In this inspiring episode of The Change Maker Podcast, host Deke Copenhaver sits down with his dear friend and newly elected Commissioner for Augusta’s District 6, Tamika Bean. Together, they explore the parallel lines between their political journeys, proving that a positive, inclusive, and grassroots-driven campaign rooted in deep faith can still resonate—and win big—two decades apart.
Tamika shares how her upbringing in a military family and 30-year background in cosmetology, youth mentoring, and community leadership shaped her commitment to a servant's heart. The two unpack their hands-on work with the Greater Augusta Long-Term Recovery Team, detailing how shifting from a "scarcity mindset" driven by fear to an "abundance mindset" driven by faith has allowed them to rapidly restore homes and hope in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Tune in to discover the ultimate blueprint for change-making leadership: putting faith first, modeling compassion for the next generation, and breaking the traditional political mold to unify a community.
The Change Maker
The Change Maker is hosted by Deke Copenhaver. When Deke took over as mayor of his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, the city’s politics were broken and riven along racial lines. No group trusted any other group, so nothing got done.
From 2005 through 2014 Deke was a catalyst in helping to transform Augusta, attracting businesses to spur economic development, implementing social programs that impacted the lives of Augustans on a daily basis. He focused effort on communities that had been neglected for years.
No serving as the Principal of Copenhaver Consulting, Deke remains committed to being a Change Maker while helping others realize their potential to impact their communities for the better. For his work, he’s been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians.
Deke currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned a BA in Political Science from Augusta College and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.
A passionate athlete, Deke has completed five Ironman 70.3s and several half marathons. He and his wife, Malisa, reside in Augusta with their dogs Sarah Bet, Buddy, and Johnny.