Future board leadership of Metro Atlanta Chamber announced
The lineup for chairs of the Metro Atlanta Chamber is now set until 2026.
In a release, the Chamber announced two new executives will lead the business organization — Ryan Marshall, president and CEO of the PulteGroup, will serve as the 2025 chair; and Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment who also is CEO of the Atlanta Falcons leadership, will serve as the chair in 2026.
Chris Womack, CEO of Southern Co., is the 2024 chair of the Chamber, a position he will have until MAC’s annual meeting at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot at a breakfast on Nov. 21. That’s when he will hand over the gavel to Marshall.
“MAC has an enduring legacy of uniting business and community leaders to create transformative change,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of Metro Atlanta Chamber, in a statement. “We are grateful for leaders like Ryan and Rich, who continue to build on the foundation established by 165 years of visionary business leaders.”
In 2025 the Chamber will collaborate with Marshall to expand on its economic priorities, growing the region’s reputation as the best and most inclusive place to do business.
“I am eager to collaborate with this exceptional organization, advancing MAC’s vision and leveraging the business community’s ability to impact change,” said Ryan Marshall, president and CEO of PulteGroup. “MAC has demonstrated that they are a smart and relentless team that is unafraid to take on any challenge to unleash Atlanta’s ambition.”
McKay will chair MAC when Atlanta will host the 2026 World Cup, which he described as another transformational year for the city.
“As we host world-class events on a global stage, we continue to build on the region’s incredible reputation for business,” McKay said. “It’s an honor to step into this role with the Metro Atlanta Chamber.”
— Maria Saporta
Spelman receives $1 million donation from Atlanta-based hair care brand
Design Essentials, a premium hair care company based in Atlanta, donated $1 million from its Design Essentials Community Fund to Spelman Colleges’ Cosmetic Science Program.
The Black-owned company says its goal is to make meaningful contributions through give-back initiatives focused on community enrichment, education, and mentorship while also serving its professional and consumer network.
Spelman’s Cosmetic Science Program is the first major of its kind available at a Historically Black College and University. Rooted in STEM, the program offers a culturally relevant approach with unique perspectives from Black women. Through research and working knowledge of trends and innovations, students will explore the use of cosmetics and personal care products, particularly in communities of African descent.
“By investing in the first-ever cosmetic science program and ongoing entrepreneurial mentorship and career opportunities, we are reinforcing our commitment to education and ensuring that diverse voices are at the forefront of innovation in our industry,” said Cornell McBride, Jr, President and CEO of McBride Research Laboratories owner of Design Essentials.
Spelman says the donation will impact innovative product research and development, connecting future chemists with the core consumer to achieve efficacy and representation in the products they use.
— Allison Joyner
APS health director selected to discuss overdose prevention at White House
Atlanta Public Schools’ (APS) Comprehensive Health Services Director, Dr. Valencia Beckley Hildreth, has been selected to participate in a national panel discussion on drug overdoses spearheaded by the White House.
Earlier this month, Hildreth was one of several health professionals who met with White House Office of National Drug Control Policy officials.
Since arriving at APS, she has implemented stocking naloxone in every school, began district-wide training for all school staff to recognize and reverse overdoses, and made opioid educational posters and brochures available as resources to increase awareness in the school community.
— Allison Joyner
DeKalb County Schools receives Quality School Board Award for excellence in governance, student success
The Georgia School Board Association (GSBA) announced that the DeKalb County School Board has earned the 2024 Quality School Board recognition for its dedication to fundamental standards of governance and leadership.
The award highlights the Board’s dedication to upholding crucial governance practices and creating a supportive environment where strong leadership contributes to student success.
“Leadership starts at the top, and as a united board, we are committed to changing how we do business — driving a culture of excellence, transparency, and accountability while building trust with our community,” said Diijon DaCosta, Board Chair of DeKalb County School Board.
The school board will accept the award during the GSBA conference later this year.
— Allison Joyner
City of South Fulton establishes Veterans Planning and Advisory Committee
The City of South Fulton recently announced the establishment of a Veterans Planning and Advisory Committee, a new initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for local veterans. The committee will focus on addressing the needs of veterans within the city, ensuring they have access to vital resources, and advocating for programs that support veterans and their families.
Sponsored by Councilwoman Linda Pritchett, the resolution authorizes the formation of the committee, which will consist of 18 veteran residents of the City of South Fulton, appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The committee’s purpose is to advise the City Council on the challenges faced by veterans, identify opportunities for support, and create platforms for discussion through workshops and events.
“The creation of this committee is both impactful and meaningful. Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices, and this is our way of ensuring that they receive the support, respect, and resources they deserve,” said Councilwoman Pritchett. “This committee will serve as a voice for our veteran community, advocating for their needs and connecting them with the programs and services that can truly make a difference in their lives.”
— Derek Prall
InCommunity announces new CEO
InCommunity, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announces the appointment of Meg Blackwood as its new Chief Executive Officer.
“Meg Blackwood is the perfect choice to lead InCommunity into its next chapter,” expressed Harry Cynkus, InCommunity Board Chair. “Her extensive experience and deep understanding of our mission make her uniquely qualified to guide us in continuing to serve our clients and their families with excellence.”
Blackwood has more than 20 years of experience in advising companies, including government entities and Fortune 500 corporations. Since joining the InCommunity Board of Directors in 2020, she has demonstrated strong leadership and deep commitment to the organization’s mission. Her extensive background in operational leadership, litigation, and human resources makes her well-suited to guide InCommunity through its next chapter of growth and service.
“I am honored to step into this role and look forward to continuing the important work of serving individuals with disabilities and their families,” Blackwood said. “Together with the talented team at InCommunity, we will continue to make a meaningful impact and strengthen the communities we serve.”
— Derek Prall
Columbia Residential announces five finalists for Noel F. Khalil Scholarship
Columbia Residential has selected five finalists for the inaugural Noel F. Khalil Scholarship, which awards $2,500 to students currently enrolled in postsecondary education institutions, including colleges, universities, and technical and vocational schools. The annual scholarship is also available for recent high school graduates and incoming college freshmen who reside in a Columbia Residential community.
“My father always impressed upon us the importance of education,” said Anwar Khalil, managing partner of the Khalil Investment Group. “It’s gratifying to know that his legacy of giving and inspiring others will be carried forward with this scholarship fund — and that he will continue to transform lives through this initiative.”
This year, five finalists were selected based on their outstanding applications, essays, and alignment with the scholarship’s core values of community impact, perseverance, and financial literacy. The following students will each receive the $2,500 scholarship award:
- Olando Palmer, an undergraduate student at Georgia Technical Institute of Technology majoring in computer science.
- Princetta Miller, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Western Governors University.
- Annaya Seniors, an undergraduate student at University of Georgia majoring in cognitive science with a focus on artificial intelligence and ethics.
- Jayden Griffin, an undergraduate student at Clark Atlanta University who is pursuing filmmaking.
- Amaya Talley, a sophomore at Spelman College pursuing an independent studies major in film.
“We are proud to recognize these exceptional young people who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their education, strong personal stories of overcoming adversity, and a clear commitment to giving back to their communities,” said Jim Grauley, CEO of Columbia Residential. “Noel would be very proud to know that his legacy continues with this next generation of future community leaders.”
— Derek Prall
New board members announced at the Atlanta Opera
The Atlanta Opera recently announced the appointment of three new members of the Board of Directors with three-year terms starting October 2024.
Joining the Opera board are Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim of BlackRock Atlanta Innovation Hub, Clark Dean of Transwestern, and Rashaun Williams of Value Investment Group. Each brings a wealth of expertise and leadership that aligns with the Opera’s goals of organizational growth and sustainability.
“We are thrilled to have Qaadirah, Clark, and Rashaun join our Board of Directors,” said Rhys Wilson, chair of The Atlanta Opera Board. “They are all leaders in their fields, both in business and in their communities, and wonderful people. I look forward to working with them and having them as part of our Atlanta Opera family.”
Georgia Trauma Foundation raises funds to provide bleeding control kits to schools
Georgia Trauma Foundation — a nonprofit investing in trauma care to help save lives in Georgia — is raising funds to help provide bleeding control kits to schools. This initiative will be done in partnership with GAgives and takes place Dec. 3 as part of GivingTuesday 2024.
“Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death following a traumatic injury,” said Cheryle Ward, executive director of Georgia Trauma Foundation. “In this case, minutes truly matter. And helping provide bleeding control kits directly contributes to saving lives and improving public safety.”
Funds raised will benefit Georgia Trauma Commission’s Bleeding Control Kit Program, which provides bleeding control kits to schools. These tools empower individuals to take immediate life-saving action in emergencies. In situations where severe bleeding occurs — whether from accidents or violent incidents — time is critical, as uncontrolled bleeding can lead to death within three to five minutes, if not controlled.
These kits contain easy-to-use tools, such as tourniquets, gauze, and pressure bandages, that can be quickly learned and applied, even by those with minimal training. Equipping schools with these kits ensures that life-saving measures can begin before emergency responders arrive to provide the necessary trauma care.
— Derek Prall
City of Refuge Raises $1.1 Million at Annual “The Gathering” Fundraiser
Atlanta nonprofit City of Refuge celebrated recent wins at their annual fundraiser on Oct. 17. At the event, the organization raised $1.1 million, which will fund day-to-day operations and launch new programs, initiatives and services for residents living on-campus and in the surrounding community
“Real change is made when we unite and work towards a shared purpose together,” said Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge. “We’re grateful for the supporters who continue to lift up our mission and join us at The Gathering to make a difference in the lives of those who seek out City of Refuge for help.”
— Derek Prall
McAuley Station grand opening delivers 170 mixed-income apartments in Sweet Auburn
Pennrose, Mercy Care, and project partners recently celebrated the grand opening of McAuley Station Phase I, delivering 170 mixed-income apartments adjacent to the Mercy Care campus in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta. The $50 million development is part of the comprehensive mixed-use McAuley Park master plan.
Phase I includes studio, one and two-bedroom apartments for local families. The 163,905-square-foot community is designed to serve a range of incomes, with a mix of workforce, affordable and supportive housing units available at 30 percent to 80 percent of the area median income.
Of the 170 total units, 10 are designated as transitional units for Mercy Care patients and 30 studios will serve as permanent supportive housing through Fulton County’s Behavioral Health Department in partnership with Partners for HOME.
“McAuley Station marks a critical turning point for many in Atlanta seeking safe, stable, affordable housing and healthcare,” Mayor Andre Dickens said at the opening. “Today is an exciting step forward in building a healthy, connected, and thriving community from the ground up. Together we are giving residents hope, opportunity, and a way forward.”
— Derek Prall
