About
Inspired by the need to translate public health research and best practices to effective alcohol policy, Georgia Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA) formed in January 2021 to represent such interest. GAPA registered as a nonprofit in the State of Georgia in November 2021.
Vision
Establishment of a statewide alcohol policy framework that balances business interests, public health, personal liberties, and social equity, and provides a statewide process to evaluate data, scientific research, and best practices, and to consider changes to alcohol policy.
Mission
Positively influence State of Georgia and local law around alcohol policy, with the primary goal of reducing alcohol-related harms in Georgia due to excessive drinking.
How do we do this?
We do this by tracking new alcohol-related bills in Georgia, researching trends and best practices in other states, understanding Georgia alcohol law, building the policy capacity of GAPA members and like-minded stakeholders, leveraging grassroots advocacy, supporting local alcohol policy efforts, and promoting effective policy opportunities to the Georgia General Assembly and public health advocates.
MEET OUR TEAM
In addition to efforts at GAPA, Michael is the Executive Director of Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy, and until this year served as board chair of the American Heart Association’s Georgia Advocacy Steering Committee. He was named “Advocate of the Year” for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) in 2022. Michael earned an MBA from Emory University, and led business management teams at GE Capital, Random House and Turner Broadcasting before shifting to prevention, coalition building, and policy.
Michael Mumper, MBA
President
Charlotte is a Certified Prevention Specialist with over 20 years of experience in substance use and suicide prevention. Ms. Spell earned her Master's degree from Georgia Southern University. She is a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor and Master Trainer. Ms. Spell holds instructor certification in multiple prevention curricula. Charlotte currently serves as the Executive Director of Let’s Be Clear, GA, a statewide marijuana education prevention and advocacy organization. Before this role, Ms. Spell spent 12 years as a coalition leader on both state and federal grant-funded projects
Charlotte Spell
Data Director
Jessica is the Executive Director at GUIDE, Inc., a prevention and positive youth development agency in Lawrenceville, GA. Jessica has worked in community mobilization, youth development and prevention since her first year as a student at GUIDE’s Georgia Teen Institute program in 1993 and has served as Executive Director since 2014. Jessica has her Master of Science degree in Organizational Development and Leadership and is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist.
Jessica Andrews-Wilson, MS, ICPS
Treasurer
Brittney joined Voices in March 2018 as a Policy Analyst. She conducts research and analyzes data to inform Voices’ advocacy efforts and to support the policy agenda. Brittney finds the most rewarding aspect of her role is that it affords her the opportunity to be a catalyst for change by working on initiatives that aim to reduce health disparities and serve vulnerable populations. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College and a Master of Public Health from Morehouse School of Medicine.
Brittney Newton, MPH
Policy Director
Ryan is the Founder and Executive Director of Pathways2Life. He loves leveraging his gifts of vision casting, strategic and operational planning, and execution to lead P2L. He has provided leadership in the recovery and prevention space for over a decade. He is proficient at providing training, support and coaching to his staff, diverse families and communities. Ryan leads with his story and utilizes his training and network to engage youth and families seeking intervention, counseling and support.
Ryan Stringfield, CADC, CP
Partnerships Director
Alyse brings over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and management. At Pathways2Life, she manages finances, operations, and marketing, and became Program Director for One Johns Creek after a 2020 Drug Free Communities grant. Under her leadership, the coalition has achieved significant wins, including establishing a permanent drug take-back box, distributing drug deactivation bags, and launching various educational initiatives. Alyse aims to equip students with coping skills, resilience, and to foster community wellness for everybody.
Alyse Hensel, CP
Compliance Director
Rebecca joined GAPA in July of 2024 as a policy intern. She helps write policy briefs and conducts research on alcohol-related policies. Rebecca is a Master's student at Emory University School of Public Health. She was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and received her bachelor’s in public health from the University of Kentucky. She helps write policy briefs and conducts research on alcohol-related policies. She is also a pathways to practice scholar award recipient. Rebecca is passionate about health policy and improving health outcomes of Georgians.
Rebecca Liu, MPH 2025
Policy Intern
Merryn joined GAPA in August of 2024 as a policy/communications intern. She assists GAPA with communications, social networking, and partnership development. She is in the last year of pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at Georgia College & State University. Merryn strives to educate younger people on the harms of alcohol misuse. Merryn has been a member of the Public Health Student Organization and has worked alongside the Center for Health & Social Issues to create various substance misuse prevention events at her college.
Merryn Thompson, GCSU 2024
Policy Intern