Tim Lowrimore, Lester Miller and William Underwood make Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians list

Mayor Lester Miller honored for mental health and community development initiatives

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Three Macon leaders have been named among Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” for 2025.

Mercer University President William Underwood, Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller and Georgia Forestry Association President and CEO Tim Lowrimore are featured on the annual list, which includes leaders across various fields who make a positive impact in Georgia’s 159 counties, according to Georgia Trend.

Underwood, who has led Mercer University since 2006, has overseen more than 30% growth in enrollment, now totaling 9,100 students. Georgia Trend noted Underwood’s pride in the Mercer on Mission program, which “combines study abroad with service-learning.”

Miller, an attorney, business owner and former school board member, is in his second term as mayor of Macon-Bibb County. Georgia Trend noted Miller’s priorities, which include “improving mental healthcare, reducing blight and cutting excess spending.” The publication also mentioned that Miller, in July, said he was considering a run for governor in 2026, aiming to offer “Georgians a moderate choice.”

Lowrimore, who became head of the Georgia Forestry Association in 2024, faced challenges following Hurricane Helene, which caused an estimated $1.28 billion in damage to the timber industry, according to Georgia Trend. The publication noted Lowrimore’s deep roots in forestry and prior service as director and state forester for the Georgia Forestry Commission.

This year’s Georgian of the Year is Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who achieved his “lifelong dream of becoming mayor in part because of his confidence and hard work, but also because of his never-give-up mindset,” Georgia Trend noted.

The publication describes the list as featuring “politicians and physicians, CEOs and university presidents, experts in finance, technology and law as well as those who run nonprofits and economic development organizations.”

Georgia Trend staff selects the list of Georgians each year, recognizing them for their leadership and dedication to improving the state through education, innovation and job creation.

For more information, visit GeorgiaTrend.com.