Macon Georgia's International Cherry Blossom Festival is pleased to announce our interim President and CEO, Thomas Wicker, beginning September 19th.

Mr. Wicker is very familiar with the festival, having served on the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2012, the Executive Committee as well as Board Chair from 2011-2012, and as Festival Chair in 2011. He also represented the festival at the Tournament of Roses and Fiesta San Antonio and left the board in order to help in completing the Tubman Museum. 

Thomas retired from Georgia Power in April 2015 as the Region Vice President, Central Region after holding numerous previous positions with both Georgia Power and Southern Company during his thirty-four year career.  He received his BBA from Georgia Southern as well as an MBA from Valdosta State.  Additionally, he is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program of Harvard University School of Business, Executive Accounting and Finance Program from the Wharton School of Business, Honorary Commanders Program from Robins Air Force Base, Leadership Georgia and the Regional Leadership Institute.  He is currently involved in several community boards and foundations including the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of NewTown Macon, Board of Trustees of Navicent Health Foundation, Capital City Bank, Community Board of Directors, Champions Council for Communities in Schools, the Greeting Committee of Ingleside Baptist Church, Citizens of Georgia Power, and Heart of Georgia/Macon Chapter. 

Previously, Thomas has served as Chairman of the Executive Campaign Committee for the Tubman Museum, Chairman of Macon Now, Macon Chamber of Commerce and on other boards including the National Engineering Advisory Board of Mercer University, 21st Century Partnership Foundation, Museum of Aviation, Middle Georgia Regional Water Planning Council, United Way, Georgia Public Broadcasting and the Macon Economic Development Commission.

He has received several awards including the 2013 Community Service Award and 2014 Leadership Award from NewTown Macon, 2011 Chairman’s Award and 2012 Chairman’s Team Award from the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, the Edward Bridges Community Spirit Award from Henry County, Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International and Southern Company Chairman’s Excellence Award.

Motivated by his extensive community involvement, leadership and love for the Cherry Blossom Festival, Mr. Wicker stated:  "I am excited and enthusiastic to build upon the festival’s foundations which began with Carolyn Crayton’s vision and William A. Fickling, Sr,’s generosity. The festival has been a boost to Middle Georgia’s economy, drawing thousands of visitors from across the southeast and the nation." Board Chair Stacy Ingram mentioned that: "The board wants an individual with a vision to continue to grow the festival in both sponsorship and events that will generate a rippling effect of support and excitement. Mr. Wicker is looking forward to reaching these goals and serving our community which enjoys all of the activities of the festival. Thomas is fully committed to bringing his experience and wealth of knowledge to the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Board is honored and thrilled that he has accepted this position."