HUB seeks to end youth isolation by connecting them to mentors, peers, and Jesus Christ so that they can experience transformation, peace, and joy.
Testimonials
Board of Directors
Jason Blackburn- Board Chair
Board Chair of our Board of Directors
Teri Newsome
Secretary & Treasurer– The HUB of Habersham Board of Directors
Teri Newsome is a lifelong servant leader whose impact spans both healthcare and community outreach. She spent 37 years at Habersham Medical Center before transitioning to the Georgia Department of Public Health, where she served as the Quality Improvement Consultant for the Acute Stroke Coverdell Registry—working with EMS and hospitals across the state. Over four decades, Teri contributed to numerous state and national quality teams, always striving to improve care and outcomes for others.
In 2025, Teri retired from healthcare to focus on what matters most: her family and her community. She now serves as Secretary and Treasurer on the Authority Board of The HUB of Habersham, as well as on the Authority Board of Habersham Medical Center. She’s a mentor at Demorest Elementary School and a devoted member of Level Grove Baptist Church.
Teri is the proud mother of five sons, four daughters-in-law, and grandmother to eight. Whether she’s guiding strategy, mentoring a child, or simply showing up where she’s needed, Teri brings wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to every role she fills.
Wayne Fowler- Member
Member of our Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Leslie Foster- Member
Leslie Foster is the Director of Institutional Advancement at North Georgia Technical College, where she has dedicated 25 years to serving students and strengthening community partnerships. She is an active member of the Habersham Chamber Board and has served in that role for four years. Deeply rooted in her community, Leslie is a member of Level Grove Baptist Church, where she also serves as a choir member, a board member for the HUB of Habersham, and a mentor at Demorest Elementary School.
Leslie and her husband, David, are proud parents of three daughters—Taylor, Katie, and Lexie—who keep life full and joyful.
Doug Westmoreland- Member
Doug Westmoreland is a retired educator with over 31 years of dedicated service in the Habersham County school system. His career included 28 years as a teacher, 25 years as a coach, and 3.5 years as a principal—each role reflecting his deep commitment to shaping young lives.
Now in his ninth year on the Habersham County Board of Education, Doug continues to advocate for students and families across the community. He is a born-again Christian and a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, where he serves faithfully as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Outreach Director, and Music Director.
Doug joined The HUB Board in the summer of 2019, bringing his passion for youth mentorship and his heart for service to every aspect of the mission. He and his wife, Donna Hudson Westmoreland—also from Habersham—were married in 1985. Together, they’ve raised two children, Brooke (35) and Nathan (30), and delight in their two grandchildren, Adelyn (8) and Tucker (5), along with their son-in-law, Caleb Means (36).
Doug’s greatest joy is investing in what he calls Habersham County’s most valuable resource: its youth.
Octavious Mulligan- Member
Dr. Octavius Mulligan serves as the Dean of the College of Education at Piedmont University, where he leads with a deep commitment to shaping future educators. Before stepping into higher education, Dr. Mulligan spent years mentoring young students as principal of Tesnatee Gap Elementary School in White County. His passion for teaching, leadership, and community engagement continues to shine through his work—both on campus and beyond.
In addition to his role at Piedmont, Dr. Mulligan is a proud board member of The HUB of Habersham, where he helps guide faith-based outreach and youth mentorship initiatives that uplift and empower the next generation.
He is also a proud father of two sons: Sydnee & Silas Mulligan.
Hub Staff
Todd Colwell
Executive Director
Todd Colwell leads The HUB of Habersham with vision, heart, and a deep commitment to seeing youth transformed by hope and purpose. At the center of his life is his beautiful family—his wife, Anita, and their four amazing daughters—who inspire and ground him in everything he does.
Todd stepped into the role of Executive Director three years ago, bringing with him over two decades of experience as a youth pastor. That legacy of relational ministry continues to shape his leadership at The HUB, where he not only sees the bigger picture but builds the process to make it real.
From casting vision and guiding strategy to empowering staff, mentors, and volunteers, Todd is the steady hand and passionate heart behind The HUB’s growth. His ability to dream boldly and lead faithfully has helped expand programs, deepen partnerships, and create spaces where youth feel seen, known, and loved.
Todd’s life is a testament to what it means to serve with purpose—and we’re honored to have him at the helm of this mission.
Emily Linz
Administrative Assistant
For nearly five years, Emily Linz has been a steady, faithful presence at The HUB of Habersham—working behind the scenes to bring our vision to life with care, precision, and purpose. As Administrative Assistant, Emily keeps our operations running smoothly, ensuring that every detail supports the mission and momentum of our work with youth.
Beyond her vital role in the office, Emily also serves as a mentor at the local alternative school, where her compassion and consistency make a lasting impact on students who need it most. Her heart for young people and her quiet leadership reflect the very spirit of The HUB.
Emily is also a proud mom to two beautiful children, and her love for family shines through everything she does. We’re incredibly grateful for her dedication, her wisdom, and the grace she brings to our team every day.
