Designed by Atlanta ShoutOut Publisher W. Calvin Anderson, MS. ED. (c) 2025

This guide is designed to help you study and understand the key figures recognized as the 100 most influential leaders in Atlanta and Georgia. The list typically includes individuals from various sectors who have made a significant impact on the region's economy, culture, and quality of life.

• What is the '100 Power Leaders' list?
  
  • A curated list recognizing the most influential individuals shaping Atlanta and Georgia.
  • Selection is based on factors like economic impact, public policy influence, community leadership, and innovation.
• Why is this list important?
  
  • It serves as a snapshot of the current leadership landscape.
  • Highlights the key players driving development, policy, and community initiatives.
  • Provides insight into the networks and collaborations that power the state.
• How to Use This Guide:
  
  • Familiarize yourself with the key sectors and the leaders within them.
  • Focus on understanding each leader's primary organization, their major contributions, and their sphere of influence.
  • Use the "Key Questions" in each section to test your knowledge.

The leaders are often categorized by the primary sector in which they operate. Understanding these categories is the first step to organizing your study.

1. Corporate & Business Leadership:
   
   • Focus: CEOs and top executives of major corporations headquartered or with a significant presence in Georgia (e.g., Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, UPS).
   • Impact: Driving economic growth, job creation, and corporate strategy.
   • Key Study Points: Note their company, role, and any major recent initiatives or financial milestones.

1. Government & Public Policy:
   
   • Focus: Elected officials (Governor, Mayor of Atlanta, etc.) and heads of major government agencies.
   • Impact: Shaping legislation, public services, infrastructure, and regional planning.
   • Key Study Points: Identify their office, key policy platforms, and significant legislative achievements.

1. Technology & Innovation:
   
   • Focus: Founders and leaders of major tech companies, venture capital firms, and innovation hubs (e.g., Atlanta Tech Village).
   • Impact: Fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem, attracting investment, and driving technological advancement.
   • Key Study Points: Know their company or fund, area of tech specialization (FinTech, SaaS, Cybersecurity), and contribution to the startup community.

1. Healthcare & Life Sciences:
   
   • Focus: CEOs of major hospital systems (e.g., Emory Healthcare, Piedmont), and leaders at research institutions like the CDC.
   • Impact: Managing public health, advancing medical research, and overseeing the region's healthcare infrastructure.
   • Key Study Points: Note their institution and their role in navigating public health challenges or expanding healthcare access.

1. Higher Education:
   
   • Focus: Presidents of major universities (e.g., Georgia Tech, Emory University, Georgia State University, Spelman College).
   • Impact: Educating the future workforce, leading research and development, and acting as major economic engines.
   • Key Study Points: Identify the university and any major expansion projects, research grants, or academic programs they've championed.

1. Real Estate & Development:
   
   • Focus: Influential developers and real estate executives shaping the physical landscape of Atlanta.
   • Impact: Leading major mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects that define the city's skyline and neighborhoods.
   • Key Study Points: Know their firm and one or two signature projects they are known for.

1. Arts, Culture, & Philanthropy:
   
   • Focus: Leaders of major cultural institutions (e.g., High Museum of Art), and heads of large philanthropic foundations.
   • Impact: Enriching the cultural fabric of the city and directing charitable funds to address community needs.
   • Key Study Points: Identify their organization and its primary mission.

1. Create Flashcards: For each leader, make a card with their name on one side and the following on the other:
   
   • Organization: The company, institution, or office they lead.
   • Sector: (e.g., Corporate, Government, Tech).
   • Key Contribution/Claim to Fame: One sentence describing their primary impact (e.g., "Led the expansion of Hartsfield-Jackson" or "Founder of a major cybersecurity firm").

1. Mind Mapping: Draw a map with "Atlanta Power Leaders" in the center. Create branches for each sector. Under each branch, list the key individuals and draw connections between leaders who frequently collaborate.
2. Focus on "Newsmakers": Pay special attention to leaders who have been in the news recently for major projects, policy changes, or announcements.

• "Who is the current Mayor of Atlanta, and what is one key initiative of their administration?"
• "Name a prominent leader in Georgia's technology sector and the company they are associated with."
• "Which university president is overseeing the development of the new tech incubator in Midtown?"
• "Identify a key figure in Atlanta's real estate development and name one of their major projects."
• "Who leads the Woodruff Arts Center, and what institutions are part of it?"

This list represents a sample of the types of leaders frequently featured in lists like the "Atlanta Shout Out's 100."

• Ed Bastian - CEO, Delta Air Lines
  
  • Leads the global strategy, financial performance, and culture of one of the world's largest airlines. He is recognized for navigating the company through its post-merger integration with Northwest and for focusing on innovation, debt reduction, and enhancing the customer experience.
• Ted Decker - CEO, The Home Depot
  
  • Oversees the strategic direction and operations of the world's largest home improvement retailer. His role involves managing a massive supply chain, driving retail innovation, and maintaining the company's strong financial performance.
• Carol B. Tomé - CEO, UPS
  
  • As the first female CEO and first outside hire for the role at UPS, she directs the global logistics powerhouse with a "better, not bigger" strategy. Her focus is on efficiency, customer service, sustainability, and fostering a people-centric culture.
• James Quincey - Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
  
  • Heads the world's most recognizable beverage company, responsible for its global strategy, brand portfolio, and innovation pipeline. His leadership focuses on transforming Coca-Cola into a "total beverage company" by diversifying beyond traditional sodas.
• Dan Cathy - Chairman, Chick-fil-A
  
  • As Chairman, he builds on his father's legacy by guiding the company's executive leaders and serving as a brand ambassador. He was instrumental in growing the company's annual revenue from $1 billion to over $16 billion during his time as COO and CEO.
• Arthur M. Blank - Co-founder, The Home Depot; Owner, AMB Sports and Entertainment
  
  • A foundational figure in Atlanta's business landscape. Through AMBSE, he owns and operates the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS) and was the driving force behind the development of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. His foundation is a major philanthropic force in the region.

• Brian Kemp - Governor of Georgia
  
  • As the state's chief executive, he is responsible for signing legislation, managing the state budget, and overseeing all executive branch agencies. Key priorities have included economic development, public safety reforms, and education funding.
• Andre Dickens - Mayor of Atlanta
  
  • As the city's 61st mayor, he sets the administration's agenda, focused on public safety, affordable housing, and youth opportunities under his "Moving Atlanta Forward" initiative. He oversees all city departments and services.
• Jon Ossoff & Raphael Warnock - U.S. Senators
  
  • Represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate, where they vote on federal legislation, confirm presidential appointments, and advocate for federal resources for the state. Their work covers national issues from infrastructure to healthcare and voting rights.
• Burt Jones - Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
  
  • As President of the Georgia State Senate, he presides over legislative sessions and plays a key role in shaping the state's legislative agenda. His office focuses on issues such as education, public safety, and tax policy.
• Balram Bheodari - General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  
  • Manages the operations of the world's busiest airport. His role is critical to global commerce and travel, overseeing airport governance, daily operations, and a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement plan to support future growth.

• David Cummings - Founder, Atlanta Tech Village
  
  • A key architect of Atlanta's startup ecosystem. After selling Pardot, he founded Atlanta Tech Village, the 4th largest tech hub in the U.S., which provides office space, mentorship, and resources to hundreds of early-stage tech companies.
• Ben Chestnut - Co-founder, Mailchimp
  
  • Co-founded and led Mailchimp, growing it from a small side project into a global email marketing leader. His leadership was defined by a focus on user-friendly design and a strong company culture, culminating in a $12 billion acquisition by Intuit.
• Kabir Barday - Founder and CEO, OneTrust
  
  • Heads one of the fastest-growing software companies in the world, which specializes in privacy, security, and data governance technology. His work helps businesses comply with global regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
• Paul Judge - Co-founder & Partner, TechSquare Labs
  
  • An influential investor and serial entrepreneur who builds, scales, and invests in technology companies. TechSquare Labs is an incubator and venture capital fund that has been instrumental in launching and supporting numerous Atlanta startups.
• Ryan Glover - Co-Founder, Greenwood
  
  • A FinTech innovator who co-founded Greenwood, a digital banking platform designed for Black and Latino individuals and business owners. His work aims to address wealth gaps and provide accessible financial tools to underserved communities.

• Dr. Jonathan S. Lewin - EVP for Health Affairs, Emory University; CEO, Emory Healthcare
  
  • Leads one of the nation's most comprehensive academic health science centers. He oversees Emory's vast healthcare system, including its hospitals and clinics, while also guiding the research and educational missions of the Woodruff Health Sciences Center.
• Candice L. Saunders - President and CEO, Wellstar Health System
  
  • Leads one of the largest and most integrated health systems in Georgia. She is responsible for the overall strategy and operation of Wellstar's network of hospitals, physician practices, and outpatient centers, focusing on clinical innovation and community health.
• Donna Hyland - President and CEO, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
  
  • Oversees one of the largest pediatric healthcare systems in the U.S. She was instrumental in the merger that formed Children's and has guided its growth, ensuring high-quality specialized care for children and leading major expansion projects.
• Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice - President and CEO, Morehouse School of Medicine
  
  • The first woman to lead the institution, she is a passionate advocate for health equity. Her leadership focuses on advancing minority health, diversifying the healthcare workforce, and leading research on diseases that disproportionately affect communities of color.

• Ángel Cabrera - President, Georgia Institute of Technology
  
  • Leads one of the world's top public research universities. His focus is on advancing technology, innovation, and affordability while strengthening the university's impact on economic development in Georgia and beyond.
• Gregory L. Fenves - President, Emory University
  
  • Heads a leading private research university and academic health center. His leadership is focused on the "One Emory" strategic framework, which aims to enhance student success, support faculty eminence, and drive research excellence across all disciplines.
• M. Brian Blake - President, Georgia State University
  
  • Leads a large and diverse public research university known for its innovation in student success. His priorities include eliminating equity gaps, fostering interdisciplinary research, and strengthening the university's role as a driver of urban transformation.
• Dr. Helene D. Gayle - President, Spelman College
  
  • A renowned public health leader, she now heads the nation's top-ranked HBCU. Her presidency focuses on empowering the next generation of Black women leaders, with expertise spanning health, economic development, and humanitarian issues.
• Dr. George T. French Jr. - President, Clark Atlanta University
  
  • Leads the largest private HBCU in Georgia. His administration has focused on dramatically increasing fundraising, stabilizing enrollment, and building strong corporate partnerships to enhance the university's academic programs and campus infrastructure.

• Jim Irwin - President, New City Properties
  
  • A prominent developer known for creating transformative mixed-use projects. He is a key figure behind developments like Ponce City Market (during his time at Jamestown) and is now leading projects such as Fourth Ward Project that reshape Atlanta's urban core.
• Ambrish Baisiwala - CEO, Portman Holdings
  
  • Oversees the global strategy for a historic real estate development firm. He has diversified the company's portfolio beyond office and hospitality to include life sciences, multifamily, and industrial properties, driving major projects in Atlanta and other key markets.
• Colin Connolly - President and CEO, Cousins Properties
  
  • Leads a major real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in developing and owning Class A office towers in high-growth Sun Belt markets. His role involves managing the company's portfolio and executing its long-term investment strategy.
• Lisa Gordon - President and CEO, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
  
  • Directs one of the most active Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the country. Her work is crucial for providing affordable homeownership opportunities, revitalizing neighborhoods, and addressing Atlanta's housing crisis through construction and advocacy.
• Ryan Gravel - Urban Planner, Visionary behind the Atlanta BeltLine
  
  • His master's thesis was the original concept for the Atlanta BeltLine, one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in the U.S. He continues to be a leading voice on urban design, infrastructure, and creating more connected and equitable cities.

• Hala Moddelmog - President and CEO, Woodruff Arts Center
  
  • Leads one of the nation's largest arts centers, home to the High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She is responsible for the overall artistic and financial health of the campus, fostering collaboration and community engagement.
• Rand Suffolk - Director, High Museum of Art
  
  • As director of the leading art museum in the Southeast, he sets the artistic vision, oversees major exhibitions, and leads community outreach efforts. His initiatives have focused on growing the museum's collection and making art more accessible to diverse audiences.
• Jenna K. Story - President, The Fox Theatre
  
  • Manages one of the most iconic and financially successful theaters in the country. Her role involves overseeing programming, historic preservation, and the financial strategy that allows the non-profit landmark to host hundreds of events annually.
• Milton J. Little, Jr. - President and CEO, United Way of Greater Atlanta
  
  • Heads a major philanthropic organization focused on improving child well-being across the region. He directs the organization's fundraising and investment strategies, allocating resources to non-profits that tackle issues in education, health, and economic stability.
• Frank Blake - Chairman, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
  
  • The former CEO of The Home Depot, he now leads the board of a major public foundation. He helps guide the organization's strategic grantmaking, connecting donors to community causes and managing billions in charitable funds to address regional challenges.