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Good morning, Gwinnett! If you’ve ever wished you could pull up a chair and have a real, honest conversation with the people running your county — your wish just came true.
On Monday, April 13, Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love-Hendrickson officially launched her brand-new live podcast, Choppin’ it Up with the Chairwoman, at the Gas South Theater in Duluth. And let me tell you, this wasn’t your average press conference or ribbon-cutting. This was a community conversation — the kind where real questions get real answers, and the future of Gwinnett County gets talked about out loud, in front of the people who actually live here.
The debut episode was free and open to the public, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the conversation kicking off at 6 p.m. If you were there, you already know it was a night worth showing up for. If you missed it, keep reading — because what happened on that stage matters to every single person in this county.
What Is “Choppin’ it Up with the Chairwoman”?
Think of it as a town hall meets podcast meets community forum — all wrapped into one live experience. Chairwoman Hendrickson created this series in partnership with the Gas South District Speaker Series to bring Gwinnett residents closer to the conversations that shape their daily lives.
In her own words, Chairwoman Hendrickson said: “This podcast is about bringing people closer to the conversation. It’s an opportunity to talk honestly about where Gwinnett is today, where we’re headed, and how we continue to move forward together as one community.”
That’s the kind of leadership energy Gwinnett County deserves. No spin. No fluff. Just a straight-up conversation about growth, public safety, access to opportunity, and economic development — the four pillars that anchored the debut episode’s discussion.
Who Was on the Panel?
The debut episode brought together four powerhouse voices from across Gwinnett County:
- Aisha DeBerry, Gwinnett County’s Access and Opportunity Officer
- J.D. McClure, Gwinnett County Police Chief
- Mason Ailstock, President and CEO of the Rowen Foundation
- Stan Hall, President and CEO of Gas South District
Each panelist brought a different lens to the conversation — from public safety to economic development to community access. And together, they painted a picture of a Gwinnett County that is growing fast, thinking big, and working hard to make sure no one gets left behind.
Why Mason Ailstock and Rowen Matter Right Now
If you’ve been following Good Morning Gwinnett, you already know that Rowen is one of the most significant economic development projects in Gwinnett County’s history. This 2,000-acre knowledge community is being built to attract research institutions, innovative companies, and entrepreneurs who are working on the next big breakthroughs in agriculture, medicine, and environmental science.
Mason Ailstock, as President and CEO of the Rowen Foundation, is the man steering that ship. And having him on the debut episode of Choppin’ it Up with the Chairwoman wasn’t a coincidence — it was a signal. Gwinnett County’s leadership is making sure the community understands what Rowen means for your future, your family’s future, and the economic future of this entire region.
Just recently, Rowen made national headlines when UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, announced a $2 billion investment to build its first U.S. biologics manufacturing campus right here in Gwinnett County. That’s the largest single investment in Gwinnett County’s history — and it’s just the beginning of what Rowen is expected to bring to this community.
When Ailstock talks about Rowen’s future on a stage in front of Gwinnett residents, that’s not just economic development talk. That’s a direct line between the people making decisions and the people those decisions affect. That’s accountability. That’s transparency. And that’s exactly what Choppin’ it Up with the Chairwoman is designed to deliver.
The Bigger Picture: Access and Public Safety
The conversation didn’t stop at economic development. Aisha DeBerry’s presence on the panel as Gwinnett’s Access and Opportunity Officer brought a critical dimension to the discussion — making sure that as Gwinnett grows and prospers, every resident has a real shot at benefiting from that growth.
Police Chief J.D. McClure rounded out the panel with a focus on public safety — a topic that’s always top of mind for Gwinnett families. As the county continues to grow, keeping communities safe while building trust between law enforcement and residents is a conversation that needs to happen in the open. And that’s exactly what this podcast creates space for.
Why This Podcast Is a Big Deal for You
Here’s what you need to understand: access to your local government matters. When you know what’s happening in your county — when you understand the decisions being made, the investments coming in, and the challenges being addressed — you are better equipped to participate, advocate, and build.
Choppin’ it Up with the Chairwoman isn’t just a podcast. It’s a tool for civic engagement. It’s Chairwoman Nicole Love-Hendrickson saying, “I work for you, and I want you in the room.” That kind of leadership creates the conditions for a community where everyone can thrive — not just the people who already have a seat at the table.
Stan Hall, President and CEO of Gas South District, put it perfectly: “We’re proud to partner with Chairwoman Hendrickson to bring this important conversation to the Gas South Theater. This reflects our shared commitment to creating spaces where the community can engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of Gwinnett.”
What’s Next
The debut episode included a live audience Q&A, giving Gwinnett residents the chance to ask their questions directly to the panel. That kind of direct access is rare — and it’s something you should take advantage of as this podcast series continues.
Keep an eye on Gwinnett County’s official channels and Good Morning Gwinnett for announcements about upcoming episodes. If you’re a business owner, an entrepreneur, a parent, a student, or simply someone who cares about where this county is headed — this is a conversation you want to be part of.
Gwinnett County is growing. Gwinnett County is investing. And now, Gwinnett County is talking — loudly, publicly, and with you in mind.
Don’t miss the next episode.
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