Carolyn McDuffie Gibson is a 10th generation Georgia native with a passion for developing rural communities through effective communication and economic development. Her love for local government and small communities began as a young girl growing up in northeast Georgia. Her grandfather, a carpenter and builder by trade, instilled in her the importance of local elections and community from a young age. Carolyn recalls always listening to local election results on his front porch on an old radio. His love for his community and the importance of local advancement was quickly instilled in her. Raised in Carnesville Georgia, Carolyn attended Franklin County High School and became involved in community development and leadership at a young age, winning two state public speaking titles and advocating for local farmers and businesses. After high school, Carolyn attended Georgia College and State University where she graduated in 2018 with a B.A. in Mass Communication with a Minor in Rhetoric. She is a Delta Gamma Alumni and served as Vice President of the Eta Chi chapter. In 2019, she was named Main Street Manager for the City of Dahlonega, a Great American Main Street winner, and Georgia Exceptional Main Street. While in Dahlonega, she planned and permitted over 250 events in the downtown district each year. Gibson currently serves Habersham County as its first Public Information Officer. She currently lives in her hometown of Carnesville with her loving and supportive husband Tyler and blue heeler, Laurel. She is proud to own historic property in her town’s downtown district including a historic corn mill. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys kayaking with her husband, writing, traveling to dog friendly locations and cities, spending time in scripture and hosting events at her home. But above all, she enjoys spending time with her family.