11/26/2024
To the extended NewTown Macon family and all who are joined together both in shock for the loss of Josh Rogers and to celebrate his legacy:
Josh was an intern at NewTown when I first got to know him, and we reconnected when he returned from his studies in England full of excitement and ideas. I quickly realized how unique Josh was when he asked me to serve as his general counsel at Historic Macon Foundation where his upward trajectory rocketed skyward and then continued at NewTown. There I have had the amazing honor to serve by his side as his general counsel for over ten years. Josh was a visionary, but at the same time grounded in creating a dream team and addressing the tasks that it would take to make a dream a reality; and his dreams kept coming true – for all of us.
In all his many roles Josh was the consummate leader that you wanted to follow with honor in your heart. He was a dear part of us that has been torn away leaving a wretched gash in our souls.
Whitman wrote in memory of President Lincoln, but it is equally fitting now:
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
Blake Lisenby
We are devastated to share that NewTown’s visionary leader, Josh Rogers, passed away Sunday evening. Our hearts go out to Josh’s wife and children and we ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
If you have visited downtown Macon, you have seen Josh’s life’s work. Since his first role at NewTown as a college intern, Josh has been dedicated to revitalizing the heart of Macon. His ingenuity, empathy for others, and desire to see all Maconites thrive and prosper are why downtown Macon’s storefronts are full with locally owned and operated businesses that reflect the diversity of our community; why over 1000 residents live in a walkable and safe urban core; and why tourists and other downtown professionals are flocking to Macon to experience the magic of Macon. Downtown Macon’s revitalization is nationally recognized and award winning because of Josh and his tireless efforts to create a downtown that benefits Maconites – now, forever, and always.
Through Josh’s leadership at NewTown Macon, downtown has been transformed. But perhaps most importantly is how he transformed and inspired those around him, pushing us all to be more creative, to seize opportunities, and to work harder so that Macon is the place of our dreams and the place we’re all proud to call home.
Josh taught us that when we work together, we get things done. When we get things done, together, we all win. Josh brought so many wins home for Macon, and we all live in a better community because of him.
We will not lose the incredible momentum Josh put into place and will continue to uphold the values of our founders. We appreciate your grace and understanding during this difficult time.
