In this, our HOME issue, we wanted to salute all that makes Johns Creek so strong and vibrant. It's the compassion and generosity of neighbors and the hardworking unsung heroes. And, the magic comes from residents who make a commitment to their property and invest in the future of Johns Creek.
We caught up with hometown girl, Regan Maki, to ask about these grounding values.
For readers who share your passion for service, where do they start?
If you want to give back, start by getting involved. Whether that means supporting your children’s school or attending city council meetings, being engaged allows you to better understand what’s happening in your community. By showing up and being willing to help, you gain valuable insight into the people, priorities and issues that shape the place you call home.
Into the community
Who are a few of the hardest-working heroes at Johns Creek City Hall?
Three unsung heroes inside city hall are City Manager, Kimberly Greer, City Clerk, Allison Tarpley and Police Chief, Mark Mitchell. As City Manager, Greer oversees the city’s day-to-day operations, ensures policies approved by the Mayor and Council are actually implemented and keeps departments aligned, efficient and accountable. Her work is largely invisible to residents, which is often the sign of effective leadership. When services run smoothly, budgets stay on track and issues are resolved before becoming problems, that’s city management doing its job well. The board is divided, and where policies and politics come into play, Greer does a fabulous job of holding her own and does her job servicing the residents of Johns Creek, the council and the Mayor while maintaining the utmost professionalism.
Allison Tarpley is the city clerk and the guardian of transparency, accuracy and institutional memory, ensuring records, meetings and public processes are handled correctly and lawfully. Her work rarely draws attention, but it is essential to public trust and smooth city operations. When governance functions seamlessly, and residents have confidence in the process, it’s often because the details were handled right behind the scenes; that’s where Tarpley excels.
Last but certainly not least, our Police Chief, Mark Mitchell. He plays a steady, behind-the-scenes role in keeping Johns Creek one of the safest and most trusted communities in the country, leading the department with professionalism, accountability and a clear commitment to public service. He’s an unsung hero in City Hall because his impact is felt not through headlines, but through consistency, supporting his officers, collaborating quietly with city leadership and prioritizing the safety and confidence of residents every single day.
At home
And, what's on your TO DO list in your own home this spring?
I have a deep appreciation for interior design, which means our home is always evolving—much to my husband’s chagrin. While two bathroom renovations are planned for later this year, I find just as much satisfaction in the subtle details for now: upgrading vent covers, introducing wallpaper to certain areas, or refreshing a space with a carefully chosen paint color to create a sense of transformation. I’m constantly curating distinctive pieces that add character and elevate our home, ensuring it feels both intentional and uniquely ours.
Beyond our own home, we’re currently focused on renovating one of our investment properties that caters to affordable housing, to have it fully up and running by spring. While we steward multiple homes in this space, this project is our immediate priority. We believe everyone deserves a safe, well-designed place to live, and we take great pride in creating thoughtful, quality spaces that provide accessible housing without compromising care or intention.
Industry Intel
What are a few little things a good buyer and seller's agent will handle for their clients to make life easier?
A true professional begins by listening—understanding why you’re making a move, clarifying your goals and identifying the outcome you want to achieve. From there, they provide honest guidance and a clear strategy to help you get there.
For sellers, a great agent carefully analyzes current market conditions to price the home accurately, advises on how to best prepare the property for the market, ensures it is presentation-ready and then executes a comprehensive marketing plan.
For buyers, they provide education on crafting a strong, competitive offer, guide you through each step of the transaction and proactively advise you on key considerations to protect both your interests and your earnest money throughout the process.