school, he loved the sense of purpose that came from working toward a common goal. That desire to be part of something bigger never faded—it just evolved. And it’s what ultimately led him to a life of public service.
Today, as Smyrna’s Fire Chief, Brian still leans into that same team-first mentality. “I’ve always been driven by the shared mission,” he says. “And in public safety, you get to live that every day.” His leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: lead yourself well, support your people, and clear the path so they can succeed. “My job is to identify and remove obstacles—whatever might stand in the way of my team doing their best work.” It’s a servant-hearted approach, built on humility, accountability, and trust.
Though he now lives in Rockmart, Brian grew up in the Cobb/Smyrna area—and Smyrna still feels like home. It’s where he first discovered the values that guide him today, where he now proudly serves a community that shaped him, and where he shows up for community events not out of duty, but out of love. “There’s a deep trust between the fire department and this city,” he says. “And that trust is something I take very seriously.”
Becoming a father changed everything. It softened his edges, expanded his perspective, and reminded him that every person—on his team, in his household, in the community—has their own story, their own needs. “My kids are so different, and I’ve learned to meet them where they are. That carries over into how I lead. It’s not one-size-fits-all.”
Ask him what advice he’d give to young men today, and he doesn’t miss a beat. “Look for the need in your community—and step in. Show up. Be curious. Make a difference where you can.”
That’s what Brian does, quietly and consistently. With heart, with humility, and always, with purpose.
Tim Gould
Mayor Pro Tem, Smyrna City Council
For Tim Gould, public service didn’t begin with a campaign slogan or a political ambition—it began with a concern close to home. In 2018, after a development near his neighborhood was approved with little community input, he felt a spark of conviction. “That experience motivated me to make sure decisions are made with full understanding of what’s best for our community,” he says. So he stepped up, ran for City Council, and hasn’t looked back since.
What keeps him going today is simple: the people. “It’s a privilege to serve,” he says. “I want to help keep Smyrna a vibrant, growing community—one that listens to and reflects the voices of everyone who calls it home.”
That spirit of inclusivity is more than just talk. In 2019, Tim played a key role in helping pass Smyrna’s non-discrimination ordinance—the first of its kind in Cobb County, and one of the few in Georgia. “Our diversity is something we should never take for granted,” he says. “Everyone is welcome in Smyrna.”
At home, Tim draws daily inspiration from his wife, Judy, a dedicated advocate for vulnerable children and adults in Georgia. “Her empathy, drive, and work ethic are extraordinary,” he says. “I’m lucky to witness her leadership in action every day.” He also finds motivation in the countless residents who pour their time and energy into making Smyrna better—people who, like him, choose to show up and do the work.
Now in the early stages of empty-nesting, Tim and Judy are enjoying watching their kids, Abbie and Jack, thrive in college. Between family life, running his small business of 26 years, and serving on boards for CHS Educational Foundation, Smyrna Business Association, and St. Benedict’s Episcopal School, his schedule is full—but his heart is all in.
“Listening is everything,” he says. “When we take the time to really hear our neighbors, that’s when we build something great—together.”
That’s what Tim Gould does, day in and day out. With empathy, with purpose, and always, in service to the community he loves.
Jeff Daxe
Attorney & Partner, Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele, LLP
Jeff Daxe’s path to law wasn’t sparked by a dramatic courtroom moment or a lifelong dream—it took shape through experience. While working at a small general practice firm during law school in St. Louis, he discovered the kind of legal environment that felt right: one rooted in relationships, collaboration, and service. That early experience became a blueprint for the career he wanted to build—leading him in 1997 to Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele, a full0service general practice firm in Marietta where he could grow under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Over time, Jeff went from being the mentee to becoming a mentor himself. Now a partner, he finds deep satisfaction in helping young associates grow into confident attorneys, just as others once did for him.
“Helping young lawyers grow into their roles is one of the most meaningful parts of my work,” he says. But Jeff’s impact doesn’t stop at the office door. He’s long been committed to pro bono service through the Cobb Justice Foundation and has served on local nonprofit boards—including Vision Rehabilitation Services and, more recently, the Smyrna Education Foundation. “Making a difference—professionally and in the community—has always mattered to me,” he says.
Jeff and his wife Stacy put down roots in Smyrna back in 1999. What began as a convenient mid-point between their job locations quickly became home. Living near the Covered Bridge with easy access to the Silver Comet Trail, they embraced the community as they raised their three children. “Especially when the kids were younger, it was such a gift,” he says of the trail.
A piece of wisdom from his grandfather has long served as his compass:
“Recipe for Good Living: Something to do. Someone to love. Something to hope for.”
Now enjoying the early stages of empty-nest life, Jeff and Stacy start their mornings with a workout and spend weekends at farmers’ markets, planning meals together, and—when time allows—savoring a little wine tasting.
That’s how Jeff Daxe shows up in the world: with mentorship, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys.
Dr. John Lipman
Founder and Medical Director, Atlanta Fibroid Center
Long before Dr. John Lipman founded the Atlanta Fibroid Center (ATLii.com), he knew he wanted his work to mean something more. Not just treating illness—but protecting futures, preserving possibilities. For the past 25 years, he’s made it his mission to give women suffering from uterine fibroids an alternative to hysterectomy through a groundbreaking procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).
“Too often, women—especially women of color—are not told about UFE as an option,” he says. “They deserve better. They deserve choices.” That drive to educate and empower women has fueled every step of his career, becoming his life’s great cause.
Leadership, he believes, starts with service—and the courage to put others first. It’s a lesson he absorbed early, thanks to a Jesuit education and the powerful example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Find a great cause and give your life to it,” Dr. Lipman quotes. “That’s what I try to do every day.” In his view, the most important qualities of a community leader are trust, empathy, and a commitment to truly listen—especially when lifting up voices that are often unheard.
For Dr. Lipman and his wife Jayne, Smyrna-Vinings has been home for more than three decades. They moved into Vinings Glen with their newborn daughter in 1991, and quickly forged deep roots. “We’ve built lasting connections here—through our churches, our neighbors, local businesses, and civic involvement,” he says. Whether supporting the American Legion Post or joining in efforts like Support Smyrna, community engagement has always been a natural extension of his work. “It’s been a wonderful place to raise a family and build a life.”
A guiding principle keeps him grounded, no matter how busy the days become:
“Always treat patients as if they are your own family, and you’ll never go wrong.”
When he needs to recharge, you’ll find him unwinding at Lake Burton or discovering new restaurants and wines with Jayne—a slower pace that renews his energy for the work he loves.
That’s how Dr. John Lipman serves—with heart, with hope, and an unwavering commitment to change lives for the better.
Brian Marcos Pull Quote: “My job is to clear obstacles so my team can succeed. Leadership is about lifting others up.”
Tim Gould Pull Quote: “When we take the time to really hear our neighbors, that’s when we build something lasting—together.”
Jeff Daxe Pull Quote: “Mentorship, community, and connection—those are the things that have shaped my career and my life.”
Dr. John Lipman Pull Quote: “Changing lives begins with listening, caring, and leading with purpose.”