2025 Leadership Team & Prior
Alex Johnson, Chairman
Alex serves as the Chairman of the GRA Board and Executive Committee. From 2014 to 2023 he served as the GRA President. He attended Oglethorpe University and received a B.A.
Nathaniel Darnell, President
Nathaniel serves as the President (C.E.O.) of the GRA and as the Chairman of the Cobb County Republican Assembly chapter. Prior to that he served as the NFRA Director (2021-2023),
Catherine Bernard, NFRA National Director for GA
Catherine Bernard serves as the lady senior NFRA National Director for Georgia, succeeding Debra Williams. In addition, Catherine has developed a reputation as a successful criminal defense attorney in Georgia.
Abigail Darnell, NFRA National Director for GA
Abigail is a Christian, homeschool graduate who is passionate about the ideals underlying the Republican Party. She feels called to help make America constitutional again and sees effective political activism
Nick Cooper, 1st Vice President
Nick serves as the GRA 1st Vice President and the chapter President of the Fulton County RA chapter. The focus of his duties with the GRA concern legislative development. He
Jackie Harling, 2nd Vice President
Jackie Harling serves as the Assistant Secretary for the GRA, assisting Secretary Joanna Hildreth. Jackie was previously a GRA-endorsed candidate for State House, and won election as the Walker County
Joanna Hildreth, Secretary
Joanna Hildreth serves as the Secretary of the GRA as well as one of the leaders of the NWGRA in Catoosa County, Georgia. In 2020 she was also elected the
Banks Wise, Treasurer
As the Treasurer, Banks Wise manages the finances of the organization. He has been involved in the Republican Party as a volunteer activist for over a decade, first getting involved
Cassandra Docherty, Assistant Secretary
Cassandra is a classical trained educator who teaches Ancient History, Medieval History, US History, and American Government to junior and high school students for the last 30 years. She has
Field Searcy, Chairman of the I.T. Committee
Field serves as the I.T Committee Chair, and redeveloped the GRA web site in 2020. He also is a founder for Georgians for Truth, an advocate organization for election integrity.
Jason Frazier, Chairman of the Election Integrity Action Group
Jason Frazier was appointed the Chairman of the GRA Election Integrity Action Group in the summer of 2024, overseeing strategic efforts to promote accuracy in Georgia’s election systems both at
Brian Roper, Chair of the New Membership Committee
Brian Roper serves as the Chairman of the GRA New Membership Committee, which vets applicants for membership in the GRA. He was also elected in 2024 as the Fulton County
Ron Hooper, Chair of Chapter Relations
Ron Hooper serves at the Chairman of the Chapter Relations Action Group for the GRA. He previously served as the gentleman NFRA National Director for Georgia until his retirement from
Chris Deeb, Vetting Committee Chairman
The Vetting Committee Chairman reports to NFRA Director Catherine Bernard and is responsible for interviewing candidates for office seeking the GRA’s endorsement. The committee provides information on the candidates in
Alex Johnson, Chairman
Alex serves as the Chairman of the GRA Board and Executive Committee. From 2014 to 2023 he served as the GRA President. He attended Oglethorpe University and received a B.A.
Nathaniel Darnell, President
Nathaniel serves as the President (C.E.O.) of the GRA and as the Chairman of the Cobb County Republican Assembly chapter. Prior to that he served as the NFRA Director (2021-2023),
Catherine Bernard, NFRA Director from Georgia
Catherine Bernard serves as the lady senior NFRA National Director for Georgia, succeeding Debra Williams. In addition, Catherine has developed a reputation as a successful criminal defense attorney in Georgia.
Abigail Darnell, 3rd Vice President
Abigail is a Christian, homeschool graduate who is passionate about the ideals underlying the Republican Party. She feels called to help make America constitutional again and sees effective political activism
Jim Fernander, 2nd Vice President
Jim Fernander was elected the 2nd Vice President of the GRA at the State Convention in December of 2021. Living in Douglasville, Jim has been active in the Republican Party
Stephen Alligood, 3rd Vice President
Stephen oversees certain operations such as the New Membership Committee and helps support several other aspects of internal operations for the GRA. He previously served as the Chairman of the
Joanna Hildreth, Secretary
Joanna Hildreth serves as the Secretary of the GRA as well as one of the leaders of the NWGRA in Catoosa County, Georgia. In 2020 she was also elected the
Anne Lane, Assistant Secretary
Anne Lane was elected as the Assistant Secretary of the GRA at the State Convention in December of 2023, succeeding Denise Burns. She was a GRA member in good standing
Banks Wise, Treasurer
As the Treasurer, Banks Wise manages the finances of the organization. He has been involved in the Republican Party as a volunteer activist for over a decade, first getting involved
Field Searcy, Chairman of the I.T. Committee
Field serves as the I.T Committee Chair, and redeveloped the GRA web site in 2020. He also is a founder for Georgians for Truth, an advocate organization for election integrity.
David Carlson, Chair of the Chapter Relations Committee
David Carlson has been a political activist in metro-Atlanta, serving in many capacities. As Chapter Relations Chairman, he runs support for local chapters, traveling to visit them and get local
Eddie Caldwell, Vetting Committee Chairman
The Vetting Committee Chairman reports to NFRA Director Catherine Bernard and is responsible for interviewing candidates for office seeking the GRA’s endorsement. The committee makes recommendations to the GRA membership
Chris Watson, Chairman of the Events Action Group
The Events Action Group ensures the visibility of the organization to the public in multiple formats (Dinners, Conventions, etc.) and adds value to a member’s relationship with the GRA by
Nancy Rikard, Chairwoman of the Membership Action Group
The Membership Committee Chair is responsible for maintaining good relations between the GRA and its members. In addition to serving in this role, Nancy serves as a precinct officer in
Cassandra Docherty, Chairwoman of the Speakers Bureau
Cassandra is a classical trained educator who teaches Ancient History, Medieval History, US History, and American Government to junior and high school students for the last 30 years. She has
Alex Johnson, GRA President
Alex attended Oglethorpe University and received a B.A. in Politics and attended Georgia State Law school for his Juris Doctor. While at Oglethorpe, he helped found the College Republicans in 2003.
Nathaniel Darnell, NFRA Director from Georgia
Nathaniel has served as the NFRA Director of the GRA since 2021, succeeding Ron Hooper in that position. The year before that, as the 3rd Vice President of the GRA
Catherine Bernard, NFRA Director from Georgia
Catherine Bernard has served as the lady junior NFRA National Director for Georgia, succeeding Debra Williams. In addition, Catherine has developed a reputation as a successful criminal defense attorney in
Jim Fernander, 2nd Vice President
Jim Fernander was elected the 2nd Vice President of the GRA at the State Convention in December of 2021. Living in Douglasville, Jim has been active in the Republican Party
Abigail Darnell, 3rd Vice President
Abigail Hope Darnell (formerly Abigail Hope Cochran) grew up in Whitfield County in northwest Georgia before marrying Nathaniel Darnell in the summer of 2020. She is the grateful mother of
Joanna Hildreth, Secretary
Joanna Hildreth serves as the Secretary of the GRA as well as one of the leaders of the NWGRA in Catoosa County, Georgia. She has also twice been elected as
Denise Burns, Assistant Secretary
Denise Burns was elected as the Assistant Secretary of the GRA at the State Convention in December of 2021. She has been a GRA member in good standing for many
Banks Wise, Treasurer
As the Treasurer, Banks Wise manages the finances of the organization. He has been involved in the Republican Party as a volunteer activist for over a decade, first getting involved
Field Searcy, Chairman of the I.T. Committee
Field serves as the I.T Committee Chair, and redeveloped the GRA web site in 2020. He’s formerly served as a House District Chair in the Cobb County Republican Party, and
David Carlson, Chair of the Chapter Relations Committee
David Carlson has been a political activist in metro-Atlanta, serving in many capacities. As Chapter Relations Chairman, he runs support for local chapters, traveling to visit them and get local
Eddie Caldwell, Vetting Committee Chairman
The Vetting Committee Chairman reports to NFRA Director Catherine Bernard and is responsible for interviewing candidates for office seeking the GRA’s endorsement. The committee makes recommendations to the GRA membership
Robert Smith, Chairman of the Coalition of Leaders Action Group
Robert (Bob) Smith is a semi-retired business executive. Bob spent many years in manufacturing leadership, rising to serve as CEO of two midsized companies. With four patents to his credit,
Chris Watson, Chairman of the Events Action Group
The Events Action Group ensures the visibility of the organization to the public in multiple formats (Dinners, Conventions, etc.) and adds value to a member’s relationship with the GRA by
Nancy Rikard, Chairwoman of the Membership Action Group
The Membership Committee Chair is responsible for maintaining good relations between the GRA and its members. In addition to serving in this role, Nancy serves as a precinct officer in
Cassandra Docherty, Chairwoman of the Speakers Bureau
Cassandra is a classical trained educator who teaches Ancient History, Medieval History, US History, and American Government to junior and high school students for the last 30 years. She has
Alex Johnson, GRA President
Alex attended Oglethorpe University and received a B.A. in Politics and attended Georgia State Law school for his Juris Doctor. While at Oglethorpe, he helped found the College Republicans in 2003.
Nathaniel Darnell, NFRA Director from Georgia
Nathaniel has served as the NFRA Director of the GRA since 2021, succeeding Ron Hooper in that position. The year before that, as the 3rd Vice President of the GRA
Catherine Bernard, NFRA Director from Georgia
Catherine Bernard has served as the lady junior NFRA National Director for Georgia, succeeding Debra Williams. In addition, Catherine has developed a reputation as a successful criminal defense attorney in
Jim Fernander, 2nd Vice President
Jim Fernander was elected the 2nd Vice President of the GRA at the State Convention in December of 2021. Living in Douglasville, Jim has been active in the Republican Party
Abigail Darnel, 3rd Vice President
Abigail is a Christian, homeschool graduate who is passionate about reforming the laws of GA to reflect “the laws of nature and of nature’s God”. She feels called to help
Joanna Hildreth, Secretary
Joanna Hildreth serves as the Secretary of the GRA as well as one of the leaders of the NWGRA in Catoosa County, Georgia. She was also twice elected as the
Denise Burns, Assistant Secretary
Denise Burns was elected as the Assistant Secretary of the GRA at the State Convention in December of 2021. She has been a GRA member in good standing for many
Nate Porter, Treasurer
Nathan Porter was elected to serve as the Treasurer for the GRA after James B. Jordan resigned from the position mid-term. Nathan was later re-elected as the GRA Treasurer at
Banks Wise, Assistant Treasurer
As the Assistant Treasurer, Banks Wise provides support to the Treasurer in managing the finances of the organization. He has been involved in the Republican Party as a volunteer activist
Field Searcy, Chairman of the I.T. Committee
Field serves as the I.T Committee Chair, and redeveloped the GRA web site in 2020. He’s formerly served as a House District Chair in the Cobb County Republican Party, and
Eddie Caldwell, Vetting Committee Chairman
The Vetting Committee Chairman reports to NFRA Director Catherine Bernard and is responsible for interviewing candidates for office seeking the GRA’s endorsement. The committee makes recommendations to the GRA membership
Greg Cline, Chairman of the Coalition of Leaders Action Group
Greg is a native Georgian, from Dalton, and he has been a practicing attorney for 30 years, mostly in corporate law. He currently lives in Forsyth County, where he has
Chris Watson, Chairman of the Events Action Group
The Events Action Group ensures the visibility of the organization to the public in multiple formats (Dinners, Conventions, etc.) and adds value to a member’s relationship with the GRA by
Sheryl Sellaway, Chair of the Public Relations Action Group
The Chairlady of the Public Relations Action Group has the special task of strategically planning and coordinating public relations for the Georgia Republican Assembly. After more than 20 years of
Alex Johnson, GRA President
Alex attended Oglethorpe University and received a B.A. in Politics and attended Georgia State Law school for his Juris Doctor. While at Oglethorpe, he helped found the College Republicans in 2003.
Debra Williams, NFRA Director from Georgia
Debra Williams serves as the lady NFRA National Director for Georgia, succeeding Kay Godwin. In addition, Debra serves as the Chair of GRA Events and has previously served as the
Nathaniel Darnell, NFRA Director from Georgia
Nathaniel served as the NFRA Director of the GRA in 2021, succeeding Ron Hooper in that position. The year before that, as the 3rd Vice President of the GRA and as
Norine Cantor, 2nd Vice President
Norine attended UNG and received her AA in Business Administration. Also, attended the Leadership Institute to learn how to effectively run a grassroots campaign. Norine is actively involved in her
Joanna Hildreth, Secretary
Joanna Hildreth serves as the Secretary of the GRA as well as one of the leaders of the NWGRA in Catoosa County, Georgia.
Michael Davis, Assistant Secretary
Michael Davis served as the Assistant Secretary of the GRA in 2020 and 2021, and was previously the founding President of the Cobb County Republican Assembly chapter. Having graduated from
Nate Porter, Treasurer
Nathan Porter was elected to serve as the Treasurer for the GRA after James B. Jordan resigned from the position. He was later re-elected to that position at the GRA
Abigail Darnell, 3rd Vice President
Abigail Hope Darnell (formerly Abigail Hope Cochran) grew up in Whitfield County in northwest Georgia before marrying Nathaniel Darnell in the summer of 2020. She is the grateful mother of
Frank Molesky, Southeastern Regional Director
Frank Molesky served as the 3rd Vice President of the GRA until he was elected as the new Southeastern NFRA Director in the autumn of 2019, a position he served
Celestine James, Chair of the Membership Committee
Celestine James from South Georgia, who is affectionately known by many as “CJ,” brings a special passion for outreach to overlooked groups for the Republican cause. She volunteered and was
J. Gregory Howard, Chair of the New Membership Committee
As the Chairman of the New Membership Committee, Gregory Howard had the special task of vetting applicants for new membership into the Georgia Republican Assembly. He served in this role
Silas Roberts, Chair of the Chapter Relations Committee
Silas Roberts was first appointed the Chapter Relations Chairman of the GRA in August of 2021. He has been an active member of the Hart County Republican Party for many
Michael Opitz, Chairman of the Vetting Committee
The Vetting Committee Chairman reports to NFRA Director Catherine Bernard and is responsible for interviewing candidates for office seeking the GRA’s endorsement. The committee makes recommendations to the GRA membership
Field Searcy, Chairman of the I.T. Committee
Field serves as the I.T Committee Chair, and redeveloped the GRA web site in 2020. He’s formerly served as a House District Chair in the Cobb County Republican Party, and
Alex Johnson, GRA President
Alex attended Oglethorpe University and received a B.A. in Politics and attended Georgia State Law school for his Juris Doctor. While at Oglethorpe, he helped found the College Republicans in 2003.
Norine Cantor, 2nd Vice President
Norine attended UNG and received her AA in Business Administration. Also, attended the Leadership Institute to learn how to effectively run a grassroots campaign. Norine is actively involved in her
Nathaniel Darnell, 3rd Vice President
Nathaniel served as the 3rd Vice President of the GRA and as the Chairman of the Cobb County Republican Assembly in 2020. He also was elected as the Vice Chair of
Debra Williams, NFRA Director from Georgia
Debra Williams serves as the lady NFRA National Director for Georgia, succeeding Kay Godwin. In addition, Debra serves as the Chair of GRA Events and has previously served as the
Ron Hooper, NFRA Director from Georgia
Ron Hooper served as the gentleman NFRA National Director for Georgia until his retirement from that position on January 1, 2021. He is also active as leader in the Lanier
Joanna Hildreth, Secretary
Joanna Hildreth serves as the Secretary of the GRA as well as one of the leaders of the NWGRA in Catoosa County, Georgia.
Michael Davis, Assistant Secretary
Michael Davis served as the Assistant Secretary of the GRA in 2020 and 2021, and was previously the founding President of the Cobb County Republican Assembly chapter. Having graduated from
James B. Jordan, Treasurer
James B. Jordan served as the Treasurer for the GRA until his retirement from that position on December 1, 2020, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He formerly lived in
Frank Molesky, Southeastern Regional Director
Frank Molesky served as the 3rd Vice President of the GRA until he was elected as the new Southeastern NFRA Director in the autumn of 2019. Retired now as a
Alex Johnson, GRA President & NFRA Southeastern Regional Director
Alex attended Oglethorpe University and received a B.A. in Politics and attended Georgia State Law school for his Juris Doctor. While at Oglethorpe, he helped found the College Republicans in 2003.
Mike Scupin, 2nd Vice President
Mike Scupin has an A.E. degree in Architecture from Southern Technical Institute, a BBA degree in Economics from North Georgia College, a MS degree in Management of Technology from Southern
Frank Molesky, 3rd Vice President
Frank Molesky served as the 3rd Vice President of the GRA until he was elected as the new Southeastern NFRA Director in the autumn of 2019. Retired now as a
Pat Tippett, Secretary
Pat Tippett has been a grassroots activist for more than 25 years serving on numerous local, state, and federal campaigns, including as state grassroots co-chair for the George W. Bush
Norine Cantor, Treasurer
Norine attended UNG and received her AA in Business Administration. Also, attended the Leadership Institute to learn how to effectively run a grassroots campaign. Norine is actively involved in her
Debra Lieb, Assistant Secretary
After attending Indiana University as an opera major, Debra earned her B.S. in Business Management in 1989 from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. She has been a professional musician and
Kay Godwin, NFRA Director from Georgia
Kay Godwin has been a grassroots activist for more than 27 years, serving on more than 100 local, state, and federal campaigns including as state grassroots co-chair for the George
Jack Staver, NFRA Director from Georgia
Jack Staver is a small business owner and involved citizen. Jack is the Chairman of the Northwest GA 9/12 project and has served in an advisory capacity for other grassroots
Alex attended Oglethorpe University and received a B.A. in Politics and attended Georgia State Law school for his Juris Doctor. While at Oglethorpe, he helped found the College Republicans in 2003. In 2009, he became involved in the DeKalb County Republican Party and DeKalb County Young Republicans serving as Secretary, Vice Chair and eventual two-term Chairman of the DeKalb County Young Republicans.
He has served within the DeKalb County Republican Party as an Executive Committee member, Senate District Chair, and General (Legal) Counsel, as well as being the Republican candidate for the Georgia State Senate in District 41 in 2010 against Democrat Steve Henson, losing but garnering approximately 43% of the vote.
Alex ran for Georgia GOP Chairman in 2013, 2015, and 2017 (receiving 40%, 45%, and 47% of the vote, respectively). He has also founded Advance the GOP, an informational effort to improve the Republican Party in Georgia by holding politicians accountable to the Republican principles that they claimed to support when they took office.
He received the National Federation of Republican Assemblies (NFRA) President's Award for Activism in 2017, and was also elected to serve as the Southern Regional Vice-President for the NFRA.
As his paying job, Alex practices law throughout Georgia, focusing on both personal injury and civil rights litigation, as well as representing businesses. He lives in Dunwoody, Georgia with his wife Andrea and their baby son. You can reach him via email at chairman@georgiara.com.
Nathaniel serves as the President (C.E.O.) of the GRA and as the Chairman of the Cobb County Republican Assembly. Prior to that he served as the 3rd Vice President of the GRA. He was also formerly elected to serve as the NFRA Director for the GRA, the Vice Chair of Communications for the Cobb County Republican Party in 2019, and has been elected to the GAGOP State Committee for several years. He first started working in Georgia Republican politics in 1996, working for eight different Republican state legislators over the course of eight legislative sessions, including Tom Graves in his freshman year as a state representative, and Casey Cagle when he was still a minority-party state senator. He also served State Senator Mike Crane (R-Newnan), State Rep. Mitchell Kaye (R-Cobb), State Senator Billy Ray (R-Gwinnett), and others. He served as a state committee member for the Georgia Republican Party in the 11th Congressional District for seven years, as the Executive Director of the Cobb County Republican Party for three years. Nathaniel holds a juris doctorate with Oak Brook College of Law and has worked in sales, training, and management for years. He lives happily with his wife Abigail and their three children in Powder Springs. You can reach him via email at president@georgiara.com.
Banks Wise was elected to serve as the Treasurer for the GRA after Nate Porter resigned from the position, and he was re-elected as Treasurer at the GRA State Convention in December of 2023. As the Treasurer, Banks Wise manages the finances of the organization. He has been involved in the Republican Party as a volunteer activist for over a decade, first getting involved in the presidential races of Congressman Ron Paul from Texas. He resides in Cherokee County and works in an accounting firm. He has previously worked as a campaign manager for several successful State House races and worked as those elected Republican legislators’ Chief of Staff and their political advisor. You can reach him via email at treasurer@georgiara.com.
Catherine Bernard serves as the lady senior NFRA National Director for Georgia, succeeding Debra Williams. In addition, Catherine has developed a reputation as a successful criminal defense attorney in Georgia. In 2012 she was elected as a delegate to the National Republican Convention. She and her husband Eric reside in DeKalb County. You can reach her via email at cbernard@georgiara.com.
Jackie Harling serves as the Assistant Secretary for the GRA, assisting Secretary Joanna Hildreth. Jackie was previously a GRA-endorsed candidate for State House, and won election as the Walker County GOP Chairwoman in 2023. She can be reached at jharling@georgiara.com.
Joanna Hildreth serves as the Secretary of the GRA as well as one of the leaders of the NWGRA in Catoosa County, Georgia. In 2020 she was also elected the Chair of the Catoosa County Republican Party organization. Her volunteer service has helped to stop multiple tax increases and tax allocation districts designed to increase local government waste and corporate welfare. You can reach her via email at secretary@georgiara.com.
Abigail is a Christian, homeschool graduate who is passionate about the ideals underlying the Republican Party. She feels called to help make America constitutional again and sees effective political activism as part of Christian ministry: a natural outflow of loving one’s neighbor and the Great Commission.
She was elected as the junior lady GRA NFRA Director in 2023, after serving a term as the 3rd Vice President. She has also been elected to serve as a precinct officer for LM03 in the Cobb County Republican Party.
She currently serves as the Vice President of GA Right to Life, having been elected to that position twice, and previously co-led the Northwest Georgia Right to Life chapter. She has trained and volunteered with the Center for Bio-ethical Reform doing pro-life campus outreach at liberal colleges and doing street activism.
She served for five years as Secretary of the L’Abri Symphony, a non-profit community orchestra in Dalton, GA. For seven years she worked doing bookkeeping and payroll for Keith Cochran CPA accounting firm. She is currently in her first year working as an insurance agent with Bankers Life alongside her husband Nathaniel.
She has an interest in true journalism, untainted by Marxist narratives, and in 2020 worked as a writer and correspondent for The Tulis Report, a conservative talk radio show in Chattanooga, TN.
She is a wife and mother and is enthusiastic about the vital role of mothers in preserving conservatism for the next generation. You can reach her via email at adarnell@georgiara.com.