91ÁÔÆæ

Zachary Propes

Zachary Propes, '09, has served in a variety of leadership roles for Hall County Government in Georgia. He took over as county administrator in January 2023 after serving as assistant county administrator since 2019. Propes first began work with the county as financial services director in 2015.

Through each of his roles, Propes has seen the value of bringing stakeholders together.

"Everybody has something they're trying to move forward," Propes said. "When you focus on collaboration, you create more wins for the community. When you focus on compromise, someone's losing."

Propes laid much of the foundation for his leadership philosophy as a student at the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ), where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. After initially planning to transfer to a larger school, Propes embraced the personal connections and opportunities in the smaller environment of 91ÁÔÆæ.

He served as an official for intramural sports, a member of the Student Government Association and as academic judiciary chair. These roles instilled confidence ahead of his professional career.

"If you really set your mind to something and you're passionate about it, the odds are in your favor that you'll be successful," Propes said. "UNG prepares you from the leadership perspective. North Georgia is committed to providing pathways for leadership development and growth for the students who choose to pursue those opportunities." 

Propes loves team sports and sees many metaphors from them that aid his leadership. He thinks of the results people see on the football field each fall and recognizes they are simply a reflection of the months and years of preparation building to a crescendo. He has a similar mindset.

"Leadership is not just events. It's a process. Leadership happens at an 8:30 a.m. team huddle. Leadership happens when you're serving as a group at a nonprofit. Leadership happens by trusting someone to give them an assignment and follow up the right way," Propes said. "Leadership is almost like compounding interest. It happens over many years of dedication and taking small steps."

Along with that mentality, a growth mentality is a must, according to Propes.

"A lot of leadership is acknowledging that as a leader you're not ever fully there. You're always growing," he said. "The best leaders are hungry for knowledge and growing themselves, investing in and developing their team."

Udis Calderon

Udis Calderon

91ÁÔÆæ alumnus Udis Calderon, '20, shared his first-hand knowledge of getting involved on campus and engaging with students, faculty and staff as an orientation leader and resident assistant on 91ÁÔÆæ's Dahlonega Campus.
Isabella Martinez

Isabella Martinez

Isabella Martinez has learned how to be a stronger leader at 91ÁÔÆæ. "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's being a part of the community and working together toward a goal."
Xandrea Dantin

Xandrea Dantin

Xandrea Dantin wanted to translate her leadership in high school to opportunities in college. 91ÁÔÆæ has offered her multiple opportunities, including as Student Government Association vice president on the Blue Ridge Campus.
Gina Diodati

Gina Diodati

91ÁÔÆæ alumna Gina Diodati served in a variety of leadership roles on campus and participated in multiple research projects, but she always looked for ways to improve herself and encourage others.
Saara Anam

Saara Anam

Saara Anam values the opportunities 91ÁÔÆæ has given her to build community and learn in a university setting.