As Richmond Hill grows, so too does its story of leadership.

Since the first issue of Reflections Magazine hit mailboxes in 2005, we've had the privilege of telling Richmond Hill's story—page by page, year by year, administration by administration. Over these two decades, we've watched our beloved city evolve under the guidance of three remarkable mayors, each steering us through defining seasons of growth, change, and community spirit.

As we celebrate our 20th year, we also find ourselves on the cusp of a new chapter in that story. This year, Richmond Hill elected its first-ever female mayor—a moment of history in the making.

Before we look ahead, we pause to look back. We remember Mayor Richard Davis, whose vision helped shape the foundation we still build upon today. We thank Mayor Harold Fowler for his steadfast leadership and commitment to progress. And we honor Mayor Russ Carpenter for carrying forward both the heritage and heart of this place we call home.

Through their collective decades of service, Richmond Hill grew from a small town into a thriving, connected community that still holds tight to its roots.

And now, as a new leader prepares to take the helm—one who has long served this city in many roles—we are reminded that while the names and faces may change, the heart of Richmond Hill remains the same. Steadfast. Hopeful. Ready for what's next.

As we've done since the very beginning, Reflections will continue to tell that story—one leader, one family, one season at a time.

Mayor Richard R. Davis
(1988–2009)
The Visionary

For more than three decades, Mayor Richard Davis was synonymous with Richmond Hill. Born in the lost city of Clyde, Davis' roots ran deep in Bryan County's soil and history. His service began long before his 21 years as mayor—ten years on City Council and a lifetime of community advocacy shaped his leadership.

Under his watch, the City saw the creation of J.F. Gregory Park, the Richmond Hill City Center, the Wetlands Center, and the City's first wastewater treatment facility. Visionary yet humble, Davis helped shepherd Richmond Hill from a sleepy town of fewer than 2,000 residents to a growing city poised for progress.

The road leading to City Hall—Richard Davis Drive—remains a fitting symbol of his enduring legacy and the foundation he laid for the generations to follow.

Mayor E. Harold Fowler
(2010–2017)
The Servant Leader

When Harold Fowler stepped into office, he brought a lifetime of service—U.S. Army veteran, civil servant, community volunteer, and City Council member. As mayor, Fowler focused on modernization and balance, ensuring that growth was matched with livability.

He oversaw the annexation of Belfast Commerce Centre, the construction of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, and the recruitment of Caesarstone, Richmond Hill's first new industry in 35 years. His leadership also saw the opening of Sterling Creek Park, a 187-acre green space, and the implementation of a sidewalk initiative that connected our neighborhoods and families.

In 2017, Fowler's decades of service earned him a place in the Georgia Municipal Association's Hall of Fame, honoring his steadfast leadership and devotion to community. As he often said, "In the long run, it's the people of Richmond Hill that make us so successful."

Mayor Russ Carpenter
(2018–2025)
The Educator with a Vision

With roots tracing back to the 1700s, Mayor Russ Carpenter represented both Richmond Hill's history and its forward-thinking spirit. A teacher, mentor, and native son, Carpenter carried his love for his hometown into the classroom and onto the council before being elected mayor.

His tenure was marked by a clear commitment to quality growth, ensuring that infrastructure, education, and preservation remained at the heart of development. He championed beautification projects, expanded our park system, and worked to strengthen Richmond Hill's identity as a place where heritage and progress coexist by recognizing many individuals and groups for their countless contributions that make the Hill what it is.

As the city's youngest mayor, Carpenter's leadership inspired a generation of students and citizens alike—proving that the best leaders never stop learning, and the best teachers never stop leading.

Mayor Carpenter's parting words to Mayor Cox, "Richmond Hill is an exceptional small town. Make everything a matter of prayer. Lean on our awesome pastors, city staff, and residents for guidance and help. Manage the growth. And bring in that elusive chicken restaurant the we have been after for so long!"

A New Chapter:

Kristi Cox
(beginning 2026)
The Heart of the Hill

As Richmond Hill turns the page on a new chapter of leadership, it feels only fitting that the next mayor is someone whose life's work has been defined by service, compassion, and community.

For years, Kristi Cox has been one of those people who quietly holds our town together—the kind of woman whose phone never stops ringing because she never stops answering. Through her role as Director of United Way of Bryan County, she has stood on the front lines of need, rallying neighbors to help neighbors, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local families, and walking alongside those facing life's hardest days.

But Kristi's story has always been about more than service; it's about heart. Her journey through loss, faith, and motherhood shaped the woman she is today—a mother of four daughters, including one adopted from Ukraine and another born with Down syndrome. Each chapter of her life seems to echo the same calling: to see value where others might not, to bring light into the dark corners, and to lift others with love and determination.

Those who know her best would tell you that leadership isn't something Kristi sought—it's something that found her. She has long been a steady voice in community rooms, a bridge-builder between organizations, and an advocate for the vulnerable. Her deep roots in faith, family, and Richmond Hill itself make her uniquely equipped to carry this city forward.

Congratulations to the first female Mayor of Richmond Hill, Georgia!