Michael W. Pannell

A native Middle Georgian and UGA graduate, Michael W. Pannell has covered education, government, crime, military affairs and other beats as a journalist and been widely published as a feature writer for publications locally and internationally. In addition, he has worked in communications for corporate, non-profit and faith-based entities and taught high school graphic communications during the early days of computer graphics. He was surprised at one point to be classified a multimedia applications developer as he drew from his knowledge of photography, video, curriculum development, writing, editing, sound design and computers to create active training products. In recent years, he has focused on the area’s cultural life, filled with its art, music, theater and other entertainments along with the amazing people who create it. Growing up in Middle Georgia and being “of a certain age,” he spent time at early Allman Brothers Band concerts, in the heat listening to Jimi Hendrix and others at the Second International Atlanta/Byron Pop Festival and being part of other 1960s-‘70s happenings. He now enjoys being inspired by others to revive his art, music and filmmaking skills and – most of all – spending delightful moments with his granddaughter.