Gerald Lee Ricks

About Gerald Lee Ricks

Accomplished Worship and Artistic Management Professional with over 15 years of experience in leadership, administrative abilities, and community development. Adept at strategic planning and operational efficiency, fostering a collaborative and harmonious work environment. Proven track record in nonprofit and religious organizations, aiming to leverage skills in an Executive Director role.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Boggs Rural Life Center Inc

   Jul 2025 — Present

   Since stepping into the role of Executive Director, I have worked closely with the Board of Directors to catalyze rapid, mission-aligned progress across fundraising, historic preservation, agriculture, and organizational development. Major achievements include-Launched grassroots fundraising initiatives and a new capital campaign brand, generating more than in early community support and renewed engagement in Boggs’ legacy-Led the acquisition of the historic John I. Blackburn Church—the birthplace of Boggs Academy—through a successful collaboration with a Board member who secured in dedicated funding-Restored essential farming infrastructure, including the rehabilitation and return to service of the organization’s primary tractor, supporting our agricultural and land-based programming-Coordinated post-disaster recovery efforts, overseeing debris removal and the clearing of 28+ downed trees after Hurricane Helene through a grant partnership with the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund at the Community Foundation for CSRA-Rehabilitated and reactivated a dormant National Park Service grant for the preservation and restoration of the historic Phelps Hall Administration Building-Developed and launched a new organizational website and refreshed brand identity, modernizing the public presence of Boggs Rural Life Center and strengthening donor and community communication-Strengthened internal governance by leading a comprehensive administrative and policy restructuring process—resulting in updated and newly adopted policies including Gift Acceptance, Conflict of Interest, and other foundational governance tools.

Education

• Georgia Southwestern State University

  B.A. in Music, Vocal Music-Education

  2003 — 2006

• Mercer University

  Master's of Music, Choral Conducting

  2012 — 2014

• Middle Georgia State University

  A.S. in Education, Music

  2000 — 2003

• William Carey University

  Doctor of Arts, Worship Studies