Board of Directors

Daniel G. Morris photo

Daniel G. Morris
Chairman

Daniel Morris is Community President/SVP/Sr. Lender of First Southern Bank in Waycross and resides in Ware County with his wife, Laura. He has a reputable 32- year career in banking and finance. He was raised in Ware County and educated in Ware County School System and is passionate about his community. He is a graduate of Valdosta State University, with a BBA in Finance. Daniel is an active member in our community as he serves as Chairman and past Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the Waycross and Ware County Development Authority, and an active member of Central Baptist Church and the Waycross Rotary Club. Daniel is past President of the Waycross Jaycees, Ware County Touchdown Club, Waycross Rotary Club, and past Chairman of the Satilla Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He is alumnus of Leadership Waycross and Leadership Glynn. Daniel grew up in scouting and is an Eagle Scout and he enjoys the outdoors, farming, hunting, and fishing. Mr. Morris has a son Chase and daughter-in-law Elissa, who reside in Kingsland, Georgia, and a son Michael and daughter-in-law Hosannah, who reside in Blackshear, Georgia. Daniel lends his experience in finance and leadership to the Waycross and Ware County Development Authority through his extensive commercial lending career and his real estate investing experience. He is excited about the recent growth Ware County has had and works to ensure that it continues. Mr. Morris on the Development Authority, "I am privileged to be appointed by the Ware County Commission and to be a representative of our community in my position on the WWDA. Our Development Authority works well together with City and County officials and with the continued goal of improving job opportunities and economic growth for Waycross and Ware County. Together, we are all making a positive difference in our County.

Candice Moody-Rice photo

Candice Moody-Rice
Vice-Chairman

Candice Moody Rice is a media specialist at Ware County High School. Although she has made a career in education, she has been actively involved in the agriculture industry through her family’s dairy farm, Moody Dairy and Moody- Rice Cattle Company, a joint venture with her father raising bucking bulls for Professional Bull Riding, PBR. After her father’s passing in June 2018, she became managing partner of Three Dollar Farm, LLC which is a landholding company that leases cropland and pastureland. She continues to have limited involvement with Three Creeks LLC, which was formerly Moody Dairy, now owned by her brother, Calvin Moody. Through Moody-Rice Cattle Company, Candice is also shareholder in American Bucking Bull Incorporated. A native of Waycross, Candice received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (ABJ) from the University of Georgia in 1993 and later received a Master of Science in Educational Media from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently pursuing an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from Kennesaw State University. Candice is an active member of our community as she serves on the Hospice Satilla Board of Trustees – Vice President, Waycross-Ware County Library Board of Trustees - Secretary, Okefenokee Regional Library Board of Trustees, Coastal Pines Library Advisory Board, Georgia Library Media Association – Region Chair, Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher Honor Society, and Waycross Service League - Sustainer. In her spare time, Candice enjoys horseracing and horseback riding. Candice has one son, Cash, who is attending the University of Florida studying agriculture. Candice is honored to be appointed by the Ware County Commission to serve on the WWDA Board of Directors with such a diverse, dynamic group of community leaders; she is excited and committed to working hard with the WWDA board to bring economic prosperity to our area on the behalf of the citizens of Waycross and Ware County.

David Rafus photo

David Rafus

David Rafus works in Outside Sales across many counties in Southeast Georgia. He is married to his wife Jennifer who works in Health Care and they have two children. They are active in their local church and support local projects that help support those areas of our community that are less fortunate. They enjoy togetherness as a family,  supporting local sports, and enjoying the beauty of this area. Sometimes at The Swamp, in woods/waterways, golf course or ball fields.

Dan Good photo

Dan Good

Dan Good

Mayor, Dr. Michael-Angelo James photo

Mayor, Dr. Michael-Angelo James

Mayor of the City of Waycross, Michael- Angelo James, is a lifelong, born and raised resident of Waycross, Georgia. He attended Troy University, Emory University, Valdosta State University, and Truth Bible College and Seminary, Joint College of Bishops, Cleveland Ohio. Michael-Angelo is a Doctor of Christian Education, Specialist of Education, Master of Education – M. Ed.,  and also has a Bachelor of Science in Education. He is presently a professor of Sociology and Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development at the Coastal Pines Technical College and Graduate Professor of Pastoral Administration at the First Born Seminary and Training School. He is the author of three books and is involved in civic and philanthropic relations and many other local organizations. He has one son, Marshall Lee James, 7 grand kids, and 5 bulldogs. When asked what the WWDA means to Michael-Angelo James he said that the WWDA means progression, promotion, and partnership in every direction.

Rusty Hall

James R. Willis photo

James R. Willis

Mr. James Willis was born in Thomasville, GA. He attended Valdosta State University where he received a M.B.A. and B.B.A. Mr. Willis has had a 40-year career with GA power. His current position is Waycross Area Manager. He provides leadership and direction for a 13-county area in Southeast Georgia. Mr. Willis is very involved in our community, serving as Past Chairman of the Waycross and Ware County Development Authority, President of the Childers YMCA of Waycross, Waycross Chamber of Commerce Past Board Member, South Georgia State College James Dye Foundation Board Member, Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation Board Member, Waycross Rotary Club , Satilla Water and Sewer Authority Board, Past Board Member Okefenokee Area Development Authority, Ware County High Touchdown Club, Leadership Waycross Alumni, Management Sponsor Citizens of GA Power, and member Osprey Society Okefenokee Swamp Park Foundation. He received the Community Service Award in 2002 from the Waycross Ware County Chamber of Commerce and the Community Service Award in 2012 from Childers YMCA.  Mr. Willis has a son Christopher and daughter-in-law Ashley and two grandsons Brayden and Hudson. He enjoys traveling, concerts, NASCAR and golf. He lends his leadership to the Waycross and Ware County Development Authority, where his skills, knowledge, and experience enhance the organization and help to create opportunities for the overall development of Ware County. Mr. Willis on the Development Authority, "I am honored to be appointed by the Ware County Commission to serve on the WWDA with an enthusiastic, diverse group of community leaders. Each board team member brings a unique set of talents and experiences to the table and are committed to improving the economic prosperity of Waycross and Ware County. I look forward to what this group can accomplish for the benefit of our community and our citizens.