The Georgia Association of Broadcasters presents these prestigious awards at the annual convention, GABCON, September 25-26 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia.
Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas takes Georgian of the Year. This award goes to an outstanding individual who makes a significant impact on Georgia. Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Banana Ball Championship League. With his fans first, entertain always philosophy, Cole transforms the team into an international phenomenon with sold-out games and a massive global audience.
State Representative Clint Crowe earns Legislator of the Year, which honors a lawmaker whose leadership strengthens local broadcasting. Crowe represents Georgia House District 118 and serves as Chairman of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. Before his time in the General Assembly, Crowe works in law enforcement and real estate.
Michael Williams of WSB-TV wins the Ditty-McLemore Engineering Award for exceptional contributions to broadcast engineering. As Senior Manager of IT at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Williams brings more than 30 years of experience in the broadcast industry, spending over 28 years with Cox Media Group.
Estelle Parsley of WRDW-WAGT earns the Golden Mic Award, recognizing efforts that make a lasting impact on the GAB and the broadcasting industry. Parsley is Vice President of News for WRDW-WAGT in Augusta and dedicates over three decades to local journalism. Her newsroom earns numerous awards, and she makes developing the next generation of journalists a priority.
“These four honorees represent the very best of Georgia… from broadcasting and public service to innovation and community impact,” says GAB President Randy Gravley. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating each of them this fall at GABCON 2026.”
GABCON presents the Legislator of the Year Award during the Breakfast with Counsel event on Saturday, September 26. The Georgian of the Year, Golden Mic Award, and Ditty-McLemore Engineering Award presentations happen during the Honors Luncheon on the same day. Register for GABCON events.