A history of leadership at Atlanta Committee for Progress
Just to make sure Michael Russell, CEO of H.J. Russell & Co., was the first Black person to chair the Atlanta Committee for Progress, I compiled a history of all the chairs and executive directors.
The Atlanta Committee for Progress is a powerful compilation of business and civic leaders who advise and support the City of Atlanta’s mayor. The organization was launched in 2003 by then-Mayor Shirley Franklin to help Atlanta become a best-in-class city.
Here is the history:
Under Mayor Shirley Franklin:
2003: Pete Correll – Georgia Pacific
2004: Pete Correll – Georgia Pacific
2005: Pete Correll – Georgia Pacific
2006: Pete Correll – Georgia Pacific
2007: Phil Humann – SunTrust (now Truist)
2008: Neville Isdell – Coca-Cola
2009: James M. Wells – SunTrust (now Truist)
2010: Phil Kent – Turner Broadcasting
Under Mayor Kasim Reed
2011: Phil Kent – Turner Broadcasting
2012: Jim Hannan – Georgia Pacific
2013: Rick Smith – Equifax
2014: Bill Rogers – SunTrust (now Truist)
2015: Marty Flannagan – Invesco
2016: Paul Bowers – Georgia Power
2017: John Dyer – Cox Enterprises
Under Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms
2018: Larry Gellerstedt – Cousins
2019: Doug Hertz – United Distributors
2020: Ed Bastian – Delta Air Lines
2021: Alex Taylor – Cox Enterprises
Under Andre Dickens
2022: Ryan Marshall – PulteGroup
2023: Colin Connolly – Cousins
2024: Carol Tomé – UPS
2025: Michael Russell – H.J. Russell & Co.
In total the Atlanta Committee for Progress has had four executive directors: John Ahmann (2004-2016), Duriya Farooqui (2016-2018), Shan Cooper (2018-2022), and Kathy Waller (2022-present).
So, Michael Russell was indeed the first Black chair. He is succeeding Carol Tomé, the first woman chair.
— Maria Saporta
Trees Atlanta opens applications for 2025 Docent Training Program
Trees Atlanta, a local nonprofit focused on protecting the reputation of Atlanta as a city within a forest, is opening up applications for volunteers to become Certified Volunteer Docent for Trees Atlanta’s walking tours.
Walking tours include places like Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum, Neighborhood Arboreta, and other locations with tree density that the organization hopes to celebrate.
The training program, consisting of a total of five classes and one test-run walking tour, begins on Saturday, Jan. 25 in the new year. The full, tentative schedule for the classes continues on a weekly basis:
- Sat., Jan. 25: Introduction and Program Overview
- Sat., Feb. 1: Introduction to the Atlanta Beltline and Arboretum
- Sat., Feb. 8: Tree Identification
- Sat., Feb. 15: How to Lead a Tour & Ambassador Role
- Sat., Feb. 22: Optional Arbor Day Planting Project
- Sat., March 1: Mock Tour Presentations, Feedback and Next Steps
The classes cost $75 total, with some scholarships available according to Trees Atlanta for those who apply to them by Dec. 31.
— Mark Lannaman
NIHHIS Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring is launching
The National Integrated Heat Health Information System’s (NIHHIS) Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring (CCHM) is launching a grant program that will give funding to local communities to collect extreme heat data in their local area.
Many studies have looked into the urban heat island effect, like the UrbanHeatATL study a few years back that drew correlations between neighborhood heat and lack of trees and other infrastructure. These neighborhoods with excessive heat often correlated with historically disinvested areas of the city, and have become an increasing cause for concern with rising global temperatures.
If awarded a grant, a community will receive sensors, training and assistance in order to carry out the initiative.
The NIHHIS is especially eager to work with places that have not seen these kinds of studies previously.
“Rural communities, tribal nations, U.S. territories, and states that have not previously undergone heat mapping are especially encouraged to apply,” wrote the NIHHIS.
Applications close on Jan.17, 2025.
— Mark Lannaman
Georgia Interfaith Power and Light launches inaugural ReWilding Grant
Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), a “faith-based environmental nonprofit,” awarded more than $11,000 to twelve congregations across Georgia as part of their new pilot ReWilding program.
The ReWilding program is focused on emphasizing the sanctity of land around the faith communities and advancing sustainable land management as a climate solution. Example projects include invasive species removal, pollinator gardens, habitat restorations, vegetable gardens and more, according to GIPL.
“We know investment in the ecological health of faith communities has a rippling effect—improving the physical, spiritual, and financial well-being of entire neighborhoods and ecosystems,” said Hannah Shultz, program director of GIPL. “When you plant more trees or build vegetable gardens, you offer new life to a community.”
A second round of applications is planned for Spring 2025.
— Mark Lannaman
Legal Services Corporation awards Georgia with $230,000 technology grant
Legal Services Corporation (LSC), an independent nonprofit founded by Congress in 1974, awarded Georgia Legal Services Program (GSLP) a Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) of $233,081 last month.
The grant will be used to bolster capacity in providing pro bono legal services to low-income Georgians, according to LSP. The funding is part of a larger effort of 31 grants totaling $5.9 million to organizations in 22 states from LSP this year; to date, more than $91 million has been distributed from LSP in its lifetime for similar causes.
“LSC is proud to promote innovative solutions to the access to justice crisis, including supporting legal aid organizations’ efforts to embrace useful technology tools,” said LSC president Ron Flagg in a statement. “The Technology Initiative Grants support projects that improve the delivery of legal services and information to people who need support navigating serious civil legal problems that impact their housing, debt, employment or family.”
Rep. Hank Johnson, U.S. representative for Georgia’s 4th congressional district since 2007, put out a statement emphasizing how important this funding is for residents across the state.
“I’m pleased GLSP received this latest grant to help low-income Georgians, and I know they will put the funds to good use to explore new ways to serve eligible Georgians, to help build legal aid programs’ capacities, and to support the efforts of pro bono attorneys,” Johnson said.
— Mark Lannaman
JPMorganChase opens new virtual call center
JPMorganChase is expanding its commitment to fostering sustainable, high-value careers in Georgia with the launch of a new virtual call center (VCC) based in Atlanta, which will create more than 80 local jobs by the end of March.
The firm has also pledged $350,000 to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to increase job opportunities for under-resourced communities to support the region’s growing advanced manufacturing, Clean Tech sector. These investments will help the firm continue to advance long-term, inclusive growth in Georgia.
The Atlanta VCC is JPMorganChase’s third in the U.S., following similar launches in Detroit and Baltimore, and the first with a bilingual employee base. Between the three cities, the firm counts more than 200 team members, with Baltimore recently doubling its head count and more growth coming in Atlanta. This effort is part of a broader initiative to expand business investments that help create new jobs and promote career growth opportunities in additional cities and in communities that are often overlooked.
“There is so much talent throughout metro-Atlanta. Our virtual call center is another way we are helping people and communities gain access not only to good jobs, but to sustainable careers at JPMorganChase,” said Mike Ashworth, Chief Operations Officer for Consumer and Community Banking at Chase. “Working with local community partners like CareerRise and the Latin American Association, companies like ours can implement more intentional hiring efforts and tap into Atlanta’s vast talent pool to serve our customers, while simultaneously creating genuine opportunity in the region.”
— Derek Prall
New board members announced at Trees Atlanta
Trees Atlanta Board of Directors elected five new members who began their first 3-year terms in 2024.
Martha Issa joined the board in April, Lynnette Reid in July, and Mandy Burnette, Dan Englander, and Claire Gotham in November.
These individuals are part of an active Board of Directors who represent leading businesses and organizations that serve metro Atlanta. A full list of directors is available on Trees Atlanta’s website.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Gas Light provides financial support to community partners during Energy to Give event
Four local partners — HEAT, Saint Vincent de Paul Georgia, Salvation Army, and United Way — received a combined $500,000 from Atlanta Gas Light at the annual Energy to Give celebration. The donations will aim to enhance community enrichment initiatives, focusing on improving access to essential resources such as food, education, health, well-being and offering bill payment assistance.
“Atlanta Gas Light’s Energy to Give event allows for time to celebrate the positive impact we have worked hard to make on our communities with our partners. I am grateful that we have the time to also focus on what we will do next,” said Credit, Collections and Energy Assistance Manager Tiffany Gilstrap.
Over 500 families were granted financial assistance this year through Atlanta Gas Light’s ongoing partnerships with local organizations. The event included a “fireside chat” with community partners in attendance who shared how important support from Atlanta Gas Light and other partners are to provide needed services to the community, as well as additional ways to work together to address community needs.
Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District recognizes annual essay contest winners
The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District held a ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to celebrate the winners of its 23rd annual middle school essay contest. Julianne Roberts of Lanier Christian Academy in Gainesville was recognized as the District-wide winner, along with winners from 14 other counties and the City of Atlanta. The other winners include:
District Runner-up: Reid Bond, Durham Middle School, Cobb County
Elliot Tran – Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, City of Atlanta
Oliver Kuykendall – Woodland Middle School, Bartow County
Arcadian Freund – E.T. Booth Middle School, Cherokee County
Alexis Moore – Mundy’s Mill Middle School, Clayton County
Aasiya Momin – The Carolyn Barron Montessori School, Coweta County
Vikrant Ravi – Chamblee Middle School, DeKalb County
Myles Martin – Harvester Christian Academy, Douglas County
Callie You – J.C. Booth Middle School, Fayette County
Sonakshi Prusti – Piney Grove Middle School, Forsyth County
Kyla Onwumbiko – Sandtown Middle School, Fulton County
Elliam Rodriguez – Berkmar Middle School, Gwinnett County
Rennajah Leverette – Impact Academy, Henry County
Rylen Weeks – Austin Middle School, Paulding County
Ava Smith – Memorial Middle School, Rockdale County
More than 800 students from across the 15-county region participated in this year’s contest. Students were challenged to write a 300-500 word essay about local river basins throughout the District. Roberts received a $500 prize for her winning essay comparing and contrasting the careers of a water process engineer and water quality superintendent.
“Have you ever wondered how you manage to have [water] so conveniently when others have to walk miles? Well, there are people working daily to make sure you can fulfill your basic needs requiring water,” Roberts wrote in her essay.
— Derek Prall
Decatur High receives college success award
Ealier this month, the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) announced that Decatur High School (DHS) had received a 2024 College Success Award from education non-profit GreatSchools. The award highlights the successful track record of graduating students who enroll in two—or four-year colleges and persist to their second year.
DHS is one of less than 1,500 schools nationwide to receive this award.
“Decatur High School consistently excels in equipping graduates for challenging college studies,” said Gyimah Whitaker, Superintendent of CSD. “I applaud and appreciate the teachers, staff, and families who partner to support our students in reaching their college and career aspirations.”
— Allison Joyner
Southwest Arts Center welcomes True Colors Theatre in residence
Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company announces a partnership with the City of South Fulton Department of Cultural Affairs to serve as a theater company in residence at the Southwest Arts Center beginning next year.
There, the company will become a community partner and provide free educational and social events.
“We can’t be more thrilled about the partnership with Southwest Arts Center,” said Chandra Stephen-Albright, Managing Director for True Colors Theatre. “We are looking forward to engaging in a number of new projects at the center that will offer city and area residents opportunities to enjoy and be inspired by the arts.”
The company will premier its first production of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” at the center from Feb. 11 to March 9.
Click here to purchase tickets.
— Allison Joyner
Clayton County teacher receives award for education, leadership
Shakira Rice, Executive Director of Community Engagement for Clayton County Public Schools, was honored with the Education Award by The Association of Christian Ministries of Clayton County.
This honor reflects Rice’s commitment to education, leadership, and community engagement within the school system.
From teacher to district leader, Rice demonstrated a passion for promoting connections between schools and the community.
“This recognition affirms the importance of fostering meaningful relationships within our community to support the success of our students and families,” Rice said. “When it comes to serving the community, there is no ‘one size fits all.’ You have to be in tune, deeply connected, and intentional.”
Rice received the award during the 2024 Annual Scholarship Banquet earlier this month.
— Allison Joyner
BEST Academy renames school in honor of Tommy Dortch
This week, Atlanta Public Schools announced renaming its Business Engineering Science Technology (BEST) Academy to The BEST Academy at The Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. Institute.
The Academy is the school system’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics school for boys in grades 6 to 12.
The school is honored by the former Chair of the 100 Black Men of America, Thomas “Tommy” Dortch, who passed away last year. Dortch dedicated almost 20 years of his professional career to working in government, representing the interests of small businesses, minorities and other marginalized people.
— Allison Joyner
Chamblee appoints new Assistant City Manager
The City of Chamblee has appointed Vivian Vakili as its new Assistant City Manager.
In this new role, she will serve as a member of the city’s leadership team, supporting various departments and divisions and working cooperatively with the City Manager to effectively manage the city’s day-to-day operations and move projects and initiatives forward.
Vakili has served in multiple capacities focused on land development in both the public and private sectors, including as the Department of Building and Economic Development for Forsyth County and as the Director of Research and Due Diligence for The Preston Partnership, working on feasibility studies and due diligence for sites across the U.S.
“I am thrilled to be joining such an exciting and innovative team and look forward to serving the City of Chamblee,” Vakili said. She will start her new role on Jan. 6.
— Allison Joyner
