Billy Nicholson, left, is stepping down as Georgia Dugout Club President. Meanwhile, current Vice President Chuck Cheek, right, will take over as GDC President.
GDC announces leadership changes
Georgia Dugout Club Executive Director David McDonald announced that longtime GDC President Billy Nicholson is stepping down from his duties, and Vice President Chuck Cheek will be taking over as President of the Georgia Dugout Club.
The changes will begin at the GDC Coaches Clinic scheduled for Dec. 12-14, 2024 at the Atlanta Renaissance Waverly Hotel.
In addition, Houston County baseball coach Matt Hopkins will serve as the organization's Vice President.
“Coach Billy Nicholson served our organization above and beyond the call of duty," McDonald said. "Through the Covid year and the passing of Harvey Cochran, Coach Nicholson provided direction and leadership needed for growth, serving in the position longer than required, allowing for a steady change of administration. As Executive Director, it was an honor to work with Coach Nicholson."
The head baseball coach at Johns Creek High School, Nicholson has served as the organization’s president since 2019 when the late Harvey Cochran, the longtime GDC Executive Director, appointed him to the post.
“When Coach Cochran asked me to serve, it was supposed to be a one-year term and that turned into a five-year term, but I’m not complaining at all,” Nicholson said. “It’s been an incredibly high honor to serve the coaches of this great baseball state.
“We have grown a lot as a club and I could not be more proud of the work we have collectively done as a group and within our committees. Working side by side with Coach Cochran and the past couple of years, Coach McDonald, two icons of high school baseball, I feel richly blessed. I look forward to the club’s continued growth under the leadership of Chuck.”
During his time as president, Nicholson worked with the Georgia High School Association on numerous occasions on behalf of the GDC for the betterment of Georgia high school baseball.
Cheek has served as vice president since 2019 and has been the head baseball coach at Schley County since the fall of 2003.
"I'm honored that the Georgia Dugout Club would ask me to be the president for the next two years," Cheek said. "I certainly have huge shoes to fill. Billy Nicholson has done a fantastic job as president. The Dugout Club has really grown under his leadership and our clinic is the best in the country. I just want to continue what he's done and do what I can to promote baseball in the state. I'll certainly be leaning on him and Coach David McDonald, our Executive Director, for wisdom and guidance."
McDonald said that Cheek will do well in his new role.
"Coach Cheek will provide the leadership and professional development opportunities to all coaches in our state," he said. "His knowledge and success throughout his career will enable him to lead our organization into the future and continued growth of baseball in Georgia."