STAFF
BATH GARDENS
Rob Mullins (Interim Manager)
Background: Rob earned his Juris Doctorate (concentration in Environmental Law) from the University of Oregon School of Law; Master of Arts in Political Science, Emory University; and Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Presbyterian College. Rob is admitted to the State Bars of Georgia and South Carolina. He was a partner at Hull Barrett before starting his own law firm, Mullins Law Firm. After 23 years of practicing law, Rob entered Higher Ed. He taught law classes at American Public University and worked his way up to a tenured Associate Professor of Political Science at East Georgia State College.
Memberships and Significant Activities:
- Published Author of several local history books and articles. His books include “The Augusta History Reader,” “The Boxing Life of Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker: Two-Time Lightweight Champion,” and “12 Monkeys & a Green Jacket.” His book, “12 Monkeys & a Green Jacket,” was nominated for the Georgia Historical Society’s Hawes Award (2015) and featured on C-SPAN’s Book TV programming (2015). Rob has also published numerous professional journal articles in the areas of environmental law and public procurement.
- Twice, Rob was honored as the Distinguished Faculty of the Year in Political Science.
- Rob has served on the Boards of Bath Gardens Foundation, Inc., the Georgia Philological Association, Le Chat Noir, Inc (Chair, 2009 – 2014), the Greater Augusta Arts Council (President, 2007 – 2009), and the Augusta Players.
- Rob has also served as Chair of the Columbia County Greenspace Committee (2005) and was a former president of the Richmond County Exchange Club (1995 – 1996).
Summary: Rob is a dedicated environmentalist, committed to the preservation of our state and local communities’ natural resources, and has a deep passion for the history of Augusta and the CSRA.
Joe Ference (Property Maintenance Manager)
Summary: Joe began work at Bath Gardens in 2023, not long after moving to this area from the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. He brought experience ranging from national parks, wildlife rescue, construction and trades, to erosion control. Dogs are quite special to him, so it is no surprise that he and Penny, the resident mascot, have formed a special bond. Joe has a deep passion for nature and says quite often that this is his dream job.
Catherine B. Fleming “Sweetie” (Full Time Volunteer)
- Low Country Colonial Dames; French Quarter Board; Halifax DAR; Huguenot Church Charleston
Summary: Catherine is a “jack of all trades, master of none” who enjoys a challenge. Her passion for the restoration of Bath Gardens stems from her grandfather, Lonnie Boardman’s love of preservation, nature, and beauty. Just as her grandfather was not aware of the challenge ahead of him, Catherine says she has been “knocked to her knees” with the challenge of restoring the garden, she but perseveres thanks to the many people who support the venture with time, talent, and treasure.