Michael Crofton, Teaching Assistant - Joseph Sams School
Story by Jennifer Conforti
It’s hard to keep a good man down, and Michael Crofton is one of those good men.
Michael was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome. Long before inclusion became part of the broader conversation, Michael was living it. As one of the first students at what is now Joseph Sams School, founded in part by his mother, Mary Ann Crofton, he helped pave the way for opportunities many now benefit from. In Fayette County schools, he was part of early inclusion efforts, attending some mainstream classes, running track in junior high, performing in a play at McIntosh High School, and supporting classmates as a cross-country manager and a helper at football games.
Today, Michael continues to show what’s possible. Since 2018, he has served as a teaching assistant at Joseph Sams School, a full-circle moment steeped in purpose. He’s also worked at The Fred, Partners Pizza, and Your Pie because, as he says, “It’s important for me to work because I make my own money and get to work on my own.”
Michael gives back by volunteering across the community. He has volunteered with the Peachtree City Rotary Community Core at Midwest Food Bank, Camp Winshape, Word of God Lutheran Church, and Young Life Caperneum. Still, he hopes for more, for his friends. He wants others to have the same chances to work, contribute, and belong. For local businesses, he believes that’s a call to action, to open doors wider.
A diagnosis doesn’t define Michael. He’s defined by heart, determination, and a future he sees clearly. “I want to travel and learn how to do new things.”
Cal Wimberly, Purveyor - The Wimberly Collection
Story by Pam Reid
Cal has never been one to build walls. His life’s work has been about building bridges. Whether on the airwaves, in business, or within the community, his focus has always been on connection, service, and impact.
At just 18 years old, Cal stepped into radio, and decades later, he still starts his day behind the mic as co-host of the morning show on The Bear 92.5, a hyper-local country station that reflects his heart for community. For Cal, radio is more than entertainment. It is a platform for a purpose. He consistently uses his voice to elevate local organizations, helping them raise awareness, increase engagement, and ultimately drive support for their missions.
When the microphone goes off, Cal transitions seamlessly into another arena of influence. Since 1988, he has built a successful career in real estate, specializing in commercial properties. While his accomplishments are significant, those who know him best point not to numbers, but to his character. Former team members speak highly of his honesty, integrity, and leadership, and many would welcome the opportunity to work alongside him again.
Cal’s legacy also extends into entrepreneurship and family tradition. Inspired by his late grandmother, who was a master distiller in her day, he and his family created The Wimberly Collection, a line of handcrafted spirits including bourbon, vodka, single malt whiskey, and reposado. Their presence at community events each weekend reflects the same philosophy that guides all of Cal’s endeavors. “Meet people where they are and create meaningful experiences.”
At the center of it all is his faith. Cal and his wife, along with some friends, purchased an abandoned church and transformed it into Lakewood Church of Hope. It’s a reflection of Cal’s commitment to giving back to the Atlanta community that shaped him. The church is celebrating its 13th anniversary. Guided by the belief that “to whom much is given, much is required,” Cal continues to pour into others, intentionally building a legacy that will inspire and equip the next generation.
Steve Ivory, Governor - Rotary District 6900
Story by Susan Walworth
From the Marine Corps to a prolific corporate career and into retirement, Steve Ivory has maintained an unwavering passion for serving others. A longtime Rotarian and former president of the Peachtree City Rotary Club, he chose the organization as his primary vehicle for community impact. “I enjoy hands-on projects, and Rotary clubs do so many of them.”
Steve holds a particular passion for programs that support young people. “We can help them build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose early on,” he says. Beyond Rotary, Steve serves on the boards of Southside Support, Southern Crescent Technical College, and the Peachtree City Police Auxiliary. He also mentors at Starr’s Mill High School and serves as a U.S. Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer, working with three area high schools.
Steve credits his mother, Donna, for his philanthropic spirit. “She raised three boys, often working multiple jobs, and still found time to help others.” A high school wrestling coach and Naval Academy sponsor also taught him discipline and accountability, making a lasting difference in his life. “I’ve always felt a responsibility to pay that forward.”
He is proud that his wife of 31 years, Anna, Vice President of Safety and Quality for Piedmont Healthcare System, and his daughters, Kayla (a mental health counselor with Discovery Connections) and Claire (a nurse in the transplant unit at Piedmont Atlanta), are also active in serving others.
He encourages fellow Fayette County residents to find their own way to plug into service. “That small step often leads to something bigger: greater impact, stronger relationships, and a real sense of fulfillment,” he says. As District Governor, Steve has emphasized the importance of honoring “Service Heroes”, recognizing and engaging those who serve others every day. “If others carry anything forward, I hope it’s that mindset. Step up and engage, invest in people, and bring others along with you. That’s how you create a legacy that lasts.”
Stephen Michael Brown, President - Cookerly PR and Silver Screen Capture
Story by Sydney Kate Lewis
Stephen Michael Brown may have made the move south from Midtown just eight years ago, but he has firmly established himself as one of Fayette’s most phenomenal men. Not simply because of his accomplished career in public relations, he currently serves as president of Cookerly PR, but because of the way he uses his connections to bring people together in meaningful, lasting ways.
Brown describes himself as a “creative catalyst,” someone who sees potential in scattered ideas and the people behind them. By connecting the right individuals at the right time, he helps turn fragments into something greater than the sum of their parts. “Knowing a little about a lot of things can be very helpful to a lot of people,” he says—a philosophy he clearly puts into practice.
Beyond making connections, a curiosity for new experiences drives him. Over the years, he explored ventures like co-producing short films and plays and emceeing events like the Enzo Oscars gala. In the past year alone, he took part in activities ranging from dragon boat racing to military rucks. The constant thread through all of these experiences is his love for movie reviews. Brown began reviewing films as a child. Then, about a decade ago, his sister-in-law helped him formalize that passion by creating the renowned blog now known as Silver Screen Capture.
This love for storytelling extends beyond the “silver screen,” materializing in a collection of film-related relics displayed throughout his home. He is especially drawn to items with a story, particularly those handcrafted or thoughtfully developed. That appreciation inspires his approach to mentoring the next generation, encouraging young creatives to remain original in their work despite the growing presence of AI. Stephen connects people in subtle, behind-the-scenes ways, but more visibly. He dedicates time to volunteering with a range of organizations, including serving on the board of the Ron Clark Academy.
His Trilith townhome is a maximalist tribute to entertainment. “I enjoy the energy here with fresh and diverse collaborators,” he said. “Add me to your mix, and we’ll certainly set a scene.”
For Cal, radio is more than entertainment. It is a platform for a purpose. He consistently uses his voice to elevate local organizations, helping them raise awareness, increase engagement, and ultimately drive support for their missions.