2024 IMPACT Award Recipients
Meredith Head Bruno
Caleb earned his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Berry College, his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of West Georgia, and an Associate of Science in Special Education from Georgia Highlands College. He is a two-time Region Assistant Coach of the Year and a proud graduate of the Wesley C. Walraven, Sr. Academic Scholarship program.
Throughout her journey in higher education, Meredith has experienced significant personal and professional growth. Recognizing her work as a meaningful calling that allows her to impact students’ lives profoundly helped Meredith focus on being a bridge to higher education for those who might not otherwise have access.
Meredith has actively shared her expertise in her field through various professional engagements. She has presented at multiple conferences, covering topics like data utilization, student recruitment and retention, and effective family communication.
Meredith is a member of several key organizations, including the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), the Southern Association of College Admissions Counselors (SACAC), the College Information and Visitor Services Association (CIVSA), and the Georgia Atlanta Regional Network (GARN).
Though not part of her official responsibilities, Meredith is especially proud of co-leading the Georgia Highlands College Run Club, a grassroots initiative aimed at fostering student connections. Their motto is, “We take all faces, laces, and paces.” The club has grown significantly and organized a successful 5K fundraising event that raised enough money to cover a year’s tuition for a student, demonstrating the power of community engagement.
Meredith believes choosing a career in higher education is a calling and provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students.
Caitlin Quraishi, DC, CACCP
Dr. Caitlin Quraishi is the owner of Cultivate Health, a local wellness center focused on providing pediatric, prenatal, and family chiropractic care.
Dr. Q, as she is affectionately known, earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, graduating cum laude from Saint Leo University.
Dr. Quraishi’s multifaceted approach combines rigorous education, practical experience, and a deep commitment to community health. Her practice not only focuses on providing chiropractic care but also on empowering families with knowledge and resources to make informed healthcare choices.
Since returning to Georgia in 2022, Dr. Quraishi has actively contributed to the Cartersville-Bartow County community through various nonprofit initiatives. Her volunteer work includes providing free chiropractic services at Tranquility House, participating in the Advocates for Children Graze and Raise event, and assisting with Supplies 4 Success by packing backpacks and face painting.
For the 2023 Cultivate Health Annual Patient Appreciation Day, Dr. Quraishi offered free adjustments in exchange for canned goods, which were donated to the Red Door Food Pantry. She has also donated gowns to Love Travels and has volunteered with Footprints on the Heart, co-hosting the Sacred Rest Women’s Retreat, to educate women on the importance of rest for their health and families.
Dr. Quraishi has also conducted several educational workshops for families on topics like autism, birthing, and menstrual health. Additionally, she is a member of the Cartersville Woman’s Club, the Cartersville Business Club, and the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber.
Dr. Quraishi believes every small contribution can make a significant impact, fostering a ripple effect of positive change and cultivating a healthier community where wellness is a shared journey.
Matthew A. Thomas
Matthew Thomas serves as the Deputy Director of the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development.
Matthew earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics from the University of West Georgia and has spent the last fifteen years working in economic and community development, workforce development, and external affairs.
Matthew is a graduate of Leadership Cherokee, Leadership North Fulton, and Leadership Bartow. And he is a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2024.
Matthew has worked on impactful community projects, particularly as Workforce Development Director at the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber. He developed Project Purpose, a weeklong program designed to equip recent high school graduates with skills aligned to local manufacturers’ needs. The program connected students with employers, helping 16 out of 19 graduates secure full-time jobs over two years. Project Purpose was recognized as a best practice in workforce development, inspiring similar initiatives in neighboring communities.
In 2016, Matthew became the youngest and first African American President of the Rotary Club of Canton. During his tenure, they won Club of the Year for Large Clubs District 6910 and raised more than $50,000 for charitable giving.
And in 2023, Matthew was part of the team that won the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Deal of the Year for a project creating 3,500 new jobs in addition to a significant capital investment in Bartow County.
Matthew is a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as well as the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA). He is even an accomplished jazz pianist!
Steven Schumacher
After completing a Tourism and Hospitality Studies degree at Central Connecticut State University, Steven Schumacher spent several years in hotel sales management. His experience eventually led him into destination marketing. And in 2022, Steven became the next President of Cartersville Bartow County Tourism.
Steven and his team take pride in providing industry education, advocacy, and professional development, while collaborating with Explore Georgia to ensure the Cartersville-Bartow County community remains a key destination in their broader marketing efforts for regional, domestic, and international visitors.
Under his leadership, Cartersville Bartow County Tourism recently received approval for several major initiatives, including the development of a glamping site at Pine Acres, renovations and staffing for a downtown Welcome Center, a rebrand of their name and logo, a full redesign of their Destination Guide, and the addition of two new full-time positions to expand their Marketing team.
Steven serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Society of Association Executives, the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and the Georgia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. In these roles, he works to bring state associations to Bartow County for meetings and events and help promote and unify Georgia’s destination marketing organizations.
Steven is an Art in Bartow Board Member, serves as a Cartersville-Bartow Chamber Ambassador, and is a member of the 2025 Class of Leadership Bartow.
And most importantly, Steven volunteers for his daughter’s elementary school “Dad’s Club,” where every Friday, dads assist with unloading students during morning drop-off.
To top off a great year, Steven is featured in GeorgiaTrend’s “Georgia 500: Georgia’s Most Influential Leaders of 2024” issue.
Nick Whorton
Nick Whorton’s desire to pursue a career in healthcare began during his college years while serving as a part-time patient registrar in his local emergency department.
Nick went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Master of Business Administration degree, and a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. And in 2026, Nick expects to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.
Over the past ten years, Nick’s passion for healthcare has only grown, and today he is the Director of Practice Operations (Primary Care) at Wellstar Health System. In this role, Nick oversees a team of providers and office staff across five metro Atlanta locations.
Nick strongly believes in giving back to his community, a value he developed by observing his mother’s dedication to service and her active role in local organizations. Her example inspired him to pursue making a positive impact as well.
He is proud to have been a Board Member for the Etowah Foundation, where he volunteered at major fundraising events helping to raise funds for scholarships for local students. In 2022, Nick helped launch the foundation’s first “Future Center,” which now supports high school students across Georgia with services like resume writing, SAT/ACT prep, college applications, and job searches.
And in the spring of 2024, Nick participated in ‘Cartersville Dances with the Stars,’ where he and his partner raised over $36,000 for the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter and the Backpack Buddies program.
Nick’s ultimate goal is to positively impact the lives of others, whether through his work or volunteer efforts.
