In a moment that combined transition and celebration, Bulloch County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) passed the gavel from longtime chair DeWayne Grice to incoming chair Dr. Frank Davis, M.D. during its May 2025 all-member meeting.
The leadership change marked the end of an impactful era and the beginning of a new chapter for the grassroots organization that has become a vital force in disaster response and community support in Bulloch County.
Dr. Davis, known for his leadership and commitment to service, will be joined by Vice Chair Len Fatica, Secretary Justin Abercrombie, and Treasurer Rev. Dr. Jonathan Smith. Grice, who will continue to serve as immediate past chair, was recognized for his transformative leadership since assuming the role in 2017.
Under his guidance, VOAD evolved from a small volunteer network into a model of coordination, helping lead Bulloch through more than a dozen major activations—including hurricanes, fires, and winter emergencies—over the past eight years.
VOAD's evolution was inspired by the need to connect fragmented disaster response efforts and ensure that no survivor falls through the cracks. During Grice’s tenure, initiatives like Grice Connect were launched as tools to strengthen communication during crises, and partnerships with churches and nonprofits flourished. Grice also strengthened statewide and national partnerships through organizations like Georgia VOAD and National VOAD.
In 2025, the City of Statesboro formally recognized VOAD’s service by awarding the organization the “Key to the City and the Chamber honored Grice and Jonathan and Stephanie Smith with their "Connector" award in part for their VOAD efforts.
The organization’s 2024-2025 impact has been remarkable. VOAD responded to six major emergencies in just the last 15 months, including Hurricane Helene, where volunteers provided shelter, food, water, and over 1,400 hot meals to storm-impacted families. With more than 350 volunteers—including 200 Georgia Southern students—VOAD ensured continuous aid, even as seasoned volunteers took time to recover.
VOAD also activated for three separate house fires in one week, which displaced 11 individuals, this spring. Using established house burnout protocols, teams quickly assessed needs, secured shelter, clothing, and food, and coordinated with partners like the American Red Cross, United Way, and Fostering Bulloch Hope Chest to ensure no one was left unsupported.
Beyond disaster response, VOAD addressed food insecurity—serving nearly 100,000 meals per month in partnership with Feed the Boro and the Statesboro Food Bank. The group also launched UMCOR training programs for volunteers, activated a community road-mapping tool viewed 180,000 times during Tropical Storm Debby, and managed the Bulloch Strong Recovery Fund, raising over $60,000 to support disaster survivors.
Looking ahead, VOAD's new leadership aims to strengthen its infrastructure, scale volunteer recruitment, formalize disaster protocols, and continue bridging gaps between survivors and essential services. A proposed Red Cross grant of up to $150,000 would fund centralized staffing, enhanced volunteer housing, and support trailers—further boosting the group’s capacity.
As hurricane season approaches, the newly elected team remains committed to VOAD’s guiding principles: cooperation, coordination, communication, and collaboration—the 4 Cs. The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for August, with earlier activation possible depending on weather conditions.
For more information on Bulloch VOAD’s mission and how to get involved, visit www.BullcohVOAD.org or www.BullochStrong.com.
