After more than 30 years of calling Roswell home, Mary Robichaux has a sense of gratitude that has shaped a lifelong commitment to giving back. The city has brought countless blessings to her family life, and with that came a belief in returning opportunities to others. Over the years, her commitment has come through involvement with nonprofit organizations that support children, adolescents, and adults. Being able to serve in a broader public capacity at the state level and now as Mayor of Roswell she pursues with intention. "Public service has made it possible to help people in ways that would never have been possible otherwise, she says, and that impact continues to be deeply meaningful ". Two powerful rewards come from serving others Mary says.
The first is witnessing the strong sense of community that emerges when people come together with a shared purpose. Seeing a consistent willingness among residents to “pay it forward,” strengthens my faith not only in the people of Roswell but also in the city’s future. The second reward comes from seeing real, tangible improvements in people’s lives. Changes that often go beyond addressing immediate needs, but instead create lasting, life-changing outcomes.
Mary believes Roswell offers so much to love, from its natural beauty—rivers, streams, and urban forests—to the rich history shaped by those who founded and built the city. Its strong family focus is reflected in outstanding parks, recreation facilities, and community events that offer something for everyone. What stands out most to her is the way residents who choose Roswell don’t just live here, but they engage, contribute, and help strengthen the fabric of the city as it continues to grow.
For Mary, time in community is often spent supporting family-focused volunteer organizations and exploring Roswell’s many restaurants and local venues. Visits from her granddaughters are filled with the simple joys of playing at parks, playgrounds, and walking along riverfront trails.
Looking ahead, shaping Roswell’s future is especially energizing to Mary. The opportunity to help guide the city comes with a strong sense of responsibility to honor and preserve Roswell’s unique history while encouraging thoughtful, sustainable growth that welcomes young families into the community. Protecting and restoring the natural environment remains a top priority, ensuring that what makes Roswell special today endures for generations to come.
Her inspiration comes from the people. Conversations with residents who deeply love their city and want to work together for the greater good are constant reminders of what makes community strong. Young students leading charity projects, parents volunteering, seniors stepping up, and business owners supporting causes all reflect the generous, caring heart of Roswell.
Mary's motivation comes from her belief that individual actions can make life a little better for others. While it’s not always easy to know when meaningful change has been made, moments when people share how their lives have improved because of that work are profoundly motivating. That sense of impact continues to drive her lifelong commitment to service.
After moving to Roswell in 2007, for Jennifer Phillip what began as a search for a place to live quickly became a lifelong connection to a community. Raising a family, watching her children grow through Recreation and Parks programs with her husband coaching on the sidelines, and forming deep friendships through the congregation at UUMAN has created a profound sense of belonging. Jennifer came to a realization that this connection, combined with her years of professional experience, could help shape the city’s future. "Roswell isn’t just home she says, it’s a place deeply woven into family life and identity".
Serving others brings her refreshed energy. With over 20 years in the same industry, engaging with residents offers new perspectives and challenges unlike those she faces as COO. From coffee conversations to learning the inner workings of the city, from fire stations and parks to budgets and infrastructure, each day is guaranteed to bring something different. Helping a resident navigate zoning one day, discussing environmental policy the next, and exploring long-term planning after will make work dynamic and deeply rewarding for Jennifer. Hearing from a wide range of voices, young families, longtime residents, business owners, and retirees can add meaning and momentum to her every interaction.
What stands out most about Roswell to her is its people and trees. The city’s commitment to preserving green space and tree canopy has created an exceptional network of parks and trails that feel both restorative and welcoming, these spaces showcase Roswell at its best: families biking, neighbors walking dogs, and children playing freely.
Jennifer spends her time in community often attending services at UUMAN, walking rescue greyhounds and participating in Keep Roswell Beautiful events. Jennifer has a passion for native plants, environmental stewardship, and a growing desire to spend more time on the Chattahoochee, particularly paddle boarding. She says this gives her deeper appreciation of the city’s natural resources. With work, family, and council responsibilities now, there’s a conscious effort to make time to fully enjoy all Roswell has to offer.
Local projects that foster connection and sustainability are especially motivating and exciting to her. Growing interfaith collaborations such as the recent groundbreaking of the Roswell Community Masjid and its Vision 99 environmental initiative reflect her shared community values. Thoughtful development that balances growth with preservation is also deeply important, as are initiatives that encourage residents to engage with nature, parks, trails, and native plant programs.
Her Motivation ultimately comes from family, especially children who grew up in Roswell and now carry those experiences into adulthood. There’s a strong desire to ensure future families enjoy the same opportunities: strong schools, safe neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a responsive local government. Raised by a hardworking single mother and having built a life through dedication and perseverance, Jennifer has a deep commitment to keeping Roswell a place where families of all backgrounds can plant roots, feel supported, and truly thrive.
Chris Zack moved to Roswell during the COVID era, when much of the community felt closed off, he stepped into the role of IT Director and it became a meaningful way to connect. This job offered a firsthand look at how City Council decisions impact residents’ everyday lives and inspired a desire to contribute his professional skills toward improving how the city operates. That motivation deepened for him even further with parenthood. Now, driven by the hope of helping build a community where his son can grow up proud and be supported.
Chris feels that at the heart of serving others is a commitment to listening. he says, "Taking the time to understand different perspectives and helping clarify them allows people to work together more effectively and move important issues forward".
What stands out most about Roswell to him is its access to nature. The river and surrounding green spaces offer an incredible quality of life, with multiple parks just minutes away. For Chris and his family this is perfect for a game of disc golf, a stroll to the playground, or simply enjoying time outdoors.
Chris spends time in community close to home, focused on family and making the most of Roswell’s parks, trails, and river. Supporting some of the city’s lesser-known local restaurants is another favorite way he stays connected.
Local efforts that protect the river and support organizations like the Atlanta Humane Society are especially meaningful to Chris. Both family dogs were adopted through the organization and have become cherished companions. His motivation comes from gratitude and perspective. Being in a good place in life brings a sense of responsibility he feels to give back, contribute where possible, and use the opportunities available to make a positive difference.
Giving back has always been a natural part of life for Eren Brumley, beginning as what’s affectionately described as a “serial volunteer.” It started when her children entered school, she got involved in PTAs, scouting, sports programs, and the neighborhood HOA. Over time, that circle expanded into civic organizations and nonprofits, driven by a genuine love for community connection. She says, volunteering became not only a way to support meaningful causes, but also a way to meet my neighbors, build friendships, and take part in events that bring people together for good".
After moving to Roswell in 1995 Eren, as the only member of her family in the area, said Roswell's welcoming spirit made an immediate and lasting impression. The kindness and openness of people created a sense of belonging that felt like home to her, and that experience continues to inspire a desire to ensure others feel just as welcomed. Giving back is, in many ways, a way of paying forward the warmth she once received.
What stands out most about Roswell to her is its river and its people. The riverwalk and surrounding parks offer spaces where families like her own can slow down and enjoy life. Complementing those natural treasures she boasts is a thriving local business scene, filled with innovative shops, restaurants, breweries, and service providers that add character and creativity to the Roswell community.
Eren's free time is often spent exploring these local restaurants and shops, walking or biking along the Riverwalk, and attending music and art events that showcase the city’s vibrant culture. She says, "these everyday moments reflect what makes the community feel alive and connected".
Supporting nonprofits is especially energizing to her. Having participated in numerous fundraisers and events over the years, there’s excitement about becoming even more involved, armed with new resources, connections, and opportunities to make a greater impact. What keeps her motivation strong is the response from the community itself. Hearing how an idea, project, or effort helped someone serves as a powerful reminder that even small steps can lead to meaningful change, one person at a time.