Adrian Cronje introduces a vision, greater impact for Atlanta Rotary
At his inaugural meeting as the 2024/2025 president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, Adrian Cronje took on a somber tone following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump two days earlier.
Cronje, CEO of the Balentine wealth management firm, said he had spoken to the president of Rotary International, Stephanie Urchick, who said she told him that Rotary stood for promoting peace throughout the world. Political rhetoric has gotten “angrier” and “shriller,” Cronje said. Urchick will be the speaker at Atlanta Rotary on July 29.
“Let’s double down as a club by leading with example,” he said. “As this election cycle unfolds and is likely to run right through the state of Georgia, let’s provide a sanctuary where reasonable people can agree to disagree, all in a spirit of mutual respect.”
As Cronje said, it’s about the engagement and the impact the club can have in the community.
In that spirit, the program talked about the Rotary’s philanthropic endeavors. On June 30, the three distinct nonprofits under the Atlanta Rotary umbrella were rolled into one — the Charitable Foundation of RCA.
Cannon Carr, chair of the merged foundation, spoke of how the other two efforts — the Educational Foundation and the Youth Service Fund — would continue to operate with advisory boards and managed funds. Rotary also would continue to be involved in a myriad of other civic endeavors through task forces, such as the Early Education Initiative, Human Trafficking, Military Support and the Atlanta Community Kitchen.
Rotary also has gotten involved in several international initiatives, such as the Kenya Water Project, annual community development trips to Honduras and funding for Syrian refugees. The Atlanta Rotary has been one of the top contributors to Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio.
“We needed a charitable structure aligned with the size, strength and resources of our club,” Carr said. “We wanted to improve responsive member engagement.”
Also at the July 15 meeting, Paige Alexander, CEO of the Carter Center, and Jimmy Frangis, CEO of PDI Technologies, were introduced as new members.
— Maria Saporta
Clayton County School Board appoints principals, assistant principals before new school year
Last week, the Clayton County Board of Education announced that they approved the appointments for new school leaders throughout the school system.
The recommendations were made by Dr. Anthony Smith, Superintendent/CEO of Schools for the Clayton County Board of Education.
- Karisa Walker, Principal, Hawthorne Elementary
- LaWanda Coats, Assistant Principal, Jonesboro High
- Dwayne Boddie, Assistant Principal, Lovejoy High
- Joel Mobley, Assistant Principal, Lovejoy High
- David Johnson, Assistant Principal, Morrow Middle
The school system teaches over 50,000 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.
— Allison Joyner
Fulton County Board responds to misconduct, misappropriation of funds allegations from housing authority
The Fulton County Board of Commissioners released an official statement regarding the allegations on staff at the Housing Authority of Fulton County regarding day-to-day misconduct, compliance reporting delays, and possible misappropriation of funds within the organization.
“Integrity and transparency are the fundamental values of the Board and organization. To uphold these principles, the Board has initiated a comprehensive and independent investigation into the matter as it pertains to the staff directly involved who are no longer with the organization,” the statement mentioned.
It also added that the Board has engaged external auditors to assist with the investigation to ensure it is conducted with the highest level of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.
“The Board has taken immediate action to work closely with HUD as it pertains to addressing any gaps, hire an experienced Executive Director and put in place new measures for staff to board reporting structure to maintain full transparency. It is the Board’s priority to maintain the trust of their stakeholders, including remaining employees, stakeholders and the community they serve,” the statement said.
The Housing Authority of Fulton County Board of Commissioners asks for the community’s patience and understanding as it navigates being blindsided by these recent events. The organization’s goal is to resolve the allegations swiftly to restore confidence in its organization.
— Allison Joyner
Morehouse College president announces retirement, search for replacement begins
On Friday, Morehouse College announced that its president, Dr. David Thomas, would retire effective next year.
Since 2018, Thomas’ work at the all-male institution has brought international attention and partnerships with various notable institutions, corporations and individuals, applications for high-achieving students have soared at an all-time high and infrastructure investments have been completed and are in progress.
“In my inaugural address, I promised to do the absolute best I could for Morehouse, and I have since risen each day dedicated to delivering on that promise,” said Thomas. “Serving as president of Morehouse has been the honor of a lifetime. The best moment for a leadership transition is when an institution is strong and the building blocks are in place to achieve its vision. I believe that time is now, and new leadership can bring fresh eyes, energy, and perspective to address challenges and discover new opportunities.”
The college has begun a national search for its 13th president, led by trustee and alumnus Fred Humphries, who will chair the assembled presidential search committee.
— Allison Joyner
Chamblee, MARTA announces ribbon cutting for new public art sculpture
On Monday, the city of Chamblee and MARTA announced the ribbon-cutting ceremony for its latest public art installation at the Chamblee MARTA station on Peachtree Rd.
On Monday, July 22, the ceremony will unveil “Metaphysica,” a new sculpture created by artist Phil Proctor. The sculpture explores the possibilities of physical existence beyond the five human senses.
Click here for more information on the sculpture.
— Allison Joyner
Agnes Scott elects new trustee members
On Tuesday, Agnes Scott College announced new members joining its Board of Trustees.
Jay Bailey, CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), Julia Houston, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for Equifax, and Whitney Ott, a partner at Jackson Spalding and alum, will serve a four-year term on the board beginning this month.
“We are delighted to welcome the newest members of our Board of Trustees,” said Leocadia Zak, President of Agnes Scott. “Our trustees are instrumental in our ability to fulfill our mission and to empower diverse women of every identity to claim their place as leaders in our communities, workplaces and world.”
Tiffany Nuriddin, the newly elected president of the Agnes Scott Alumnae Association, will join the board of trustees of the all-female college.
— Allison Joyner
Carter Center awards journalists Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism
The Carter Center has named nine U.S. recipients of the 2024-2025 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism.
The 2024-25 cohort includes award-winning freelancers, staff reporters, and annual awardees of two sponsored fellowships: the Benjamin von Sternenfels Rosenthal Grant for Mental Health Investigative Journalism, in partnership with Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting,the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Grant.
The Rosenthal Grant is awarded to a journalist proposing a project that holds a powerful person, institution or government actor accountable for harm or injustice related to mental health or substance use. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Grant was launched in 2023 in support of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Journalists who receive this award propose in-depth investigation into a mental health topic of their choice focusing on cutting-edge research in mental health treatments.
The recipients are:
- Eli Cahan — Freelance/Boston Children’s Hospital /ABC News.
- Angela Chen — Anchor/Reporter, KESQ TV (ABC/CBS Palm Springs, Calif.)
- Edward Graham — Nextgov/FCW, Technology Reporter
- Hanisha Harjani — The Fuller Project
- Amanda Miller Littlejohn —- Freelance/The Washington Post
- Kat McGowan — Freelance/NPR Science Desk
- Emi Nietfeld — Freelance/Author/Slate
- Margo Snipe — Freelance
- Aitana Vargas — Palabra (National Association of Hispanic Journalists)
— Derek Prall
Elder Tree Public House to become The Pub @ EAV
The Elder Tree Public House in the East Atlanta Village will soon become The Pub @ EAV. From its origins as Blue Frog Cantina, through the many years and changes as Elder Tree, this space has always held a special place in the hearts of locals. Now, it’s set to bring the community an elevated experience while honoring its storied past.
Under the guidance of industry veteran Kasie Scott, acclaimed chef Mike LaSage, and renowned mixologist Bree Towry, The Pub @ EAV will retain the lively spirit of Elder Tree. Come late summer/early fall, the 2830-square-foot space will bloom into an inviting, airy community pub designed to invoke a sense of warmth and welcome.
Reminiscent of a modern traditional British pub, guests can expect a mix of classic elements with contemporary features, creating a cozy atmosphere ideal for gathering while exploring executive chef LaSage’s menu of globally inspired eats.
— Derek Prall
Llama nanobodies provide a breakthrough in building HIV immunity
A research team at Georgia State University has developed tiny, potent molecules that are capable of targeting hidden strains of HIV. The source? Antibody genes from llama DNA.
The research, led by Assistant Professor of Biology Jianliang Xu, uses llama-derived nanobodies to broadly neutralize numerous strains of HIV-1, the most common form of the virus. A new study from this team has been published in the journal Advanced Science.
“This virus has evolved a way to escape our immune system. Conventional antibodies are bulky, so it’s difficult for them to find and attack the virus’ surface,” Xu explained. “These new antibodies can do this in an easier way.”
Scientists in pursuit of effective HIV treatment and prevention have been working with animals in the camelid family — like llamas — for about 15 years. That’s because the shape and features of their antibodies make them nimbler and more effective at identifying and neutralizing foreign objects, like the HIV virus.
— Derek Prall
