Explore Gwinnett awards $100K to support public art projects
Explore Gwinnett has awarded $100,000 in grants through the inaugural round of the Gwinnett Creativity Fund’s Placemaking Grant, supporting eight projects that enhance public spaces across the county.
The grant program, administered by Explore Gwinnett and funded by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, focuses on artistic and cultural installations designed to revitalize community spaces, particularly in historically underserved areas. A total of $64,000 was allocated to projects in unincorporated Gwinnett.
Notable awards include $30,000 to Art in Motion for a large-scale mural in Norcross’ Singleton Park and $15,000 to the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District for two decorative crosswalks near I-85. Other recipients include the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning and Sugarloaf Mills LP.
City-based projects received the remaining $36,000. The City of Suwanee, Norcross Public Arts Commission, City of Peachtree Corners and the City of Duluth will use funding for installations including murals, a reading grotto, a pocket park and stormwater landscaping.
— Derek Prall
H. J. Russell & Company promotes Tiffanie Lewis to vice president of talent enablement
H. J. Russell & Company has promoted Tiffanie Lewis to vice president of talent enablement. In her new role, she will lead the company’s strategies for employee development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and employee engagement.
Lewis brings more than 30 years of experience with the company, having served in leadership roles across property management, compliance, IT and shared services. She will report to Chief People Officer Mona Garland.
Company leaders said Lewis’ deep institutional knowledge and values-based leadership style make her well positioned to drive the organization’s people and culture initiatives.
— Derek Prall
InCommunity names Susie McClintock chief human resources officer
InCommunity has appointed Susie McClintock as its new chief human resources officer, bringing more than 30 years of experience in HR leadership across the nonprofit, public and private sectors.
McClintock joins the Georgia-based nonprofit, which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, following senior HR roles at organizations including Tommy Nobis Center, Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the YMCA of Central Florida.
In her new role, McClintock will focus on aligning HR strategy with the organization’s mission, strengthening talent management systems and enhancing training and development. She said her goal is to position InCommunity as an employer of choice across the region.
— Derek Prall
Georgia-Pacific CEO Christian Fischer to retire in October, Mark Luetters to take over
Georgia-Pacific announced that president and CEO Christian Fischer will retire at the end of October. Fischer, who joined the company in 1989, has served in the top role since 2017. He will begin transitioning his responsibilities in August.
Mark Luetters, executive vice president of Koch, Inc., will take on the role of president and CEO of Georgia-Pacific while continuing to oversee several Koch companies. Luetters joined Koch in 1989 and Georgia-Pacific in 2006, serving nine years as executive vice president of Georgia-Pacific’s building products business before returning to Koch in 2018.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta announces 2025 board of directors
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta has announced its Class of 2025 board of directors. The board helps guide the nonprofit’s strategy and supports programming across 25 Clubs in nine counties.
The organization’s mission is to provide safe spaces, mentorship and life-enhancing programs to youth in metro Atlanta. Leaders say the newly appointed board members bring diverse professional backgrounds and a shared commitment to youth development.
The six new members are:
- Lori Bates, chief operating officer at BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition, brings more than 25 years of leadership in the beverage industry.
- Jacob Frias, vice president of strategy and store operations at Carter’s, previously held executive roles at Walmart and Bath and Body Works.
- Tiffany Callaway Ferrell, vice president of operations at Southern Company Gas, has a background in engineering, logistics and community engagement.
- Tony Norwood, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Saia Inc., has led HR strategy at several Fortune 500 companies.
- Reed Deupree, senior advisor at Masters Capital Management, has more than two decades of experience in financial services.
- Yasir Mirza, senior partner at McKinsey & Company, has led global transformation efforts across multiple industries.
Board members are expected to play a key role in resource development and long-term planning.
— Derek Prall
Workforce Career Center opens Atlanta campus to expand trade education and job training
Workforce Career Centers has opened a new campus in Atlanta aimed at addressing workforce shortages by offering trade-focused education and career training for high-demand industries.
Located in West Midtown, the center provides hands-on training in fields such as construction, culinary arts, healthcare, media, education and design. The goal is to connect underserved communities with certification programs and real-world skills that lead directly to employment.
The new campus arrives amid a national skilled labor shortage. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. could face a shortfall of 2 million skilled workers by 2030. Workforce Career Center leaders say the Atlanta location is part of a broader strategy to close that gap locally.
The center is partnering with major organizations including Microsoft, Grady Health System, Atlanta Public Schools and the Georgia Department of Labor. Microsoft will support AI-related skills training, while Grady and APS will provide clinical and classroom-based experiences for students in medical and education programs.
— Derek Prall
The Center redevelopment advances ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta
CP Group is moving forward with major redevelopment efforts at The Center in Downtown Atlanta, one year ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 1.2 million-square-foot mixed-use property, formerly the CNN Center, is being repositioned as a destination for retail, dining, entertainment and community-focused programming.
Construction milestones expected by the end of 2025 include a new exterior arrival experience, activated entryways and permanent art installations. A renovated ground-floor atrium is scheduled to debut in early 2026, ahead of Atlanta’s first World Cup match on June 15.
As part of the transformation, The Center has launched three digital LED signs spanning 12 stories, offering high-profile advertising near State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The venue draws millions of annual visitors due to its proximity to major attractions and event venues.
In partnership with ASHA Advisory, CP Group also introduced CTR Culture, an arts platform focused on creative storytelling. Local artists and cultural nonprofits can apply through Aug. 31 for Media Placement Grants that provide access to digital signage exposure.
The redevelopment aims to establish The Center as a cultural anchor in downtown Atlanta, connecting residents, businesses and visitors through art, events and activation.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta History Center announces fall event lineup, exhibition closing
The Atlanta History Center has announced a full slate of events for August and September, including the return of its annual Fall Festival and several Author Talks. The center also reminds visitors that the exhibition “More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron” will close Sept. 7.
The Fall Festival, held in partnership with Georgia 4-H, takes place Sept. 20 at the Buckhead campus and will feature historic demonstrations, seasonal garden activities and fall-themed family programming.
“More Than Brave,” on display in the Nicholson Gallery, explores the life and legacy of baseball legend Henry Aaron. The exhibit includes materials from the Aaron family, Atlanta Braves and several national institutions. A members-only closing event will be held Sept. 4.
Scheduled Author Talks include appearances by Mary Kay Andrews, Scott Anderson, Kevin Mitchell, Zaakir Tameez, John T. Edge and R. William Johnstone. Events will take place at both the Buckhead campus and the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown.
In October, the Nicholson Gallery will open “Our War Too: Women in Service,” an exhibit on American women who served during World War II. The exhibition is on loan from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
More information can be found on the Atlanta History Center website.
— Derek Prall
Shadowbox Studios to host ‘The Creator’s Toolbox’ for entertainment professionals
Shadowbox Studios will welcome content creators, producers and industry leaders on Aug. 6 for “The Creator’s Toolbox,” a curated event focused on the future of production and innovation in Georgia’s creative economy.
Held in partnership with Georgia Entertainment, the event will feature panel discussions, networking, and behind-the-scenes access to Shadowbox’s Atlanta production campus. Topics will include trends in indie filmmaking, esports, influencer marketing and branded content.
Organizers say the event is tailored for a wide range of professionals — from filmmakers and musicians to commercial producers and digital creators — looking to collaborate, innovate and scale their work.
“This is more than a showcase,” said Georgia Entertainment CEO Randy Davidson. “It’s about connecting creators with the tools and partners they need to bring projects to life.”
Attendees will tour full-scale soundstages and infrastructure designed to support productions of all sizes, while engaging with industry experts during panel sessions and a networking mixer.
Shadowbox Studios is located at 1415 Constitution Road SE in Atlanta. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m.
More information and invitation requests are available here.
— Derek Prall
MJCCA announces fall arts and authors lineup featuring comedy, music, theater and magic
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta has announced its Fall 2025 Arts & Authors programming, featuring a lineup of comedy, immersive theater, musical performance and world-class magic.
The season opens Aug. 17 with stand-up comedian and NPR alum Ophira Eisenberg, joined by Atlanta comic Jerry Farber. Known for her sharp wit and storytelling, Eisenberg has appeared on NPR’s “Ask Me Another,” HBO’s “Girls” and “The Late Late Show.”
On Sept. 14, the Alliance Theatre presents “The Birthday of the World,” an interactive performance for children ages 5 and under. Later that day, MJCCA hosts “The Men of Motown,” a musical cabaret tribute to legends such as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.
Magician and mentalist Joshua Jay headlines Oct. 25. Jay, known for appearances on “The Tonight Show” and for fooling Penn & Teller, brings his sleight-of-hand and storytelling to MJCCA for a night of illusions.
“This season is an opportunity to connect through laughter, music and imagination,” said Pam Morton, MJCCA’s director of arts and authors.
Events will take place at MJCCA’s Dunwoody campus. Full event and ticket details are available here.
— Derek Prall
Rialto Center for the Arts Announces 2025-2026 Season
The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University announced its 2025-2026 Rialto Series on July 18th. The series features jazz, tango, a cappella, and country performances. The season kicks off with two-time Grammy Winner and new Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater taking the stage Sept. 6.
The Rialto follows-up Bridgewater with the debut of “Voctave”, an 11-member a cappella group performing intricate arrangements of Broadway, gospel and childhood favorites on Oct. 3.
The Rialto season continues with consecutive award-winning musicians and events including a free performance by the U.S. Army Field Band: Jazz Ambassadors on Oct. 3, The 28th Annual Holiday Gala Presented by Georgia State University School of Music on Dec. 3, 10-time Grammy nominee Joshua Redman on Jan. 24, “Tango After Dark” on Feb. 14, country performer Tony Jackson on March 12, the Georgia State University Jazz Band with special guest Patrick Bartley on April 10, and Cochren & Co. performing their Christian Contemporary works on April 24.
Subscriptions are available now, and single tickets go on sale Aug. 1.
— Asia Woodward
South Fulton to hold public hearings on 2025 property tax rate
The City of South Fulton is proposing to keep its current property tax rate of 12.399 mills for Fiscal Year 2026. While the millage rate is unchanged, Georgia law requires the city to advertise it as a tax increase because it is not adopting the rollback rate.
The rollback rate is the rate that would generate the same revenue as the previous year, excluding growth from reassessments and new construction. Maintaining the current rate, under state law, is defined as a tax increase even if the rate itself does not rise.
Most homeowners with a homestead exemption will not see higher city taxes. Under House Bill 581, the assessed value of homesteaded properties is frozen at 2024 levels unless significant improvements are made.
Property taxes account for about 33 percent of the city’s general fund, supporting police, fire services, parks, infrastructure and general operations.
Three public hearings will be held at South Fulton City Hall on Aug. 6 at 10 a.m., Aug. 12 at 7 p.m., and Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. The final vote on the millage rate will follow the last hearing.
More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
