Delta celebrates a ‘Century of Flight‘
Delta Air Lines packed the Fox Theatre Sept. 15 with the premiere of “A Century of Flight,” a documentary about the airline’s first 100 years. The premiere was followed by a conversation between the film’s director – Joshua Seftel, and Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO.
The surprisingly emotional documentary exposed the many ups and downs of the Atlanta-based airline — from near bankruptcy, a failed hostile takeover attempt and the the COVID pandemic — all through the eyes of the Delta family of employees.
“You couldn’t make this stuff up,” said Seftel, who was given full access to cover the airline’s story. “They never asked us to take anything out of the film.”
Seftel admitted that every time he watches the film, he cries. He’s not alone. “When the light came up, I think you were a little misty-eyed,” Seftel told Bastian. That’s when he knew the film had hit home.
Bastian told attendees at the Fox that the credit for Delta’s success belongs to its employees. One featured employee was Kay Carpenter, a flight attendant who started with Delta in the 1960s.
“We are a company built on service — service to our customers; service to our communities; service to our world,” Bastian said. “We’re entering our second century of flight just as strong as ever.”
Bastian said he’s “excited” about the future because “only one in five people in the world have ever stepped foot on an airplane.”
At the end of the discussion, Bastian spotlighted two people in the audience: former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and former CEO Jerry Grinstein.
“I want to recognize the man who taught me Atlanta, and that’s Andy Young,” Bastian said remembering back to 1998 when Young, who was on Delta’s board at the time, taught him about the community and the airport. “I hope I made you proud.”
Then, he thanked Grinstein, who he described as his mentor. “I can guarantee you that none of us would be here tonight if it wasn’t for you.”
— Maria Saporta
The late Bernie Marcus remembered at Health Connect South
On Sept. 17, Health Connect South held its annual gathering at the Georgia Aquarium, an attraction given to the state by the late Bernie Marcus.
So, it was appropriate that during a session about the role of philanthropy and health care, panelists spoke of how Marcus, co-founder of the Home Depot, had donated millions of dollars to Atlanta’s health care institutions – including the Marcus Autism Center, Emory, Grady Hospital, Piedmont Hospital and the Shepherd Center, to name a few.
The panel included Donald Meuller, CEO of the Siskin Children’s Institute; Joselyn Baker, president of the Grady Health Foundation; and Jonathan Simons, chief science officer and medical director of the Marcus Foundation.
At the end of the discussion, they brought Frank Blake to the podium. Blake is a former CEO of the Home Depot, former chair of Delta Air Lines and the current chair of the Marcus Foundation.
“With Bernie, it was never about him,” said Blake, who jokingly said that if he had given an aquarium to the state, he would have called it Frank’s Fish. “We’ve got a short period of time to make a difference, and that’s what Bernie did.”
— Maria Saporta
Atlanta Pride announces Flo Milli and Perfume Genius as 2025 festival headliners
Atlanta Pride, the largest free Pride festival in the U.S., announced hip-hop star Flo Milli and acclaimed singer-songwriter Perfume Genius as headliners for its 2025 Festival on October 11–12 in Piedmont Park.
Executive Director Chris McCain said their performances reflect this year’s theme, “Rooted in Resistance.” Flo Milli, known for her punch line-heavy style and hits like “Never Lose Me,” has become one of hip-hop’s most dynamic new voices. Perfume Genius, praised for his raw songwriting and GRAMMY-nominated albums, is recognized as one of the most innovative artists of his generation.
They join a lineup that already includes Bob the Drag Queen, 2AM Ricky, Bentley Robles, and Adeem the Artist. In addition to live music, the Festival will feature the city’s largest parade, a vendor marketplace, and community activities. Organizers say the event celebrates resilience, creativity, and the LGBTQ+ community’s enduring spirit.
— Derek Prall
Chris 180 reopens Atlanta counseling center to meet rising mental health demand
CHRIS 180 has reopened its Atlanta Counseling Center with expanded services to meet the growing demand for mental health care across metro Atlanta. The center now offers trauma-informed, person-centered services provided by licensed clinicians and supervised counseling interns.
The reopening comes as mental health needs continue to rise, with nearly 1.4 million adults in Georgia experiencing mental illness each year. CHRIS 180 leaders say the center will serve people navigating everyday stress, persistent conditions, or trauma recovery. Services include individual, family, and group therapy; cognitive behavioral and play therapy; psychiatric care; and solution-focused brief therapy. Sessions are available in English and Spanish, with additional language support.
The center also functions as a training site for graduate-level counseling students, who gain supervised clinical experience while helping expand access to care. This model supports both high-quality treatment and workforce development for Georgia’s behavioral health sector.
CHRIS 180’s continuum of services extends beyond the counseling center to include school-based programs, clubhouse initiatives, and partnerships with organizations such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and At-Promise Centers. Leaders say the return to in-person care provides connection and community, while telehealth remains available as an option.
— Derek Prall
Donata Russell Ross to retire, Nikki Tinsley Harland appointed CEO of Concessions International
Concessions International, LLC announced that Chief Executive Officer Donata Russell Ross will retire on Oct. 6, 2025, after 42 years with the company and 12 years as CEO. During her leadership, the company expanded its airport presence, added national brands, increased women and minority business participation, and successfully navigated the challenges of COVID-19 in airport environments nationwide and in the Virgin Islands.
The board’s search committee unanimously selected Nikki Tinsley Harland as the next CEO, effective Oct. 6. Harland brings more than a decade of leadership experience in the travel retail sector, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Paradies Lagardère. She was named 2024 Airport Experience News Woman of the Year, while Russell Ross holds the 2025 title.
Russell Ross will continue as Chair of the Board of H. J. Russell & Company and remain available to support Harland through the transition into 2026.
— Derek Prall
Agnes Scott College earns fifth HEED Award for inclusive excellence
Agnes Scott College has been named a 2025 recipient of the Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award from “Insight into Academia” magazine, marking the fifth time the college has received the national honor. The HEED Award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence, belonging, and community-building across campus life.
Agnes Scott will be featured alongside 60 other institutions in the October 2025 issue of the publication. Yves-Rose Porcena, vice president of global diversity and inclusion, said the award affirms the college’s dedication to fostering an inclusive campus culture.
“Receiving the HEED Award for the fifth time affirms our ongoing commitment to cultivating a campus culture where every voice is valued and every student is empowered to lead,” Porcena said.
Lenore Pearlstein, co-publisher of “Insight into Academia,” said the award process involves a detailed review of each applicant. She noted that Agnes Scott exemplifies how academic excellence and belonging can be integrated into daily campus life.
— Derek Prall
AMB Sports and Entertainment names Roxanne Porch chief financial officer of Mercedes-Benz Stadium
AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) has appointed Roxanne Porch as chief financial officer of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, effective September 15, 2025. She will report to AMBSE president Tim Zulawski and work closely with finance leaders across the organization on budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, cash management, and reporting for the stadium.
Porch brings more than 15 years of finance and accounting experience. She most recently served as senior vice president of finance for the Atlanta Braves, overseeing financial operations for the team and The Battery development. Her background also includes leadership roles at Change Healthcare and McKesson.
“Roxanne is a proven, people-first finance leader with deep experience guiding complex, high-growth organizations,” Zulawski said.
Porch, who holds an MBA and MPH from Emory University and is a certified public accountant, said she looks forward to advancing disciplined growth, investing in fan experiences, and delivering value for AMBSE stakeholders.
— Derek Prall
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Delta’s ‘Centruy of Flight’ ?!