Thomaston native brings deep community roots and passion for local engagement to support Brightmark’s flagship circularity center
Brightmark LLC, a circular innovations company with a mission to Reimagine Waste®, welcomes Jessica Hudson as its new Community Relations Specialist in Thomaston, Georgia. A lifelong resident of Thomaston, Hudson brings deep local roots, a passion for community engagement, and a strong background in public service to her new role.
Hudson will serve as Brightmark’s primary local representative, building strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, officials, and residents to support the company’s mission and engage the Thomaston community as it develops its flagship circularity center.
“I was born and raised in Thomaston. This community has shaped who I am, and I’m honored to be part of a project that has the potential to bring real, lasting benefits to the people I care about most,” said Hudson. “Making a difference in my community has always been my greatest motivation. When I first learned about Brightmark’s circularity center, I saw a chance to bring meaningful change, especially through new local jobs that help families thrive. I’m committed to listening to the community, sharing facts, and having open and honest conversations every step of the way.”
Her commitment to Thomaston is personal. Her father, a former Upson County Commissioner, championed the transformation of Sprewell Bluff Park into a county-owned resource.
“There’s a road down there named Hudson Lane,” she said proudly. “It’s a reminder of what community investment can look like.”
Witnessing her father’s dedication to community projects inspired Hudson’s own commitment to local initiatives. Her professional journey includes experience in marketing, sales, and healthcare, most recently at Upson Regional Medical Center, where she helped launch Project Search—a program that provides job training for high school students with disabilities. She also spent three years teaching at Upson Lee High School and has served on advisory boards within the Thomaston–Upson School System.
Hudson is also active in the local Chamber of Commerce, has served as Vice President of the Thomaston Kiwanis Club, and volunteers regularly with organizations that support children and animals.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to the Brightmark team,” said Bob Powell, Founder and CEO of Brightmark. “Jessica’s strong ties to Thomaston and her passion for community engagement make her the perfect fit to help lead our efforts locally. Her dedication to transparency and education will be invaluable as we work together to bring lasting benefits to the community.”
“I think it’s exciting that a small town like Thomaston can have such a large impact through Brightmark’s vision to create a world without waste. We always knew we were small, but mighty, and welcoming an organization like Brightmark into our community ensures that we will have a positive impact that stretches far wider than Upson County,” said Hudson.
Hudson’s decision to join Brightmark reflects her longstanding commitment to serving the Thomaston community. Drawing on her background in education and local engagement–and inspired by her father’s legacy of public service–she brings a deep understanding of the community’s needs and values. Her appointment underscores Brightmark’s commitment to hiring locally rooted talent and advancing its mission to deliver meaningful, sustainable impact in the communities it serves.
