ACelebrationinMarietta&CobbCounty
Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2025 gathered in Marietta and Cobb County for a memorable final program weekend filled with history, innovation, community, and celebration Hosted in one of Georgia’s most dynamic economic hubs, the weekend highlighted how local leadership, strong community partnerships, and vision have shaped Marietta into both an economic engine and a place rooted in connection and southern charm
Thursday:AWarmWelcometoMarietta
The program began Thursday afternoon as participants arrived at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and gathered for registration before boarding buses to Church Street Park There, community leaders welcomed the class to Marietta and shared insights into the city’s rich heritage and collaborative spirit From the park, the class walked to historic Marietta Square and Glover Park, meeting with local organizations including The Salvation Army and the Marietta Arts Council Participants explored the Square’s shops and cultural spaces before heading to Glover Park Brewery for a lively happy hour The evening concluded with dinner and featured speaker, former Governor Roy Barnes, setting the tone for a weekend focused on leadership, impact, and community-driven growth Shout out to our LG Alumni, Bert Reeves (Class of 2020-21), and the Bert Reeves Band for our Thursday night entertainment and kicking off the Marietta Program weekend
Friday highlighted the economic strength and institutional leadership that define Cobb County. After an early Grab & Go breakfast, the class departed for morning site visits at Lockheed Martin and the Cobb County Safety Village two institutions that showcase the region’s commitment to innovation, safety, and workforce development.
The class reconvened at Wellstar Kennestone for an inside look at cutting-edge healthcare operations, followed by lunch at Glory Haus and Emmanuel’s Village, where mission-driven entrepreneurship and service create meaningful community impact for the students of Marietta City Schools
In the afternoon, participants visited Truist Park and heard the story of how the site became a nationally recognized mixed-use development that stands as a testament to forward-thinking leadership and strategic growth.
Saturday:GraduationatKennesawStateUniversity
Graduation Day brought the class to the campus of Kennesaw State University for a morning of connection and celebration Participants mingled on The Green alongside KSU student competition teams while enjoying coffee from Java Joy. After a class photo, the group gathered for breakfast at The Commons before walking to the Zuckerman Museum of Art and Bailey Morgan Hall for the cherished Funny Money Auction and formal graduation ceremony.
At 12:00 PM, Leadership Georgia proudly celebrated the Graduating Class of 2025, marking the culmination of a year spent learning, serving, and building lifelong connections across Georgia
LeadershipGeorgiaAnnualAwardsGala
The year concluded in grand fashion with the Annual Alumni Awards Gala at the Renaissance Waverly. Attendees enjoyed an elegant evening celebrating extraordinary Georgians who exemplify servant leadership and whose work strengthens communities across the state.
Each year, the Board of Trustees honors individuals whose service through time, talent, and treasure advances Leadership Georgia’s mission and inspires others to lead with purpose The 2025 recipients embody the highest ideals of leadership and represent a legacy of impact that reaches every corner of the state.
This year’s honorees were:
TheHonorableAndreDickens
2025 J.W. Fanning Award Recipient
Mayor Andre Dickens reflects the visionary spirit of J W Fanning through his transformative leadership and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of all Georgians From expanding affordable housing to championing public safety and sustainable infrastructure, Mayor Dickens has led with integrity, innovation, and a deep dedication to equitable progress His influence statewide spanning economic development, education, environmental resilience, and civic engagement represents the very essence of this prestigious award A proud Atlanta native, he embodies the momentum and promise that drive Georgia forward
Dr.andMrs.Jim Buntin
2025 Frederick B. Kerr Service Award
Nancy and Jim Buntin are lifelong champions of Leadership Georgia and pillars of service within their community. Since graduating with the Class of 1985, they have served as Trustees, Program Chairs, and in Jim’s case, President each role defined by unwavering dedication. Their philanthropic and civic leadership extends deeply into the Columbus community, where Nancy has guided organizations such as the Columbus State University Foundation and the March of Dimes, and Jim has contributed significantly through work with the Red Carpet Tour, the Columbus Development Authority, and his church Their decades of leadership reflect a remarkable legacy of service to both Leadership Georgia and the state
LauraHopeWhitaker
2025 E. Dale Threadgill Community Service Award
Laura Hope Whitaker embodies the heart of servant leadership As a Leadership Georgia alumna and longtime advocate for inclusive communities, she has transformed ESP from a small summer camp into a thriving multi-city nonprofit supporting more than 1,000 individuals with disabilities and their families Taking the helm at just 19, Laura has spent nearly two decades leading with courage, empathy, and innovation. Her work stands as a model of empowerment and purpose-driven service, redefining what community-building looks like across Georgia.
TheHonorableChrisCarr
2025 Judge Horace J. Johnson, Jr. and Michelle Bryant Johnson Distinguished Public Service Award Attorney General Chris Carr exemplifies principled leadership and a deep commitment to public service. His distinguished career as Attorney General, Commissioner of Economic Development, and a dedicated supporter of Leadership Georgia has been marked by integrity, innovation, and advocacy for the common good From establishing groundbreaking units, to combatting human trafficking and gang violence, to securing transformative opioid settlements that will support communities for generations, Carr’s work reflects both strength and compassion His impact resonates statewide, and his dedication to mentorship and unity is firmly aligned with Leadership Georgia’s mission
Kennesaw State University Wellstar
Lockheed Martin
Cobb EMC
Truist Bank
Fran & Russell Smith-LG 2014
Toshia & Teddy Parrish-lg 2014
Teresa & Andrew MacCartney-LG 2015
Anna & Zack Adamson-LG 2022
Jackson EMC
Oglethorpe Power
Camila and Sean Knowles-LG 2014
Sara & D Higgins-LG 2019
Brumby, Gregory & Garrett
Hawkins Warren Foundation
Smith's of Dublin
Georgia Ports Authority
Kristie & Ed Piasta-lg 2022
Amy Carter & Mike Davis- LG 2002
John Clayton-LG 2022
Leslie Netter Snowden
Dahlia & Adam Brown- LG 2023
Tish & Bobby Shirley- LG 2013
Dawn & Stephen Loftin-LG 2013
Claire & Randall Walton- LG 2023
Jaclyn & Jake Ford-LG 2018
Brittany & Michael Patrick- LG 2013
Michelle & Camron Carden-LG 2022
Caylee & Tom Noogle- LG 2022
Mary & Don Grimsley-LG 2020
Lee & Mark Jarboe- LG 2019
Duke Groover
Lindsey & Justin Purvis- LG 2022
Allona & Regis Cross- LG 2024
Michelle & Mike Hazelton- LG 2015
Chad Redd
Laura & Brett Fowler-LG 2022
Shameka & Christopher Wells- LG 2019
Elizabeth & Jeff Reynolds- LG 2024
The Local Exchange
Tuesday Coffee Doodlebugz
Sarah Liz Boutique Portobello's
William Root House Museum
Abigail Wharton - LG 2024
Michelle & Walter Davis-LG 2022
Maegan & Matt Brass- LG 2023
Astrid & John Breakfield- LG 2022
Amy & Bert Reeves-LG 2020
Addie & Phillip Wilheit, Jr- LG 2012
Mila & Al Keeler-LG 2024
Lee Zell- LG 2023
Elizabeth & Jeremy nelms-LG 2024
mandy & Brent Marable-LG 2020
Jesse Gibson
Kendall & Jamie McCurry- LG 2005
Visit Georgia
Visit marietta
Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Atlanta Braves Organization
Cobb Chamber of commerce
Glory Haus
Cobb county Travel & Tourism
Freeman Mathis Decisions
Ameris Bank
Dr. Pete's (J.C. Specialty Foods)
RaceTrac
Orange Collar Creations
Chick-Fil-A
Holly Quinlan
jill & Tom Coogle- LG 2020
Katie & Scott Chastain- LG 2017
Bibb Distributing Company
Frances & Thomas Buesse-LG 2024
Abby & Bud Whitmire-LG 2024
Rosaland & Chris Pumphrey-LG 2010
Courtney & David Dove- LG 2020
Martarie & Charles Broom-LG 2024
Blair & Matthew Colvin-LG 2022
Carmen & Tommy Johnston-LG 2022
Stuart & David Rayfield- LG 2020
Juanita & Craig Hicks- LG 2022
Miki & jodi Thomaston- LG 2016
Carmen Johnston Gardens
Betsy Pittard Designs
Bess & Keith Carter-LG 2022
Mayzck Inc.
Saint and Goldie
Hickory and Houston
Little Red Bird Gifts
Northside Hospital
RE/MAX Pure
Suddath
Gem City wine and spirits
Bess Carter Art
Brittany Gray
Andrew Cox
Brooke & scott Sullivan- LG 2024
Juli Hayes
Jay Melder-LG 2025
Ericka & Omar Esposito- LG 2016
Mary & Matt sawhill- LG 2014
Stephanie Dammen-Morrell & Matt Morell-LG 2023
April & alvin Beal-LG 2024
Katina & J Lett- LG 2022
Barbara & Randy Hampton- LG 2002
Beth & Quentin Bates-LG 2018
Ashley & Daniel Knight- LG 2023
Woodruff & Howe Environmental Engineering, LLc. GVMA
Cobb & Douglas Public Health
Croy
Georgia Symphony Orchestra
Win-Tech, Inc
2025 STATEWIDE SPONSORS
AZALEA SPONSOR
CHEROKEE ROSE SPONSORS
BROWN THRASHER LEVEL
BOBWHITE QUAIL SPONSORS
GEORGIA PEACH SPONSORS
