Columbus Women of Distinction 
The Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction award honors women who reflect the values in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and who serve as excellent role models for girls. These women exemplify the mission of Girl Scouts as their contributions continue to make their communities and the world a better place.
Thursday May 8, 2025, 6-8:30
p.m.
Columbus State University Cunningham Center
3100
Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907
*business attire
Patricia Eldridge
As the owner of Eldridge Wellness Center, Patricia Eldridge is an advocate for women's needs. She volunteers for organization,s such as the West Center Georgia Cancer Coalition and even puts on Breast Cancer Awareness events, such as her Pink Hat Luncheon, bringing about awareness and support. Pat’s great love is for children.
Pat is the past President of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., and served as the chair of the Beautillion Ball which develops young men. She organized the Associate Jewels extension of Jack & Jill in Columbus, GA, bringing about awareness about heart disease.
Pat and her deceased husband, Dr. Ehrman, were great supporters of the United Negro College Fund. Two years ago she became the Chair of the UNCF Masked Mayor’s Ball, which provides major scholarships for college students.
Pat has also been a great supporter of other youth organizations.
Brooke Peak
Brooke Peak, a native of Douglas, Georgia, is a graduate of the University of Georgia and the Mercer University School of Law. Brooke practiced real estate law for several years before taking time off to raise her four children. She currently serves as the marketing director for the law firm Peak Wooten McDaniel & Colwell LLP, of which her husband Brandon is a partner. Brooke is deeply involved in community service and volunteers at both St. Luke School and Brookstone School. She is also an active member of St. Luke Church.
Brooke was recently recognized by the University of Georgia’s Bulldawg Illustrated and Mercer Law School for her community service during the Covid-19 pandemic. During Covid, Brooke launched a nonprofit—PWMC Cares—that had the dual benefit of feeding healthcare heroes over 50,000 meals prepared by local restaurants struggling financially during the pandemic. She was featured as a WTVM Hometown Hero in 2021 & was recognized in 2023 by the Columbus Fire & EMS for being a community partner through her work with PWMC Cares.
Brooke is happiest when she is either cheering on her kids’ sports teams or surrounded by family and friends.
Brittany Haines
Brittany Haines is a dedicated leader in early childhood education, business, and community service. As a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and the CEO of Growing Room Child Development Centers, she is committed to providing high-quality child care and educational opportunities. She serves as the President of the Junior League of Columbus and holds board positions as Secretary for both the Georgia Child Care Association and the Early Education Development Alliance, as well as a Trustee for the Miss Georgia Scholarship Organization.
Brittany earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Columbus State University and her Certificate in Franchise Management from Georgetown University. A graduate of Leadership Columbus, she has been recognized as one of Columbus and The Valley’s 2017 Rising Stars, 2020 Five Under Forty, and Georgia’s 2022 Titan 100. She has also served with the American Cancer Society, where she was President of the local board and chaired the Relay For Life event.
Brittany is a devoted wife to Brad Haines and a proud mother to twins, Maddie and Will, balancing her professional and philanthropic commitments with a deep passion for leadership, advocacy, and service.
Dr. Stuart Rayfield
Dr. Stuart Rayfield returned to Columbus State University in 2023 as its sixth president. Her tenure began in 2006 as an assistant professor and later included holding the Frank D. Brown Distinguished Chair in Servant Leadership and serving as interim associate provost for undergraduate education.
From 2016 until her current appointment, she held various leadership roles within the University System of Georgia. Those included the system’s vice chancellor for leadership and institutional development, and interim presidencies at the former Bainbridge State College and Gordon State College.
She is a member of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2020 and one of only nine Georgia university presidents selected by Georgia Trend magazine in 2025 for its list of 100 most influential Georgians.
She is married to David Rayfield, a partner at the law firm Waldrep, Mullin & Callahan LLC in Columbus, and together they have two daughters.
Check out our list of previous Columbus Women of Distinction honorees!
Check out a few photos from the 2024 event below or visit our Facebook page to see the full album!
The Girl Scout Cookie Challenge
Thank you to the following restaurants who participated in the 2024 Cookie Challenge:
- Annillo's Pizzeria
- Hudson's at Main Street
- The Food Mill
- Parker's Pantry
- Moe's Original BBQ
- Ruth Ann's Restaurant
Congratulations to Hudson's at Main Street, whose S'mores Cheesecake, received the most community votes for favorite Girl Scout Cookie-inspired dessert!
