Congressman Johnson Presents 11 ‘Trailblazers’ Awards During Women’s History Month

Congressman recognizes longtime district director Kathy Register posthumously

DECATUR, GA - On Saturday, March 21, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) presented eleven (11) women in Georgia's Fourth District with "Trailblazer" awards in recognition of their pioneering careers and service to the greater community. He paid a special tribute to the memory and legacy of his longtime District Director, Kathy Register, who passed away in October 2025.

View the livestream HERE.

All the honorees in recognition of Women's History Month are among the first in their fields of endeavor and excelled in their chosen professions.

"Despite all that's going on right now, this annual event is an opportunity for us to get together and honor and celebrate women who have given so much back to our community," said Rep. Johnson. "It was particularly poignant to posthumously honor my former district director, Kathy Register. She was so important to my success as a congressman and it was important for us to honor her along with 10 other amazing trailblazers."

HONOREES:

Dr. Barbara Christian Campbell is an educator, real estate professional, and civic leader whose decades of service have made a lasting impact across DeKalb County and beyond.

Mrs. Edwina Clanton has served as President of the NAACP DeKalb County Branch since 2023, demonstrating strong leadership in civic engagement, justice, and community empowerment.

Mrs. Jennifer Ffrench-Parker is an award-winning journalist, editor and publisher who co-founded CrossRoadsNews to provide hyper-local reporting in South DeKalb County.

Ms. Sara A. Fountain is a communications professional and civic leader known for decades of service in community engagement and public advocacy.

Mrs. Josephine E. Handy-Sewell is a retired retail executive and lifelong community leader with more than 45 years of corporate leadership experience.

Ms. Bonnie Haynes is a seasoned financial professional with more than 40 years of experience in banking and credit unions.

Dr. Felicia Moss Mayfield is an accomplished educator whose career in education spans more than 50 years.

Mrs. Stacey Thibodeaux is a housing advocate, real estate broker-owner, and governance leader dedicated to expanding equitable access to homeownership and sustainable development.

Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley is an educator and leader whose career has centered on student access, social-emotional development, and institutional leadership.

Mrs. Verdaillia Turner is a lifelong educator, labor leader, and advocate for public education who has dedicated more than three decades to empowering students and educators across Georgia.

Ms. Kathy "Gayle" Register served as District Director for Congressman Hank Johnson from 2007 to 2025, leading the Fourth Congressional District Office with professionalism, compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication to public service.

Photo cutline: From left: Barbara Campbell, Verdaillia Turner, Jennifer Ffrench-Parker, Congressman Johnson holding portrait of Kathy Register, Edwina Clanton, Sara Fountain, Stacey Thibodeaux, Felcia Mayfield, Vasanne Tinsley, Bonnie Haynes, Josephine Handy-Sewell.

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