This story was originally published by The Telegraph.
Josh Rogers, the president and CEO of NewTown Macon, died suddenly Sunday evening, NewTown announced. He was 42.
Rogers was a monumental figure in the community through his work at NewTown Macon, where he spent nearly two decades working to restore downtown and support locally owned small businesses.
“Josh Rogers’ outstanding leadership of NewTown Macon has been a major factor in the amazing revitalization of downtown Macon over the past decade,” said Mercer University President William D. Underwood, who chairs NewTown Macon’s Board of Directors, in a news release. “I am so proud of what he has accomplished. His untimely death is a shock to all of us who knew and worked with him through the years.”
Rogers was a native of Waycross, but came to Macon to study at Mercer University in 2001. He quickly developed a deep love for Macon, particularly the downtown area and its historic buildings.
Kirby Godsey, president of Mercer University at the time, connected Rogers with NewTown Macon in 2005. The group was new, and Rogers came on as a volunteer.
The organization soon created an internship for him, and from there he came on as a full-time staff member directing special projects.
Credit: Becky Purser
Credit: Becky Purser
His passion for restoring Macon led him to pursue a master’s degree in historic preservation at the University of York in England, and upon his return to the U.S. he continued his work with NewTown Macon, as well as joining with the College Hill Corridor neighborhood revitalization project and spending five years as the executive director of the Historic Macon Foundation.
The Historic Macon Foundation wrote on Facebook that Rogers was a gifted leader who left an indelible mark on historic preservation in the area. He completed nearly $5 million in construction projects with the foundation, and restored more than 40 properties. He also doubled Historic Macon’s revolving loan fund to more than $2 million.
“Anyone here who knew Josh marveled at all that he accomplished,” the Facebook post said.
In 2014, he was named president and CEO of NewTown Macon. Under his leadership, the organization invested millions of dollars into downtown and brought many new businesses to the area. NewTown Macon was recognized earlier this year as the winner of the Great American Main Street Award, which is a national recognition that honors historic preservation and revitalization efforts.
“Beyond his transformative projects, Josh inspired those around him to dream bigger, work harder, and collaborate to achieve extraordinary results,” NewTown Macon wrote in a press release. “His vision for Macon wasn’t just about buildings or businesses—it was about people, community, and creating a place we are all proud to call home.”
Others in the community also memorialized Rogers. Macon Mayor Lester Miller put out a statement on Facebook praising Rogers’ work.
“He was a true champion for our community, always pushing to make life better for all people,” Miller said. “His leadership and his love of Macon was at the center of our city’s rejuvenation and growth, and he was an inspiration to all who knew him.”
District 3 Commissioner Stanley Stewart, who represents east Macon, said in a Facebook post that Macon lost a leader in Rogers’ death.
“My heart is broken this morning as Macon, Georgia, arises to the news that we as a city and Central Georgia as a region have lost a bright young leader and citizen in Mr. Josh Rogers,” Stewart wrote.
Rogers is survived by his wife and two children.
Credit: The Telegraph
Credit: The Telegraph
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