MAAGP:  Who are we?

In 2001, Paula Swartzberg started the DeKalb County Board of Education's grant program.  She quickly realized that there was a need for a "job-a-like" group or a "support group" for grant writers, grant managers, grant coordinators and grant development professionals.  Over the next few years, there were a handful of school district employees who met occasionally to network and share ideas. 

In 2004, this handful of pioneering grant professionals decided they wanted to join or start a professional grants association.  This group served as the original Board Members and Directors.  After considerable discussion and research into their options, they decided to join the American Association of Grant Professionals (AAGP).  

The American Association of Grant Professionals, is a nonprofit membership association that builds and supports an international community of grant professionals committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards.  For more information about the AAGP please visit:  http://grantprofessionals.org

In 2005, the Metro-Altanta Association of Grant Professionals (MAAGP) was incorporated and the membership elected its first Officers (2006-2007).  The MAAGP became an official chapter of the American Association of Grant Professionals.  The chapter serves members in the Atlanta, Georgia area and metropolitan surrounding counties.  The Chapter's MAAGP.org website was launched.  MAAGP Member, David Bridges was selected as the AAGP State Representative for Georgia.

In 2006, the membership of the Georgia Government Grant Writers Association (G3WA) joined the MAAGP.  The G3WA was a group of grant professionals employed by city, county and state government agencies in the Atlanta region.  The G3WA was formed by Danny Blitch while employed as a Grants Manager for the City of Roswell, Georgia.

In 2007, the MAAGP's membership elected new Officers for 2007-2008.  The MAAGP membership grew to inculde grant professionals who are self-employed as grant consultants, or employed by government agencies and non-profit organizations.  The MAAGP formed four committees: Programming; Membership; Professional Development; and, Funding/Website Development.

In 2008, the MAAGP's membership elected new Officers for 2008-2009.  MAAGP member, David Bridges remained the AAGP State Representative for Georgia.  The MAAGP hosted, in conjunction with the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPIC), the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) exam on August 2, 2008 at Georgia Tech Research Institute. 

For information on the GPC credentials, please visit the Grant Professionals Certification Institute: GPCI

In 2009, the MAAGP's membership elected new Officers for 2009-2010.  MAAGP member, David Bridges continued his role as the AAGP State Representative for Georgia.  The MAAGP was named by the AAGP Foundation the 2009 "Star Chapter" for its participation in the Every Chapter Challenge.  The announcement was made at the 10th Annual AAGP National Conference in Long Beach, CA.

A note about forming AAGP chapters:

The Metro-Atlanta Chapter of the AAGP was formed by grant professionals in the Atlanta, Georgia area. As the first chapter, it also is the state chapter for Georgia. More chapters may form in other areas, as grant professionals indicate interest. If you know of grant professionals in other areas who want to form a chapter, Contact Us or contact our State Representative.

MAAGP 2008-2009 Committee Membership:

Georgia Grant Conference (Eden Freeman, David Bridges, Kimberly Hays, Kelly Hopkins, Jennifer Allen, Jessica Pater, & Amanda Day)  

Programming Committee (Danny Blitch, Amanda Day & Dana McGraw)

Membership Committee (Mac Sudduth, Michael Surma, David Bridges & Amanda Day)

Professional Development Committee (Michelle Epstein, Cathy Brown, Sonja Fillingame, Sandy Spruill & Patricia Duboise)

Funding/Website Development Committee (Danny Blitch, Jessica Pater, Paula Swartzberg & Vickie Scott)

Who are the MAAGP Officers? 

The 2009-2010 MAAGP Chapter Officers:

State Representative to the AAGP, David Bridges
Independent Contractor 
Telephone: (678) 560-2402
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Contact Us

The 2007-2008 MAAGP Chapter Officers

(Pictured above:  2007-2008 MAAGP Officers and AAGP Representative for Georgia; from Left to Right: Dana McGraw, Chief Financial Officer; Jessica Pater, Secretary; Amanda Day, President; Sandy Spruill, Vice President; and, David Bridges, AAGP Representative for Georgia)

 The 2006-2007 Chapter Officers:

(Pictured Above:  2006-2007 MAAGP Officers and AAGP State Representative for Georgia; from left to right: Edward Jonas, Jr., Board Member/Director; Dana McGraw, Secretary; Paula Swartzberg, President; David Bridges, AAGP Representative to Georgia; Michael Surma, Treasurer; and Not Pictured Above, Sandy Spruill, Vice President)

Board Members/Directors: