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DDA Staff
Ashley Rose Umbehant
Downtown Development Director & Main Street Manager

As the Downtown Development Director and Main Street Manager, I am committed to revitalizing and maintaining the vibrancy of Lavonia's downtown area. My role involves spearheading economic development initiatives, promoting local businesses, and organizing events that draw visitors and enhance community engagement. I also work to preserve Lavonia’s rich historical and cultural heritage, creating a thriving downtown district that serves as the heart of our community.
From coordinating events and festivals to attract visitors, to liaising with city officials and local businesses to advocate for improvements, my work is centered around fostering collaboration and building partnerships. I take pride in managing marketing campaigns that increase foot traffic and in developing beautification projects, such as landscaping and public art installations, to create an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
A significant part of my role is overseeing the Main Street Program, including tasks such as planning events, coordinating Board of Directors meetings, and fulfilling board-assigned projects. These range from researching entertainment districts to procuring benches for the Gazebo area and collaborating with city officials to install wayfinding signs.
Additionally, I manage the rental of park shelters and event spaces, contributing essential funding to the Main Street Program. Through partnerships with the promotions and tourism committee, I help organize events like Main Street Music, booking musicians, arranging food trucks, and enhancing program visibility via our website, social media, and a growing weekly newsletter.
In my spare time, you’ll find me on a paddleboard, riding my bicycle around town, or fully immersed in “mom mode” as I live and love my role as a mom. My deep love for Lavonia and its incredible community is the driving force behind my dedication to this role. I strive every day to ensure that our downtown continues to thrive as a hub of social, cultural, and economic activity.
Ammo Johnson
Visitor Center Coordinator & Main Street Assistant

The Lavonia Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program are proud to welcome Amorette “Ammo” Johnson as our new Visitor Center Coordinator and Main Street Assistant. A proud Lavonia resident and passionate community advocate, Ammo brings a vibrant mix of creativity, dedication, and local pride to our team.
Ammo is no stranger to downtown—she’s the artist behind the eye-catching “Hey Y’all” mural at the Downtown Gazebo, a 103-hour labor of love that perfectly captures her flair for the arts and her commitment to community beautification. With a deep love for small business, the arts, and connecting people, Ammo stood out in a competitive hiring process for her unique vision and unmistakable enthusiasm.
In her new role, she’ll be the welcoming face of the Lavonia Welcome Center and a driving force behind Main Street programs. From organizing events to enhancing downtown visibility and charm, Ammo is ready to help Lavonia shine even brighter.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, hiking, country dancing, and road trips with her four wonderful children, who continue to inspire her every day.
She’s a perfect fit for our Main Street masterpiece!
DDA Meetings
Regular Meetings
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8:00 AM
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First Thursday of each month following the Regular City Council Meeting
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Lavonia DDA & Main Street
1269 East Main Street
Lavonia, Georgia 30553
DDA Board
The Lavonia Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board is a team of dedicated individuals who volunteer and commit to the growth and prosperity of downtown Lavonia. Serving as the guiding body of the DDA, the board plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic vision, ensuring effective implementation of projects, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Amber Holcomb
Chair
Amber was born and raised in Duluth, Georgia. She moved here in 1997 and loves Franklin County. She has been happily married for 20 years and is lucky enough to have a beautiful daughter.She has had the pleasure of working at the DDA for many years now. Initially, her main motivation was to create more kid-friendly events in Lavonia for her daughter, but thanks to the efforts of our community, we've grown tremendously. Today, she has a vital role in event planning as the head of our events. She is the promotions chair. She has enjoyed working with everyone, and she would like to express her gratitude for the work we have accomplished together.“Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself! I'm excited to continue working with you all to bring even more exciting events to Lavonia.”

Dr. Dale Stone
DDA Board Member
Dr. Stone is excited about Lavonia and its future! Dr. Stone lives in Lavonia with his wife Dr. Pam Stone. Pam and he moved here about 45 years ago after he finished dental school. They have found the city and its people very welcoming. Lavonia has been a great place to raise their family. Their two daughters received an excellent education in Franklin County schools, leading both to Master’s degrees from UGA. They also grew up with a strong foundation in family and religious values. Lavonia has given him an opportunity to help people with their dental needs for 47 years now. He has been blessed with a great staff to work with and have enjoyed getting to know his wonderful patients. Being a part of the Downtown Development Authority affords him the opportunity to give back to their city and its citizens. “Our goal is to promote Lavonia through a planned streetscape to promote safety, beautification, and attracting businesses and visitors. We also promote our city through activities such as festivals, Christmas events, car shows, boat shows, Easter egg hunts, community concerts, and more. We love working for Lavonia and helping others see it as the wonderful place we know it to be!”

LaDonna Andrews
DDA Board Member
LaDonna Andrews is a returning member as of 2024. She owns a wonderful Downtown business that acts as an art gallery and café. She hosts monthly creative events each month and is always giving back to the community. When LaDonna is not at her business you will find her at the lake, riding a bicycle, hiking, or traveling. LaDonna has a passion for life with a contagious smile and laugh. She loves Lavonia and its community. She is thrilled to be on the Downtown Development Board to give back to other business owners and community members. She is constantly bringing fresh ideas and suggestions to help with tourism and enhance the lives of Lavonia citizens.

Megan Woody DNP, RN
DDA Board Member
Megan Woody is one of the proud owners of Gumlog Brewery, located in the heart of downtown Lavonia. She and her husband have embraced life in the Gumlog community, fostering their love for the area and its people. Dr. Woody has an extensive background in nursing and education. She began her career at Western Carolina University in 2017, serving as an adjunct clinical instructor for both the Traditional and Accelerated BSN Programs, as well as the Interim Grant Director for the BSN Practicums in Population Health Grant. Her career also includes leadership roles such as Director of Nursing at the Balsam Center’s Adult Inpatient Unit, Nurse Manager of the Women’s Care Unit at Haywood Regional Medical Center, and Director of Inpatient Nursing at Swain Community Hospital. In 2018, Dr. Woody earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Western Carolina University, where her research focused on creating a Nurse Residency Program to support newly licensed registered nurses in rural clinical settings. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing Administration and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. A dedicated member of the North Carolina Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association, Dr. Woody continues to apply her passion for education, healthcare, and community in her endeavors. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her family. As a business owner and resident, Megan is deeply invested in the growth and vibrancy of Lavonia, contributing her expertise and enthusiasm to the community.

Eddie Floyd
Councilmen & DDA Member
Eddie Floyd is a Councilmen for the City of Lavonia. He has served as a Councilmen for over 20 years. He has a servant's heart and is always there to listen to his constituents. He is also a business owner to a generational Downtown business, Morgan Hardware. He and his wife, Rebecca love Lavonia and have raised their three beautiful daughters there. Eddie has served on the DDA Board for many years and loves being apart of the program.

Russell Snow
DDA Member
Rusty, a Lavonia native who spent much of his life in the Greenville, SC area, returned to his hometown in August 2023 to spend more time with his family. With deep roots in Franklin County, Rusty has a strong passion for the City of Lavonia and immediately sought ways to become more involved in the community he loves. Grateful for the opportunity to serve and volunteer, Rusty brings a wealth of experience to his role on the DDA Board. Over his 24-year career, he has participated in various committees and held multiple leadership positions, skills he believes will contribute to the board’s success. Rusty is inspired by the sentiment behind the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and sees its relevance beyond just child-rearing. He believes it also applies to fostering a successful and thriving downtown. He encourages everyone to attend downtown events and support locally owned businesses, reminding us that together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Kyle Foster
DDA Member