STRONG LEADERSHIP
Meet the Team
Taking Back Cobb
Real Conservatives, Real Action, Real Results
We’re not career politicians, party insiders, or figureheads—we’re real conservatives who live, work, and raise our families right here in Cobb County. We’re stepping up to restore conservative leadership and to Make Cobb Great Again.
Our slate is made up of hardworking grassroots patriots, business owners, parents, veterans, and lifelong Republicans united by one goal: to grow our party, win elections, and restore strong, principled leadership in Cobb County.
We stand for accountability, transparency, and action—not just talk. Our commitment is to engage and represent the diverse voices in our community, developing a winning strategy for 2026 and beyond.
Join us, and let’s Make Cobb Great Again—together!
OUR MISSION
MAKE COBB GREAT AGAIN
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SOPHIA FAROOQ - CHAIR
LYNN BRING - 1ST VICE CHAIR
DALE JONES - VC OF GRASSROOTS
JEREMY MCKEOWN - VC OF COMMUNICATIONS
SEAN DOLYK - VC OF MEMBERSHIP
JESSICA MCAFEE - VC OF EVENTS
ANDREW MASON - SECRETARY
KAREE GRIER - ASSISTANT SECRETARY
RUSSELL REDDOCK - TREASURER
GLORIA BARKER - ASSISTANT TREASURER
STANDING COMMITTEES
JOHN LEABEATER - CHAIR OF MILITARY AND VETERAN'S AFFAIRS
REBECCA FRANCIS - ASSISTANT GRASSROOTS
GARY WALDREP - CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT
Executive Committee
CHAIR
Sophia Farooq
Sophia Farooq is a strategic organizer and Republican leader with a track record of building strong, results-driven teams. She understands that true leadership is about bringing the right people together, strengthening party operations, and delivering real results. For the past 20 years, she has lived in Cobb County and has been actively engaged in grassroots organizing, strategic planning, and party leadership. As Chair of House District 41, Sophia has successfully expanded voter and membership engagement, increased Republican outreach, and strengthened conservative values across the county.
As Chair, Sophia will focus on fundraising, mobilizing voters, cultivating candidates, and delivering strategic messaging to win elections. She has built a diverse and experienced leadership team to ensure that the party is well-structured and ready to succeed. By uniting conservatives, strengthening precinct operations, and prioritizing core Republican values, she is ready to lead Cobb GOP into a new era of strength and success.
Sophia has actively worked within the Republican Party, attending precinct caucuses, county conventions, and strategic planning meetings to strengthen conservative influence at every level. She has successfully built coalitions, expanded outreach to underrepresented conservative voters, and worked to unify different factions within the party. With a focus on winning elections through smart strategy and disciplined execution, Sophia is ready to lead the Cobb GOP forward with strength, integrity, and a vision for victory.
FIRST VICE-CHAIR
Lynn Bring
Lynn Bring is a seasoned leader with a strong background in business, strategic development, and grassroots political activism. After being relocated to Cobb County in 1993 by General Electric, she built a career in team leadership, business problem-solving, and organizational growth, eventually founding Kelly Bring Inc., a consulting firm specializing in process improvement and Six Sigma methodologies. With over two decades of experience in optimizing business operations, Lynn now brings her expertise to strengthening the Cobb GOP’s organizational structure and strategic vision.
Since joining the Cobb County Republican Party in 2020, Lynn has been deeply engaged in growing the party and protecting election integrity. As House District 45 Chair, she oversees 14 precincts, mobilizing volunteers and expanding Republican influence in local elections. In 2024, she was appointed Nominating Chair for the Convention, demonstrating her commitment to fairness and transparency in party leadership. Additionally, Lynn has played a key role in election integrity initiatives, serving as a poll watcher trainer, voter review panelist, and absentee ballot monitor, ensuring that the electoral process remains secure and trustworthy.
Beyond her work in the GOP, Lynn is a passionate advocate for voter education. In 2021, she launched Save Cobb Now, an online platform dedicated to providing voters with clear, accessible information on candidates and elections. As First Vice-Chair, Lynn is committed to expanding Republican outreach, strengthening election integrity, and ensuring that every conservative voice in Cobb County is heard and empowered
VICE-CHAIR OF GRASSROOTS
Dale Jones
A former U.S. Navy Officer with an MBA, Dale brings extensive leadership, organization, and strategic planning experience from both Fortune 500 companies and small businesses. His proven skills in sales, marketing, and general management equip him perfectly to energize grassroots efforts, solve complex problems, and strengthen local party engagement across Cobb County.
VICE CHAIR OF COMMUNICATION
Jeremy McKeown
Jeremy McKeown is a cybersecurity expert and conservative communicator with a proven record of protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats. With over a decade of experience, he has worked to safeguard power grids, industries, and national security from digital attacks. Currently finishing his Master’s degree from Georgia Tech, he holds top certifications in cyber defense, leadership, and communications. His expertise in clear, effective messaging will help Cobb Republicans stay informed, protected, and prepared for the challenges ahead.
Jeremy has been a trusted voice in cybersecurity and conservative policy, holding 12 patents and speaking at national events. He has spent years mentoring and training leaders, ensuring that complex issues are easily understood and actionable. At GE Vernova, he advises on global security strategy, and he serves on a national committee focused on strengthening cybersecurity. As Vice-Chair of Communications, he will ensure Cobb GOP delivers strong, clear messaging that defends conservative values and wins elections.
A devoted husband of 23 years and a firm believer in faith, family, and community, Jeremy is committed to protecting our freedoms and ensuring Republicans have a strong voice in Cobb County. He is an experienced public speaker, policy advocate, and digital strategist, regularly standing up for conservative values at Cobb Board of Commissioners meetings. As Vice-Chair, his mission is simple: deliver the truth, fight misinformation, and empower Republicans to take action.
VICE-CHAIR OF MEMBERSHIP
Sean Dolyk
Sean Dolyk is a dedicated conservative, engineer, and community leader with a passion for growing the Republican Party through action, engagement, and strong leadership. With over 20 years of experience in engineering, project management, and contract negotiation, Sean understands how to bring people together, solve problems, and get things done. Originally from Ohio, he grew up in West Virginia and Kansas but has called Metro Atlanta home for 16 years and is committed to building a stronger, more connected Cobb GOP.
Sean believes that leadership is about service, not authority, and that action speaks louder than words. As Vice Chair of Membership, he will focus on engaging new members, encouraging participation, and creating events that foster real connections. Having successfully recruited 600 members in just five months in Cherokee County, he knows what it takes to grow the party and energize conservatives. His focus is on transparency, action over discussion, and winning over new voters—not just mobilizing existing ones. With his experience, leadership, and commitment to conservative values, Sean is ready to expand and strengthen the Cobb GOP.
VICE-CHAIR OF EVENTS
Jessica McAfee
Jessica McAfee is a dedicated wife, mother, and lifelong conservative who believes in the power of community, faith, and service. As a mother of three boys, she understands the importance of raising the next generation with strong values—faith in God, love of country, and commitment to family. Jessica has a gift for hospitality and event planning, and she is ready to use that talent to bring people together, strengthen the Republican Party, and create meaningful connections within Cobb County.
Jessica has years of experience leading and organizing within the Republican Party, serving as Chairwoman of Precinct EA02 and Secretary of House District 43. She knows that building a strong party starts with strong relationships, and that’s why she is passionate about making Cobb GOP events welcoming, engaging, and impactful. Whether it’s a gathering at a local restaurant, a Republican breakfast, or a large-scale fundraising event, Jessica ensures that every event has purpose, organization, and a strong sense of community.
As Vice-Chair of Events, Jessica will focus on revitalizing Republican engagement by planning gatherings that bring conservatives together, encourage fellowship, and energize the movement. She believes that food, fun, and fellowship are the keys to uniting our community and will work to create events where friendships are formed, ideas are shared, and conservative values are celebrated. She is honored to be part of Sophia’s slate and is excited to serve Cobb County with warmth, energy, and a deep commitment to faith, family, and freedom.
SECRETARY
Andrew Mason
Andrew Mason was raised in a working class family, the son of an iron worker and a disabled homemaker, teaching him the value of hard work.
After earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Andrew became the first in his family to graduate from college, graduating magna cum laude from both Kennesaw State University and the University of Georgia School of Law while serving eight years as an enlisted intelligence specialist in the United States Navy Reserve.
Following law school, Andrew worked as an attorney with Sullivan & Cromwell in New York and King & Spalding in Atlanta before entering public service with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission where he has worked to protect the investing public from fraud and abuse.
Andrew has served as the secretary of two organizations, is the Chair of the Atlanta Bar Association Criminal Law Section and the Co-President of the Murdock Elementary PTA, served as President of the Georgia Law Republicans during law school, and worked as an intern in the Washington, D.C. office of Senator Saxby Chambliss.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Karee Grier
Karee Grier is a dedicated conservative, community leader, and experienced administrator who has lived and worked in Cobb County for over 22 years. She has served as House District 38 Chair for three years, leading grassroots efforts and engaging local Republicans in the political process. She is passionate about faith, family, and constitutional values, ensuring that future generations inherit a prosperous, free, and God-honoring nation. Karee has facilitated Biblical Citizenship and Constitution Alive classes in a church setting, helping others understand the importance of faith and constitutional principles in preserving America’s founding values.
Her background in administration and leadership has prepared her to serve. She managed a department at WellStar hospital, where she was responsible for meeting deadlines, ensuring accreditation standards, and maintaining efficient operations. She knows that structure and accountability are key to success, and as Assistant Secretary, she will bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to transparency to support the Cobb GOP. With her experience, dedication, and leadership, Karee is ready to help strengthen the party and advance conservative principles in Cobb County.
TREASURER
Russell Reddock
Russell Reddock is a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and former elite military trainer committed to reviving cultural excellence through discipline, high standards, and a respect for tradition. As a small business owner managing multiple businesses, Russell understands the challenges of fiscal responsibility and strategic financial planning firsthand. With over five years in the financial sector and two decades of experience managing business taxes, he knows the importance of transparency, efficiency, and making every dollar count.
As Treasurer, Russell will ensure that party finances are handled with the same diligence and accountability he applies to his own businesses. He believes in perpetual learning, strong community bonds, and uplifting families throughout Cobb County. With an unwavering commitment to integrity and service, he is ready to provide responsible financial stewardship for the Cobb GOP, ensuring resources are used effectively to strengthen the party and win elections.
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Gloria Barker
Gloria Barker is a trusted conservative with a strong background in finance, accounting, and organization. As a former college instructor in Accounting and Business, she has taught financial management and understands the importance of clear, accurate, and responsible record-keeping. She has also been actively involved in the Cobb GOP, serving as HT01 Precinct Chair and a member of the Credentials Committee, ensuring fair and well-run party operations.
As Assistant Treasurer, Gloria will focus on keeping financial records accurate, ensuring transparency, and strengthening fundraising efforts. She is known for her attention to detail and commitment to accountability, helping to build a solid financial foundation for Cobb GOP. With her experience, integrity, and dedication to conservative values, Gloria is ready to serve and help the party grow stronger.
Standing Committees
CHAIR OF MILITARY AND VETERAN'S AFFAIRS
John Leabeater
John LeaBeater is a dedicated patriot, strong conservative, and experienced leader committed to honoring and empowering veterans within the Cobb GOP. With a deep respect for those who have served, he understands the unique needs and strengths of the veteran community and is passionate about ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
John has been deeply involved in Republican politics and conservative advocacy, bringing a wealth of experience in party leadership, strategic planning, and grassroots engagement. As a longtime Republican, he has worked alongside leaders at the local, state, and national levels, helping to shape policies that support both veterans and the broader conservative movement. His expertise in policy development, organizing Republican efforts, and growing party engagement makes him uniquely suited to lead the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee.
As Chair of the Military & Veterans Affairs Standing Committee, John will work to engage, support, and activate the 60,000+ veterans in Cobb County, helping them find a place within the Republican Party and encouraging them to take leadership roles. He believes that veterans bring discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills that are critical to strengthening the party and winning elections. With his commitment to service, strategic vision, and deep ties to the veteran community, John is ready to mobilize veterans and ensure they have a strong presence in the Cobb GOP.
ASSISTANT GRASSROOTS
Rebecca Francis
Rebecca Francis is a dedicated educator, leader, and community builder with 40 years of experience teaching art at elementary, university, and museum levels. She has served as Art Director and Teacher at the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she helped foster creativity and engagement in communities of all ages.
As Grassroots Assistant, Rebecca brings her passion for education, outreach, and organizing to expand Republican engagement in Cobb County. She believes in building strong connections, inspiring action, and creating opportunities for conservatives to get involved at every level. With her leadership experience, dedication to community involvement, and ability to bring people together, Rebecca is committed to strengthening grassroots efforts and helping grow the Republican movement in Cobb County.
CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT
Gary Waldrep
Gary is a long-term republican with strong conservative values. He believes in limited
government, fiscal responsibility and American first values. He has lived in Cobb
County for 16 years and has become involved in local politics since his recent
retirement. He got involved in politics based on his concerns about election integrity in
Cobb County. He was a Trump Force 47 captain and has served as both a poll watcher
and a poll worker in the recent general election. Gary is currently supporting the two
cobb county commissioner races. He was recently elected as a precinct (HR01) chair
and is the current House District 34 chair.
Gary is Married to Linda and has raised two children and resides in Kennesaw. He
retired in February 2024 after 42 years in the nuclear power industry. Gary has a
Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A & M University. During
Garys career he held numerous positions in operations, engineering, maintenance and
plant oversight. He has worked for several different Utilities, most recently Duke
Energy. He worked at the Institute of Nuclear power Operations for over 10 years
where he provided worldwide monitoring and oversight of nuclear power plant
operations. He is skilled and qualified as an organizational assessor and has
experience in developing leaders both individually and as a team.