Joshua "Josh" Michael Rogers

Josh Rogers, a visionary leader and Macon’s fiercest advocate, passed away on Sunday, November 24, from cardiac arrest while on a routine run. Throughout his career, he galvanized Macon’s citizens and deployed strategic resources to transform downtown Macon’s urban core into a nationally recognized and award-winning downtown experience.

Josh began his illustrious career revitalizing downtown Macon after becoming a college intern at NewTown Macon and beginning his first job at the City of Macon. Before turning 30, Rogers was named Executive Director of Historic Macon Foundation, where he led the transformation of the Beall’s Hill neighborhood using tools like historic tax credits and creative partnerships to renovate 40 residences, earning him the American Express Aspire Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. During his time at Historic Macon, he inspired Maconites to fall in with love Macon by capturing their hearts and minds with events like the Magnolia Soapbox Derby and the “i love macon” campaign.

Josh went on to become the president and CEO of NewTown Macon at the age of 32. Under Josh’s leadership, downtown Macon has become a thriving, award-winning hub of activity. Josh had the unique ability to use market economics to meet the needs of Maconites and match philanthropic investments. During his tenure, he established Middle Georgia’s first and only Community Development Financial Institution and downtown Macon’s first Business Improvement District. Locally owned and operated businesses now fill downtown’s storefronts, reflecting the rich diversity of our community. More than 1,000 residents live in a safe, walkable urban core, and visitors from near and far are drawn to experience the unique vibrancy of Macon’s downtown.

Beyond his transformative projects, Josh inspired those around him to dream bigger, work harder, and collaborate to achieve extraordinary results. His vision for Macon wasn’t just about buildings or businesses—it was about people, community, and creating a place we are all proud to call home.

Josh showed us that working together brings success. He delivered countless wins for Macon because he believed in the power of Macon’s greatest asset—our citizens. Josh’s efforts in spearheading downtown’s locally led revitalization culminated in NewTown Macon winning the Great American Main Street Award from Main Street America in May of this year.

Josh’s accomplishments and accolades were numerous and include 2023 Macon-Bibb County Citizen of the Year, Macon Magazine’s 5 Under 40, Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40, Macon-Bibb County Partner of the Year (2017), NewTown Macon’s 360 Degree Partner in Progress Award (2011), Sydney Sullivan Award (2005), and Mercer University’s Thomas Sewell Plunkey Young Alumni Award (2012). He was an Eagle Scout, member of the Macon Rotary Club, and a graduate from the 2015 Class of Leadership Georgia. He was an alumnus of Mercer University (2005) and the University of York (2007).

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Josh’s greatest title was “Dad.” Josh was a devoted father to his children, Jack and Ellie, and loving husband to his wife, Meaghan. Josh was an active participant in Jack’s Boy Scout troop and enjoyed spending time with his family biking the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and kayaking the Ocmulgee River, traveling, and camping.

Josh is survived by his wife, Meaghan, and two children, Jack (10), and Ellie (7); parents Mark and Libby Rogers; brother Noah (Jennifer); parents-in-law Mark and Kathy Slonaker; brothers-in-law Michael (Heather) and Patrick (Katie); nieces and nephews Anna, Will, Henry, Riley, Sam, Ben, and Beau; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

His memorial service will be held on Monday, December 2, at 11 a.m. in Willingham Hall’s Toney Auditorium on Mercer University’s campus. The service will be livestreamed on NewTown Macon's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/NTMacon .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to NewTown Macon to support its continued work or to the Jack and Ellie Rogers Education Fund. To contribute to NewTown Macon or the Education Fund, go to www.newtownmacon.com/donate and select your preference from the drop-down menu.