Co-President Elect Debra Stokes , program chair for the month of November, introduced one of our own for a Member Showcase presentation. Leo Chancey, a dedicated Rotarian and Senior Policy Analyst with the Georgia House of Representatives, shared his professional journey, insights into the state budget process, and reflections on service as both vocation and civic duty. The meeting also included updates on the club’s ongoing projects, announcements about upcoming events, and open discussion about Georgia’s fiscal and social priorities.

Leo began by sharing how his path into public service was inspired by family and grounded in purpose. His grandfather, a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, helped implement the Civil Rights Act in the state, modeling a life of integrity and public impact. Following that example, Leo has devoted over fifteen years to state government, currently serving in the Georgia House Budget and Research Office. In his role as Senior Policy Analyst, he supports the Rural Development, Urban Affairs, and House Rules Committees, bringing analytical expertise, collaboration, and ethical stewardship to his work.

Leo’s career has focused on shaping and interpreting the state budget while ensuring that fiscal policy serves real people. His portfolio has included projects to increase foster care per diem rates, expand children’s health coverage, and develop a suicide prevention app through the Department of Behavioral Health. He reminded members that every line item in the budget represents a person or a community in need, and that good governance depends on empathy as much as efficiency. He described his approach as nonpartisan and relationship-centered, emphasizing that trust and institutional knowledge are the lifeblood of effective government.

The discussion shifted to Georgia’s fiscal picture, with Leo providing an overview of how the state manages its $38 billion of state dollars in the general fund budget, which rises to approximately $67 billion when federal dollars are included. Georgia currently holds close to $15 billion in reserve funds, a balance that has prompted debate about whether those savings have grown beyond what the state reasonably needs. Leo explained that the combination of zero-based budgeting, strong revenue from the film industry, and pandemic-related federal support created unusually large reserves. While such reserves protect against future downturns, they also mean that immediate needs in education, healthcare, and infrastructure may go unmet.

Members raised thoughtful questions about the appropriate balance between fiscal prudence and social investment. Leo noted that agencies often hesitate to request the full funding they require out of concern for exceeding the Governor's expectations, leading to chronic underfunding. He also shared that leadership transitions in both chambers of the General Assembly have affected the continuity of budget processes. The passing of Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Hill and the retirement of House Appropriations Chair Terry England, both respected for their bipartisan cooperation, created a gap in institutional memory that new leadership is still rebuilding.

Leo also spoke about his experiences outside the Capitol, reminding the club that the spirit of service extends well beyond formal institutions. For nine years, he served as a youth director, mentoring young people who often just needed structure, support, and encouragement. Today, he and his wife continue that commitment through Impact Church’s food pantry and community garden program, which provides groceries and fresh produce to families across metro Atlanta. Demand has grown significantly, with some families traveling from as far as Dublin, Georgia. Senator John Ossoff recently visited the pantry to learn more about how it integrates sustainability and food security through its community garden initiative.

Leo shared that volunteering gives him a deeper understanding of the policies he studies at the Capitol. “Service,” he said, “fills the gaps where government and corporations cannot or will not.” His experiences in youth mentorship and food security work have affirmed his belief that compassion and consistency can ripple outward to strengthen communities. He closed by noting that Rotary gives him hope, offering a space where people of differing backgrounds unite to serve and to lead with integrity.

Leo’s presentation was both personal and instructive, blending civic insight with human connection. His reflections reminded members that public service, whether through government or volunteerism, depends on empathy, persistence, and collaboration. As the meeting concluded, members expressed gratitude for Leo’s candor, leadership, and example of service above self, a reflection of the Rotary ideal in both profession and purpose.

--- Jared Evans, Keyway Speaker Reporter