ABOVE Ruthie was adopted in August 2020, less than a year after Kailey adopted Emi. "On this day, I felt like I was able to celebrate both of my girls
with no hesitation. It was the greatest relief and joy," said Kailey. As with Emi's adoption day, grandparents and aunts were there to welcome Ruthie
into the family. OPPOSITE Kailey is grateful to all the Toombs County advocates–from DFACS and CASA employees to judges, lawyers, and safety
officers– who help look after the children in our community.
working two jobs. With the mother’s permission, she was
able to take him to basketball games and other outings.
In 2009, four years after graduating as Valedictorian
at Robert Toombs Christian Academy, Kailey graduated
from UGA with both a BBA in Marketing and a BSEd in
Sport Management. Her first job was in Orlando, Florida,
with ESPN Wide World of Sports in event planning
and marketing. Her primary focus was the Walt Disney
World Endurance Series, which included the Walt Disney
World Marathon and the Princess Half Marathon. During
basketball season, she worked a second job for the Orlando
Magic NBA organization in VIP guest services. After
one year with ESPN, Kailey was considered for a better
position within the company. Although it had been a great
experience, something was missing. She wanted to make an
impact with her life. And – she was a bit too far from home.
Kailey’s mother, Debbie (Vaughn) Dees, grew up in
Vidalia, and her father, Mike Dees, grew up in the Cedar
Crossing community. Kailey’s family home had been in her
father’s family since it was first built in 1938. She cared
deeply for this community and the families of Toombs
County. But the road home again would not exactly be a
straight line.
36 TOOMBS COUNTY MAGAZINE
Kailey’s grandfather, Calvin Vaughn, had been Vidalia’s
State Farm agent for fifty-four years, since March 1, 1959.
At 80 years old, he was considering retirement. “In my last
year of college, I interviewed with a panel of Metro-Atlanta
State Farm Agents through an agency aspirant program
that was targeted at UGA graduates, so I understood the
process,” said Kailey. “But I couldn’t just walk into my
grandfather’s business. You don’t ‘pass down’ a State Farm
agency or buy into it. State Farm Agents are independent
contractors hired at the discretion of the company.” The
position would have to be earned.
Kailey left ESPN in May 2010 and immediately went to
work as an agent aspirant with Wally Walker, a State Farm
agent in Pooler, Georgia. As soon as she got settled in her
new position, she signed up as a volunteer coach at the
Pooler Recreation Department. She coached ten-year-old
girls’ basketball and softball for two seasons.
On Mother’s Day weekend of 2012, Kailey’s
grandfather put in his notice for retirement, which had to
be done a year in advance. In April 2013, she interviewed
with State Farm and was selected for the Vidalia agency
opening. She began agency training in Atlanta, Georgia,
in August. On February 1, 2014, Kailey proudly opened