For nearly 50 years, Leigh McIntosh has dedicated her career to helping Georgians with disabilities live fuller, more meaningful lives. Now, as the longtime CEO of Creative Enterprises prepares to pass the torch to Courtney Grimm, Executive Director-Elect, the organization stands at a pivotal moment in its history, one defined by growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving individuals with disabilities.
Founded in 1976, Creative Enterprises has grown from a single location into a respected community rehabilitation organization serving multiple counties across North Georgia. Its mission remains unchanged: helping individuals with disabilities maximize their potential through employment services, life skills training, educational programs, and community engagement.
Yet during a recent visit to the organization’s Gwinnett County campus, it became clear that Creative Enterprises is about far more than programs. It is about people.
A Career Built on Purpose
When asked what inspired her to serve individuals with disabilities, McIntosh laughed at the idea that she had a carefully planned career path.
Like many leaders, her journey emerged through unexpected opportunities.
While attending college, she discovered the field of mental health and community services. She worked with individuals experiencing serious mental illness before becoming involved with Creative Enterprises during its earliest years.
“It wasn’t something I decided at sixteen,” McIntosh explained. “I worked my way into it.”
What kept her there was the people.
While working in other areas of mental health could often be emotionally draining, she found individuals with developmental disabilities eager to learn, grow, and participate in their communities.
Over time, Creative Enterprises became not just a career but a calling.
Today, after decades of leadership, she remains guided by a simple philosophy.
“If we do the right thing for our clients, we always make the right decision.”
That principle has become the foundation of the organization’s culture.
The Next Generation of Leadership
As Creative Enterprises celebrates its 50th anniversary, another milestone is approaching: a leadership transition.
Stepping into the role of Executive Director is Courtney Grimm, a leader whose career embodies the organization’s values.
Unlike executives who arrive from outside organizations, Grimm started on the front lines, working directly with program participants and families.
Over the years, she developed relationships with clients, caregivers, community partners, and staff members while steadily advancing through the organization.
For Grimm, leadership is rooted in service.
“You have to have a heart for what you’re doing,” she said. “If you have a heart for it, it follows through in your work.”
That mindset has shaped her leadership style. She recalls taking phone calls late at night, helping families navigate challenges, and stepping beyond job descriptions whenever clients needed support.
Her willingness to go above and beyond earned trust throughout the organization and prepared her for the responsibility of leading it into the future.
More Than a Day Program
A walk across the Creative Enterprises campus quickly reveals why the organization has earned such a strong reputation throughout Georgia.
Participants choose from a wide range of activities and classes including music, art, gardening, fitness, cooking, employment training, and educational programming.
The atmosphere feels more like a community college than a traditional support program.
In the music building, retired band director Joe Pierce teaches drumming, guitar, keyboards, and vocal performance. Using innovative color-coded learning systems, he helps individuals perform music regardless of whether they can read traditional sheet music.
Nearby, artists create ornaments, paintings, and other works that are displayed and sold in community venues. In another area, participants care for plants in a greenhouse and community garden that provide both therapeutic and educational opportunities.
Creative Enterprises also operates an animal therapy program featuring a grant-funded cat sanctuary where participants interact with and help care for adoptable cats.
Every activity serves a larger purpose: building confidence, independence, social connections, and life skills.
Employment With Dignity
Workforce development remains one of the organization’s most important priorities.
The team partners with employers ranging from local businesses to major corporations, helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment opportunities tailored to their interests and abilities.
McIntosh believes one of the biggest misconceptions about people with disabilities is that employers focus on what they cannot do instead of what they can.
Through customized employment, Creative Enterprises identifies participant strengths and matches them with appropriate jobs and workplace environments.
The result is often a loyal, dependable employee who genuinely values the opportunity to contribute.
As McIntosh observed, many of the individuals they serve consistently show up, work hard, and become valued members of their workplace teams.
Addressing Georgia’s Greatest Challenges
While much progress has been made, both leaders acknowledge significant challenges remain.
One of the most pressing concerns is what happens when aging parents can no longer care for their adult children with disabilities.
Families often spend years worrying about future housing, care, and support options.
The organization also sees a need for stronger public awareness about Medicaid waiver programs. These waivers help fund essential services including residential care, day programs, medical support, and in-home assistance.
According to Grimm, many families do not learn about these programs until adulthood, despite waiting lists that can stretch for years.
“We need that information getting to families much earlier,” she explained.
Transportation is another major hurdle, particularly in rural communities where services are limited and public transportation options may not exist.
As Creative Enterprises continues expanding into underserved parts of Georgia, solving transportation challenges will remain a key strategic priority.
A Legacy of Opportunity
When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind, McIntosh’s answer reflected the same focus that has guided her throughout her career.
She does not measure success by buildings, budgets, or titles.
Instead, she hopes to ensure Creative Enterprises continues thriving long after her retirement and remains available to serve individuals with disabilities wherever needs exist, especially in rural Georgia communities that often lack specialized services.
The organization already serves as a model for community-based disability support, combining education, employment, creativity, and personal development under one mission.
For Grimm, the future includes expanding awareness, strengthening community partnerships, and helping more Georgians discover the opportunities available through Creative Enterprises.
A Message to Georgia Employers
Before the conversation ended, McIntosh offered one final message to employers across Georgia.
“I learn from the people we serve every day,” she said.
Her advice is simple: give people with disabilities the opportunity to prove what they can do.
Their abilities may not always look the same as everyone else’s, but their commitment, loyalty, work ethic, and desire to contribute are undeniable.
After spending time with the staff, participants, and leadership team at Creative Enterprises, one thing becomes abundantly clear.
This organization is not defined by disability.
It is defined by possibility.
As Leigh McIntosh prepares to pass leadership to Courtney Grimm, the mission that has guided Creative Enterprises for nearly five decades remains stronger than ever: helping every individual discover their strengths, maximize their potential, and shine in their own unique way.
Learn more: www.creativeenterprises.org
