Atlanta Pride appoints 3 new board members, names 2025 officers
Atlanta Pride has appointed three new members to its board of directors, adding expertise in communications, higher education, community engagement and LGBTQ+ advocacy as the organization expands year-round programming across Atlanta and Georgia.
- Luis Feliciano is a strategic communicator and creative leader focused on inclusive storytelling and community engagement. Originally from Puerto Rico, he has been active in Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community since 2018 and has held leadership roles in nonprofit communications and inclusive sports organizations, including Stonewall Sports Atlanta.
- Chicora Martin is vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Agnes Scott College and brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, with work centered on student development, wellness and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Christopher Thompson is a strategic adviser and educator who founded House of Heralds PR and teaches communication and leadership at Kennesaw State University. Based in Atlanta, he has supported LGBTQ+ advocacy and human rights initiatives locally and internationally and brings nonprofit board experience.
In December 2025, the Atlanta Pride Committee voted to revise its bylaws, including updates to the volunteer membership structure. The organization also announced its newly elected officers: Nicoal Campbell, chair; Toby Vargas-Jaume, vice chair; Chris Ruiz, secretary; and Farah Witt, treasurer.
Atlanta Pride also recently released its 2025 Impact Report, marking its 55th anniversary.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Science Festival returns in March
The Atlanta Science Festival will return March 7 to 21 with approximately 150 events at more than 80 venues across metro Atlanta.
The schedule includes interactive programs for children and adults, with events ranging from nature walks and hands-on science activities to talks and demonstrations.
The festival opens March 7 with Celebrate STEAM at Georgia Tech, featuring activities led by Georgia Tech scientists, engineers and students on topics such as neuroscience, aerospace engineering and robotics. The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Georgia Tech Bio Quad near Ferst Drive and Atlantic Drive and is free.
The festival will conclude March 21 with the Exploration Expo in Piedmont Park. The free event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is scheduled rain or shine at the intersection of Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street.
— Derek Prall
Open Hand names 2026 board officers
Open Hand has announced its 2026 officers for its board of directors, naming leadership roles for the Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides home-delivered meals and nutrition services.
The 2026 officers are:
- Carmen Titelman, president; executive director, compliance, Piedmont Healthcare
- Cromwell Baun, vice president; first vice president, wealth management, UBS Financial Services Inc.
- Tom Abrams, immediate past president; president, BW Designs Inc., and Realtor, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
- Sudevi Ghosh, secretary; attorney, Office of the General Counsel, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Bernard Wedge Jr., treasurer; retired financial and technology management executive, Ernst & Young LLP
“These board members have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and passion for Open Hand’s mission over many years of service,” CEO Matthew Pieper said. “Their continued guidance and leadership will be instrumental as we expand our impact and ensure that more of our neighbors receive the medically tailored meals and nutrition support they need to live healthier lives. We are proud to make a difference in the lives of so many individuals and families made possible by the contributions of community leaders like these officers and all our board members.”
— Derek Prall
The Stitch project launches official nonprofit, board of directors
Downtown Atlanta’s major “Stitch” park project is moving forward. On Jan. 27, it announced the official formation of the nonprofit “Atlanta Downtown Stitch, Inc.” and appointed a nine-member board of directors.
The Stitch Project Director Jack Cebe will become the CEO and President of The Stitch, Inc.
“I’m honored to work with a diverse and accomplished group of Downtown leaders to bring The Stitch to life and ensure it meets the aspirations set forth in The Stitch Master Plan,” Cebe said.
The Stitch is a nearly 17-acre park designed to cap the I-75 and 85 Downtown Connector and “stitch” together the long-divided downtown area with green space and public amenities.
These are the local civic and business leaders appointed to lead the board of directors.
- Ron Alston: Truist, Senior Vice President, Not-For-Profit & Government Banking Leader – Appointed by Mayor Andre Dickens
- Nichole Miles-Sullivan: Atlanta Region Executive, Georgia Power – Appointed by Mayor Andre Dickens
- Hon. Jason Dozier: Atlanta City Council, District 4 – Appointed by Atlanta City Council
- Tom Boyer: General Manager, Westin Peachtree Plaza – Appointed by Atlanta City Council President
- Granvel Tate: Vice President, Real Estate Operations, Invest Atlanta – Appointed by Invest Atlanta
- Craig Jones: ADID, Inc. Board Chair – Appointed by ADID Board of Directors
- Rian Smith: Integral, Vice President and Chief Counsel – Appointed by ADID as a property owner representative
- Patrick Kassin: Development Partner, Woodfield Development – Appointed by ADID as a property owner representative
- John McColl: Executive Vice President, Cousins Properties – Appointed by ADID property owner representative
— Delaney Tarr
Atlanta Ballet to stage ‘Giselle’
Atlanta Ballet will present the romantic ballet “Giselle” Feb. 13-15 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, featuring dancers from the company and students from the Centre for Dance Education. Adolphe Adam’s score will be performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.
The story follows Giselle, a young villager who falls in love with Count Albrecht, who is disguised as a villager. After she learns he is engaged to another woman, Giselle dies and joins the Wilis, spirits of scorned maidens. In the second act, Giselle’s love helps protect Albrecht from harm.
The production includes choreography from Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin, based on a revision of Marius Petipa after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. “Giselle is a timeless romantic ballet, depicting human temptations overpowered by true eternal love and forgiveness,” Nedvigin said.
— Derek Prall
Kaiser Permanente buys 7 acres in Atlanta’s Summerhill for future health-related development
Kaiser Permanente has acquired seven acres of land in Atlanta’s Summerhill community, a purchase the health system says is aimed at expanding access to care and supporting long-term neighborhood development.
The $31.5 million acquisition covers land just south of downtown Atlanta in the historic Summerhill area. Kaiser Permanente said no construction timeline has been set and that potential uses for the site have not been finalized. The organization plans to conduct site and community assessments, engage residents and community leaders, and develop plans based on shared priorities.
“Health begins where we live, work, and gather,” Corwin N. Harper, regional president of Kaiser Permanente in Georgia, said in a statement. “We are committed to being a thoughtful, collaborative partner in Summerhill as we look toward future development that supports well-being, access, and opportunity.”
Nkem Chukwumerije, president and executive medical director of The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, said the investment reflects a focus on factors that influence health outcomes, including stable neighborhoods, access to resources and community connection.
Kaiser Permanente said community engagement will be central to its planning process as development options are considered.
— Derek Prall
Todd Greene joins Morehouse School of Medicine as senior vice president for institutional relations
Morehouse School of Medicine announced that Todd Greene will join the institution as senior vice president for institutional relations, effective Feb. 2, 2026.
The newly created role consolidates external affairs and institutional advancement under one portfolio and expands the school’s work in corporate and industry partnerships, workforce development and economic development, the institution said. Greene will report to MSM President and CEO Valerie Montgomery Rice and will lead philanthropic strategy, corporate and foundation relations, donor stewardship, strategic partnerships and external engagement.
“Todd Greene brings a rare combination of national stature, deep relationships across Georgia and the Southeast and a proven track record of forging partnerships that drive real impact,” Montgomery Rice said in a statement. She said his background will support MSM’s agenda across education, research, clinical care and community engagement.
Greene brings more than two decades of experience in initiatives spanning education, workforce systems and economic development. Most recently, he served as vice president of the Work, Education and Labor Division at the Urban Institute and previously led WorkRise, a research-to-action network focused on job quality and economic mobility.
— Derek Prall
BAM! A Celebration of Black Artists in Music coming to SCAD next month
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) proudly announces the return of BAM! A Celebration of Black Artists in Music, the university’s acclaimed concert series honoring Black History Month and the legacy of Black music. Now in its fifth season, the program will feature
Grammy Award–nominated Broadway sensation Avery Wilson, Tony Award nominee Amber Iman, and SCAD alumna and American Idol winner Candice Glover. This star studded ensemble will join the university’s dynamic student performers, including members of The Bee Sharps.
The performance will include songs performed and written by Wilson and Iman, as well as iconic hits by Black artists across pop, R&B, gospel, blues, jazz, and soul, alongside spoken word and dance performances that celebrate the artistry and legacy of Black music.
The Atlanta concert is happening at SCADshow at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23. Tickets are $20 for SCAD Card holders (students, faculty and staff), seniors and military, $45 for the general public. For more information and tickets, visit the Atlanta event page.
Additionally, to kick off Valentine’s Day weekend, SCADshow is offering a FREE Screening of The Princess Bride on Friday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.
— Megan Anderson
Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta accepting applications for new nonprofit sector sustainability fund
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta announced the Nonprofit Sector Sustainability Fund, a funding source that is looking to provide local nonprofits with $100,000 over the next two years, split into $50,000 per year.
Beyond financial support, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is looking to be a partner to the select nonprofits, offering technical assistance, capacity building, cohort training and more.
Nonprofits in the 11-country Metro Atlanta area, encompassing Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale are welcome to apply regardless of the sector they operate.
Other requirements for applicants include the following:
- Have annual operating budgets of $2M or less
- Have been operating for at least 3 years
- Have six months or less in operating reserves
- Have experienced government funding loss and/or significant funding declines in the past one to two years
- Are willing and able to fully participate in cohort-based learning and technical assistance
- Organizations that have done some contingency and/or scenario planning or thinking but need additional support
- Organizations that have already self-selected for merger or strategic partnership will be considered for support to complete that merger or partnership
- No property or other type of owned assets
The foundation will host a webinar on Feb. 1 to answer questions and provide further information. Applications close on Feb. 27, with decisions on selected nonprofits coming later in the Spring.
— Mark Lannaman
