ROME, Ga. – The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia is pleased to announce the addition of Matt Davis of WLAQ 1410 AM and 95.7 FM The Ridge radio stations and Dr. Joe Vargo of Vargo Orthodontics to its Board of Directors.
"We are so excited to welcome Matt and Joe to the SAC team," said Tannika King, president of the Board of Directors. "Both men have already been great advocates of the work our staff and volunteers do in this community and its surrounding areas. Each of them has generously donated their time and talents to the SAC in the past by participating in our annual fundraiser, the Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge. We are so glad that, in both cases, this experience translated into a desire to become more involved with the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia. My fellow Board members and I look forward to partnering with Matt and Joe to further the mission of this important organization."
Davis, who was a contestant in the 2011 Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge and an emcee of this year's show, is vice president of Davis Communications Group LLC and part owner of local radio stations WLAQ (1410 AM) and WATG (95.7 FM). He co-hosts several radio shows, including "Your Morning Experience with Matt D and Scott" and "The Blues Café" on 95.7 FM The Ridge and "Sports Talk Saturday with Matt D and Scott" on WLAQ. He is also the play-by-play commentator for the station's "High School Football's Game of the Week" and various local high school basketball games. A veteran sports reporter, he was the Rome Braves play-by-play commentator in 2006 and has also served as a guest analyst on the Rome News-Tribune's "Gridiron Central."
Davis holds an associate's degree in business from Georgia Highlands College, in cooperation with Georgia Northwestern Technical College, and a B.A. in Communications from Jacksonville State University.
A native Roman, he says that volunteering in the community is one of his passions. He is currently serving his third year as co-chairman for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, which benefits the Alzheimer's Association Georgia Chapter. A graduate of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Rome program, he is a member of the Historic DeSoto Foundation's Board of Directors, the Desoto Theatre Programming Committee, Georgia Northwestern Technical College's Advisory Board for Marketing/Management Curriculum and First Baptist Church. He is also a Senior Renaissance Member of the National Creative Society.
Davis lives in Rome with his wife, Tonya, who emceed the 2012 Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge with him. He has a 4-year-old son named Brody.
"It is an honor to be asked to serve on the SAC Board of Directors, as this is a necessary and crucial organization for our community," Davis said. "Building awareness regarding the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia and its accessibility is a vital part of the Center's mission. I look forward to helping in any way I can, and as a member of our local media, will focus on spreading the word about the services this organization provides in our community."
Vargo, who won the People's Choice Award in the 2012 Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge by raising over $23,000 for the SAC, is the owner of Vargo Orthodontics.
After earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1992, he completed his general practice residency at Pittsburgh's Montefiore University Hospital in 1993. Three years later, he earned a Master of Science degree in Craniofacial Biology and Orthodontics from West Virginia University and moved to Rome.
In 2004, Vargo rehabilitated the historic Double Cola building (circa 1934) on Second Avenue, which is now the location of his successful orthodontic practice. He brings international techniques to Northwest Georgia, with patients frequently traveling from out of state to take advantage of his expertise.
"I built my practice on what is best for my patients," Vargo said. "We are fortunate to enjoy a reputation of high standards and incredibly engineered results. We have demonstrated this by producing thousands of healthy and beautiful smiles."
Vargo added that becoming a father has been his best training for working with children. Away from his office, he enjoys spending time with his son, Denton, and his daughter, Sophia. They are active members of First Presbyterian Church.
Vargo is active in numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association and the International Association for Dental Research. He has also received both national and international recognition for research publications that he has authored, and frequently lectures to graduate students and civic organizations. Locally, he is also a member of Rome Rotary.
Vargo says he is always evaluating new ways to invest in and support his community. "I believe charity starts at home and that is Rome for me," he said. "My desire is to make a valuable contribution to our community, not only by enriching the lives of our patients, but also through education and community involvement. The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia represents my core beliefs – abuse of any form is never tolerated or acceptable. I hope I can offer a fresh perspective and somehow help build awareness, since I work with many adolescents."
Other members of the SAC Board of Directors are Jay Matthews, past president; Janice Davis, treasurer; Beverly Smith, assistant treasurer; Stephanie Owens, secretary; Dr. James Vick, medical director; Laura L. Adams, Kevin Allen, Frank Beacham, Det. Lee Carter, Patricia Crumley, Martha Jacobs, Dr. Dan Pate, Det. Randy Turner, John Uldrick, Dr. Renva Watterson and Alice Williams.
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