Esther-Marie Lawrence Director of Strategic Partnership & Development

Hailing from Central Georgia, Esther-Marie Lawrence claims Macon as her hometown, but truly considers South Georgia home. A graduate of First Presbyterian Day School, Esther-Marie followed in both of her parent’s footsteps to attend Valdosta State University and has remained in the greater Valdosta area ever since.

After completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communication, Public Relations, Esther-Marie married her husband Matthew, an attorney, and together they have two young adult children, a daughter currently pursuing her dream to become a forensic linguist at the University of Georgia and a son who has set his sights on becoming an architect. Soon to be an empty nester, Esther-Marie is looking forward to jumping in with both feet as the Development and Strategic Partnership Director for the Thomasville Thomas County Chamber of Commerce.

Esther-Marie has experience in banking, real estate, public speaking, fundraising, all things marketing, and her true passion lies in people-both making connections and establishing relationships. She is happiest when she is executing a well-thought-out plan and getting ahead of anything that would hinder a smooth outcome. This passion for planning has led her to become a theme park enthusiast, and while she doesn’t ride roller coasters herself, she can ensure that her group gets on the most rides with the lowest possible wait times while she holds their bags and enjoys people watching.

Aside from executing strategies for beating the crowds at theme parks, Esther-Marie enjoys taking long walks around the pond on her small farm in Hahira, reading classic literature, scheming ways to adopt just one more dog, and binge watching the entire catalogue of BBC film productions.