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On the Cover:
Candace Byrd, Rodney Bullard, Stacii Jae Johnson, Mayor Kasim Reed, Dr. Christopher Leggett, Rob Hardy, Lisa Williams, Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice, Karen Duckett
Banner page:
(From top left to right:) Rodney Bullard, Karen Duckett, Dr. Christopher Leggett, Candace Byrd, Tharon Johnson, Stacy Cole-Bell, Cassius F. Butts, Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice, DeMarco Morgan, Lisa Williams, Rob Hardy, Shanti Das, Evens Charles, Cathy Hampton, Keith Parker, Joy Rohadfox, Donald Woodward, Armintie Herrington, Reggie Rouse, Mary Parker
Photo Credits:
Sean Cokes Artistry Brian L. Christian Photography
Cover Design by: Ithan Payne Creative Makeup Artists (cover shoot, Game Changers, Interesting Personalities):
Christian “Geishaboii” Smith Nicole “Nickey” Martin Terrell Hunt-Moore
ISBN # 978-1-933879-09-3 Paperback
$34.95 each-U.S. Paperback A Real Times Media Company
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GAME
CHANGERS
game changFer an event, idea, or person that effects a significant shift in the current manner of doing or thinking about something. The people highlighted in this section are visonaries carving their own path with charisma, intelligence and courage. These professionals are highly regarded and collectively, they serve as role models for generations to come.
PHOTO BY SEAN COKES ARTISTRY
RODNEY BULLARD VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, CHICK-FIL-A, INC. & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHICK-FIL-A FOUNDATION
PROVIDING A REFRESHING TAKE ON IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY ccording to Rodney Bullard, leadership means recognizing problems and taking initiative to help solve them. Through his position, he has the unique opportunity to focus corporate resources on the community—specifically on youth and education. “I am proud to represent Chick-fil-A’s corporate philanthropic and social responsibility efforts. The leadership team here sees business as not just about profit, but as a way to have a greater platform to give back and be a positive influence in the community. This position allows me to be an instrument of good will, developing programs that make a difference on an individual level as well as on a larger scale.” Junior Achievement’s Chick-fil- A Foundation Discovery Center is a way to develop youth and assist in shaping the education they receive. More than 30,000 students throughout metro Atlanta will have the opportunity to visit the Discovery Center annually. The center aims to educate students about business and improve their financial literacy, providing experiential learning to complement classroom lessons. Even in acknowledging his being named as a Game Changer, Bullard states, “We at the Chickfil-A Foundation value our position as leaders in the community and we’re thrilled to help the next generation achieve its potential. We’re passionate about our corporate hometown and are committed to enhancing the lives of youth in the area and encouraging them to become the leaders of tomorrow.” His membership in Leadership Atlanta taught him that people can come together to achieve great things. “A good leader’s greatest challenge is making an impact. That’s why we think it’s important to establish a community of people passionate about helping the next generation. We’ve been so fortunate to be able to do that here in Atlanta.”
Born and raised in Atlanta, Bullard takes pride in being able to raise his voice in assistance of area youth that may not be able to speak up for themselves. He is most proud of his family and his faith. His father was a Baptist minister and a Morehouse man who played for the Denver Broncos and later got involved in politics. His mother, an educator, instilled in him a passion for learning. Bullard’s wife Silvette works with children affected by Autism. Bullard asked her to marry him when he was six years old and she held him to it! They have a six year old son.
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By Sheryl M. Merritt
A mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bullard also sits on the boards of the United States Air Force Academy, Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, the Salvation Army National Advisory Board and PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators). Guiding him is the idea that “We suffer from the soft bigotry of low expectations.” He recalls one teacher who made a commitment to helping him exceed his own expectations as a child. “It is one thing to tell children something and then leave, but it’s vital to hold them to an expectation that they will do great things and provide them the support they need to achieve their goals. We’re obligated to instill in them enough confidence to drown out the distractors.” Years ago, when Bullard applied for the prestigious White House Fellowship, his supervisor asked him why he was applying; telling him it was a program for superstars. His response was “That’s why I’m applying!” And that is why this superstar’s light continues to shine brightly.
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PHOTO BY SEAN COKES ARTISTRY
CANDACE BYRD CHIEF OF STAFF, OFFICE OF MAYOR KASIM REED
COMING FULL CIRCLE By Quisa Foster
In 2010, Byrd was appointed by Mayor Kasim Reed to serve as Chief of Staff of the City of Atlanta. As Chief of Staff, Byrd serves as the highest-ranking employee in the Executive Office of the Mayor. She provides advice and guidance to the Mayor on legislative and political issues and acts as a liaison to the Atlanta City Council and public and private organizations to implement Mayor Reed’s agenda. “As Chief of Staff, I have a seat at the table. I get to shape how we move Atlanta forward,” she says, “I provide insight and give advice on decisions
made by Mayor Reed; ultimately he makes the final decision; however, the thought process is shaped by strategies, thoughts, and ideas that I have presented to him.” She also supervises and directs policy for External Affairs & International Relations, Constituent Services, Communications, Human Services, Office of Entertainment, all festivals/ special events and special projects.
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native of Atlanta, Candace teases that she was a Grady baby twice – “My father’s name is Grady, so I would have been a Grady baby anyway, and I was born at Grady Hospital.” She was educated in the Fulton County School System and completed her undergraduate studies at Georgia State University. She continued her education at Howard University School of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate Degree. After graduating law school, she began her lifelong dream of pursuing a career as an attorney and landed her first position with Forrest Johnson and Associates. Byrd spent several years as a trial attorney and transitioned into politics after volunteering on Shirley Franklin’s mayoral campaign. This experience was a transformational moment in her career. At that moment she decided to change the culture of her work and focus on serving her community and her city. In 2003, Mayor Franklin appointed Ms. Byrd as the Acting Chief Public Defender for the City Court of Atlanta. In 2005, she became Deputy Director for the Municipal Court Office of the Public Defender, and in 2007 she was appointed Director of the Municipal Court of the Public Defender.
Coming full circle, the Office of the Mayor fulfilled its promise to reopen all of the city’s recreation centers and developed ten of those centers into Centers of Hope. The centers serve as high performing recreation facilities designed to give the young people of Atlanta a structured afterschool environment for play, study and character building. Ben Hill Recreation Center was one of the recreational centers recently dedicated. “I grew up in the Ben Hill community, attended Ben Hill Elementary School and played softball afterschool at Ben Hill Recreation Center, says Byrd, “It is where I was shaped. On the day of the dedication, I was overjoyed to see the faces of the kids (from my community) with their Centers of Hope t-shirts, it brought tears to my eyes, all I could see was a mirror of myself.”
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PHOTO BY SEAN COKES ARTISTRY
EVENS CHARLES MANAGING PRINCIPAL, FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT & HOSPITALITY GROUP
CHANGING THE FACE OF HOTEL OWNERSHIP & IMPROVING DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES By Sheryl M. Merritt
To see how far he’s come you have to see where he started. “My entire life has been overcoming obstacles.” His parents came from Haiti in the 1970s and he is the first one to be educated on the college level. When tuition money ran out his junior year, he walked onto the football team and the scholarship he received paid for his undergraduate and master’s degree at Temple University. Landing a corporate sales job in the educational publication field, Charles rose to the #1 salesperson in the country in 2003. In 2008 when the economy tanked, he quit his corporate six figure income, knowing that in rough economic times there was money to be made. “I’m always off to the next deal.” Charles tripped into the hotel business. Attending the National Alliance of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) conference exposed him to African American hotel owners and he was inspired to buy his first hotel at the age of 36 the following year. He bought it out of foreclosure. “Everybody told me don’t do it. They told me no one
would ever stay there.” But Frontier Development & Hospitality thought otherwise. “We took a chance and invested about $10 million into the property. We got Marriott to come to this side of town and worked with the city as it relates to public safety outside and lobbied for some loitering legislation. It was ranked the #1 hotel in revenue growth for 2013 and was so successful that institutional real estate investment trusts started making offers. We sold it to Starwood Capital, who has about a billion dollars in assets, for $17 million. We are under contract now to bring in two new hotels to downtown Atlanta.”
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or hotelier and real estate developer Evens Charles, “Life is a constant journey, not a destination. You’re not living if you are not growing. You have never arrived! Every day I am hoping to get better and I hope I never stop.” He enjoys challenges and exploring new opportunities. “I like taking something that is dilapidated or distressed, taking a risk, investing with a business plan, having a design, developing and turning it into something, creating something and improving the community, like a painter that has an empty canvas and at the end his picture is pleasing to him. It is rewarding to develop projects, impact lives, create jobs and make a difference. I lead by example and invest in people.”
“Atlanta has been a very welcoming, special place. I probably have more key relationships here than I do in my own city. I was able to do a major deal downtown. I have relationships with politicians and other business owners. They have opened their arms and I’ve gotten nothing but support.” Charles learned from reading books and experience. Citing his lack of a mentor when he needed one, he mentors through NABHOOD. Charles is an ambitious, driven, spiritual, humorous family man who is passionate about social change. He strives to be a generation changer within his family tree. He wants the generations behind him to expand upon what he’s done and hopes to be remembered as the one who changed his family. Losing is not an option. Whatever I undertake regardless of how greatly the odds are stacked against me, I go into in with the mentality that I am going to win. “There are 40,000 hotels in United States and less than 1% owned by us. I am pioneering.” Evens Charles is providing a new face so people can see that hotel ownership is attainable.
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PHOTO BY SEAN COKES ARTISTRY
KAREN DUCKETT PRESIDENT/CEO, DUCKETT DESIGN GROUP, INC
TAKING YOUR SPACE By Quisa Foster
Karen Duckett lives by the quote above, and with persistence she has acquired over 30+ years of success in the Architectural and Interior Design industry. With an international portfolio that includes 5 million square feet of executed projects and more than 1.8 billion in construction costs, she has made history by receiving the largest commission for her African American female owned architectural firm, Duckett Design Group, Inc. Having established Duckett Design Group in 1985 to honor her late father, Duckett’s vested interest in the firm has powered an unrivaled passion to succeed. “I was a trailblazer who was raised in a limited income family. I wanted more and I was hungry. I was the only designer of color at Xerox Corporation. I was the only person of color in my college of architecture. There were few black professionals in my field.” says Duckett. Married with three small children, Duckett leveraged her education and experience to enter the world of business ownership. In 1985 she secured her first design commission and has since emerged as an industry pioneer in her own right. Duckett has garnered numerous accolades for her business savvy, that include being honored as Atlanta Business Leagues’ Entrepreneur of the Year, 100 Black Women of Influence and induction into the ABL’s Hall of Fame. She has received the Trumpet
Award “High Tea with High Heels” and was inducted into the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. Her immense dedication has positioned her as a pillar of female entrepreneurship. “I have spoken to several women’s group’s about entrepreneurship. I inform them that you would take a job that you don’t like because you need the money, but you would never start a business you don’t love, she adds. With high regard for the upward mobility of women, Duckett co-founded The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Atlanta) and has served as President of the International Women’s Forum of Georgia. Her efforts have created an abundance of opportunities for both women and design professionals of all facets.
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Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not. Nothing is more common that unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problem of the human race.” ~Calvin Coolidge
Her firm’s architecture is seen throughout Atlanta and reaches as far as Rwanda. Her projects include courthouses, rail and people mover stations, aviation facilities and medical facilities. Previous clients include Fulton County, City of Atlanta, V103, MARTA, Grady Health Systems, just to make a few. Duckett has remarkably braved decades of industry changes and technological advances. “I consider both me and my firm “survivors”. It is from this viewpoint that we are able to create and seize the opportunities. Our focus is to push our passion to become world class in the expansion of our architectural developments,” says Duckett. Most recently as part of the Atlanta Gateway Designers Joint Venture, Duckett Design Group, Inc., was responsible for designing the new International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “This was the largest project I have ever secured in my life,” adds Duckett. It was huge.” Having established a permanent presence in the architectural design world, her lifelong commitment to excellence has forever changed the landscape and possibilities for architectural firms of color.
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PHOTO BY SEAN COKES ARTISTRY
ROB HARDY FILM & TELEVISION PRODUCER, RAINFOREST FILMS
CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY By Quisa Foster
The next milestone came with a decision to relocate to Atlanta and pursue film full-time. Through the release of his first post-graduate effort Trois, he was instrumental in self-distributing the project to be the fastest Independent African-American film to pass the $1million dollar mark. This accomplishment opened the door for a stream of big screen successes including: The Gospel, Stomp the Yard and Think Like A Man, these box office hits have earned him numerous nominations and accolades. Additionally, he achieved the 2007 Movie of the Year Award from BET and also the Meritorious Achievement Award from FAMU, which is the highest alumnus honor.
In further alignment with this mission, through Rainforest Films he has found ways to inspire people both on screen and off. Rainforest offers an internship program for emerging filmmakers, particularly at Historically Black College and Universities. Hardy has plans to launch the Rainforest Foundation to help more children get involved in the arts. He has found it very important to use his platform not only for inspirational messages, but empowering ones as well.
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ob Hardy achieved his first film experience shot with a camcorder while only a teenager in high school, not yet aware that this would mark the beginning of a game-changing career. While pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree at Florida A&M University (FAMU), he cites that viewing “Menace II Society”, again re-ignited his interest in film. Returning to FAMU his junior year, he and his partner, then shot the film “Chocolate City”, this film would change the course of his life forever. The campus premiere was an overwhelming success; they treated it like a Hollywood red carpet and invited special industry guests. The positive reception of their initial film led to the creation of Rainforest Films with his business partner Will Packer.
Currently making his mark on episodic television, Hardy has worked on a plethora of TV hits including ER, Criminal Minds, Arrow, The Vampire Diaries and Grey’s Anatomy. He has also proceeded to direct for clients including: CNN, TBS (Turner Broadcasting), Coca-Cola and The National Cancer Institute. Through his diverse work experiences, he has garnered an array of credentials including director, producer, screenwriter and founder. To further change the game in the industry, Hardy, along with Andrew Young, Martin Luther King III, and partner Will Packer, launched Bounce TV, a United States television network airing on digital terrestrial television stations. Promoted as “the first 24/7 digital multicast broadcast network created exclusively for African Americans.” Rob Hardy has permeated the realm of television and film history, crafting a legacy that will forever be highly regarded and respected.
“The impact I want Rainforest Films to have on Atlanta is to create lasting projects that are shot and produced in the city, where we can employ and entertain people. I want Rainforest Films to leave that legacy,” says Hardy.
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PHOTO BY SEAN COKES ARTISTRY
THARON JOHNSON MANAGING DIRECTOR, MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE
A WINNING SPIRIT By Quisa Foster
He recently served as the Southern Regional Director for the reelection campaign of President Barack Obama. With responsibility and oversight of 11 states, Johnson worked with the President’s storied political team, including David Axelrod, Jim Messina and David Plouffe, to play a pivotal role in helping the campaign hold the South in key states such as Florida. “It was the greatest honor of my life to have earned the trust of the President of the United States of America and his closest advisors,” said Johnson. A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, Johnson emerged as a force in Georgia politics as campaign manager for Alisha Thomas Morgan, defying the odds and leading her to victory as the first AfricanAmerican elected to the Georgia General Assembly from Cobb County in 2002. Johnson’s undefeated campaign record includes the successful reelection of Michael Thurmond, his mentor and a fellow native of Athens, Georgia, for state Labor Commissioner in 2002. He also successfully ran campaign operations for Congressman John Barrow in 2004 and 2006 and for his hero Congressman John Lewis in 2008. In 2009, Johnson tested his campaign skills and political acumen further by plunging into the Atlanta mayoral race. As campaign manager for Mayor Kasim Reed, Johnson was critical in helping him move from last place in the polls, advance to a run-off election, and ultimately win the Mayor’s seat by 714 votes. The victory garnered national attention. “This race meant a great deal to me because I knew that Kasim Reed was the right leader at the right time to move Atlanta forward,” said Johnson. In 2010, the American Association of Political Consultants honored Johnson as the National
Campaign Manager of the Year, making him the youngest and first African-American to ever receive this award. A pivotal year in his career, Johnson transitioned from his role as Senior Advisor to Mayor Reed to gain private sector experience at a government affairs firm. He successfully built a strong roster of statewide business relationships and clients, but he soon found himself back on the campaign trail, this time for Obama for America.
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haron Johnson, managing director at McKenna Long & Aldridge, is one of Georgia’s most widely sought and respected business consultants and Democratic political strategists.
Following the President’s resounding victory, Johnson returned to Atlanta and joined the international law firm of McKenna, Long & Aldridge. There, he counsels his clients on how to effectively work with government and identifies opportunities to advance their business goals through successful public sector partnerships. He also works with clients to develop and implement executive, legislative and public agency strategies that will have the greatest impact on policy makers. Johnson’s achievements have been broadly recognized. Politics Magazine named him among the Top 10 Democrats in Georgia. He was the only African-American named a Campaigns & Elections 2010 Rising Star. The Young Democrats of Atlanta honored him with the 2010 ‘Future is Now’ Young Leader Award. He was also named as one of Georgia’s ‘40 Under 40’ in 2012 by both the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia Trend magazine. Johnson’s winning spirit extends beyond his responsibilities at McKenna Long & Aldridge and his broad influence in the political realm. He currently volunteers in the Big Brothers & Sisters Program and serves on the boards of KIPP Metro Atlanta and Clark Atlanta University. He is a member of the Finance Committee of the Democratic National Committee, is active with the Democratic Party of Georgia, and is regularly featured as a political commentator in publications such as The Washington Post and Politico.
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DR. CHRISTOPHER J.W.B. LEGGETT CLINICAL INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST
EXPANDING ACCESS TO GREAT HEALTHCARE & SURVIVAL FOR ALL HEART PATIENTS By Sheryl M. Merritt
“To change the game in any field is to always show up ready to play, prepared and self-assured that you have put in the necessary work it takes to be superior.” Leggett provides his patients with the opportunity to receive the best care they can have anywhere. Access to quality healthcare in rural America is not as readily available as it is in major U.S. cities. Recently, Leggett embraced the challenge to introduce the latest emerging Interventional Cardiovascular technologies to geographically and ethnically disadvantaged patients in rural Statesboro, Georgia. The highest incidence of cardiovascular disease and death occurs in small towns with people who have the least access and are the furthest away from lifesaving technologies and therapies. This is often the culprit for poor outcomes and increased mortality amongst African Americans, Hispanics and women in these towns. Leggett set out to change that reality. He led the construction of a new high-tech operating room, brought in the latest cardiac/interventional technologies and trained the doctors and staff to provide a new high level standard of care. During his leadership tenure, he performed over two thousand cases and had a one hundred percent success rate; no deaths, no complications. Survival rates soared upward, access for the disadvantaged improved greatly and he knew the Lord was blessing his work. Currently practicing in Atlanta, he remarks, “Atlanta is a great city. We’ve had great leaders and a rich
history of true game changers in the civil rights era that have changed the game for this entire planet. People now have opportunities to directly visualize what and who they want to be. There are also the traps. You can be so engaged in the social climbing that you fail to focus and truly develop your talents.” For Leggett, the phrase “to whom much is given, much is required,” rings true. He eradicates obstacles of color and exclusion, showing the world that people of color are intelligent enough to function in any medical field or discipline and achieve the top results out of anybody in the world. “Others often try to inhibit your progress and cause you to doubt your ability to go down a pathway that hasn’t been charted before. A relationship with God allows you to do anything. The greatest obstacle is the one that threatens your ability to stay in charge of your destiny.”
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r. Christopher J.W.B. Leggett uses everything he has accomplished in medicine as a platform to glorify God. “Our greatest battles are often with self-ennoblement, so to the extent we can minimize self for the larger good, we are better for it. When you lose humility, you lose occasions for God to bless you. ”
“I am driven by the idea of excellence. Excellence allows you the freedom to be unafraid to affect change, reach for the stars or even something you can’t see. The Lord sent people along my path to help me visualize what I could look like in my future. He constantly prepares us for greater challenges.” “My ability to pursue greatness is directly related to the sacrifices of my wife who made it possible for me to be able to do what I do for others. She carried the load without reservation and complaint while I was away. I am proud that I have honored my God fearing parents by displaying character, integrity, love for my fellow man, dedication to true friendship and spirituality. More than any surgical technique or procedure I have ever performed, I want to be remembered as a man that honored his wife and was a dedicated husband, father, brother and son.”
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DEMARCO MORGAN CO-ANCHOR, WXIA-11ALIVE
LIVING LIFE WITH PURPOSE By Quisa Foster
“Once I got to Jackson State, I knew I wanted to turn it all around.” He says his tutor told him to read any and everything. That meant books, magazines and newspapers. “She said reading will help your vocabulary. You will also begin to understand how sentences are structured and your writing will improve.” Morgan did just that, he went on to make the dean’s honor roll and the president’s honor roll every year throughout his matriculation at JSU and in his junior year, he was the only African-American named among the Scripps-Howard Top 10 Collegiate Journalists in the country. After completing graduate school at Columbia University in New York, Morgan took is first reporting job at the CBS affiliate, WJTV in Jackson, Mississippi.
During this time also he returned to his alma mater, Jackson State University to teach journalism courses. Throughout his career, he has anchored and reported the news in some of the largest markets in the country including New York City, Miami and Milwaukee. In January 2012, he joined the WXIA- team to anchor the 6pm newscast with Brenda Wood, and recently management added the 11pm newscast to his repertoire. He is the first African-American male to be appointed as primetime news anchor weeknights at WXIA-TV in the station’s history.
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eMarco Morgan was bitten by what he calls the “journalism bug” at an early age. He was a normal kid that loved the outdoors but at five or six o’clock, he would stop everything and rush home to watch the evening news. Morgan says after the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, he knew he wanted to be a television journalist. His dream of being a journalist was derailed several times. The first time was in high school. He admits that he didn’t apply himself like he should have and his grades were not the best. He ended up graduating at the bottom of his high school class. But it was a comment from his high school English teacher that changed his life. “I will never forget it, he told me in front of my classmates, ‘he said you are better off finding something to do with your hands because in order to be on television you have to know how to write well and speak well and you can’t do either.’ I felt like someone had punched me,” says Morgan. “I applied to nine universities and was turned down by all of them except Jackson State University (JSU).”
Morgan says being in Atlanta is important to him, “If even one African-American boy sees me on television delivering the news and is inspired to excel at whatever he chooses to do, then this road I have traveled is worth it. I am really touched by children and believe that we can make a positive change in their lives as mentors.” Giving back is very important to Morgan, Big Brothers Big Sisters, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and Sharp Literacy, Inc., are just a few of the organizations that we volunteers with in his spare time. In 2006, he was presented the National Community Service Award by the National Association of Black Journalists. He was also named one of Ebony Magazine’s Top 30 Future Young Leaders of America. When asked what is the secret to his success, Morgan points to his “dream team” of mentors. The team includes a philanthropist, an entrepreneur, a fellow news anchor and of course his mother. “Both of my parents were big influences on my life. My father died when I was 10 years old, but I still remember the lessons he taught me.” He says when you have several mentors they help you to assess your strengths and weaknesses. “These are the people that keep you honest and on your toes.”
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DR. VALERIE MONTGOMERY RICE DEAN & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
LIVING LIFE WITH NO LIMITS By Quisa Foster
A mixture of her mother’s wisdom, combined with passion, dedication and hard work has led Rice to what she considers her greatest career accomplishment, so far. On July 1, 2014, she will become the first woman president and dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine. She is the first African-American woman named to lead a freestanding medical school in the United States. Morehouse School of Medicine is considered one of the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians. The institution was the first medical school in the twentieth century established at an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Rice is currently the dean and executive vice president of the medical school, where she has led and served since 2011. Rice’s work as an infertility specialist and focus on preventative care for women has gained her international recognition. Currently, her research includes a partnership with the University of Zambia, and focuses on the development of a vaginal microbicide for the prevention of HIV. “I’ve always been passionate about women’s health issues and as a result, I want be a part of the solution to prevent
diseases like the spread of HIV, where approximately one in four people living with a diagnosis of HIV infection in the United States are women.” (According to CDC Report – 2010)
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rowing up in Macon, Georgia, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice says she never doubted that she could do whatever she wanted to in life. “My mother was my first mentor,” says the renowned doctor, wife and mother of two collegeaged young adults. “My mother was a single parent who raised four girls while working a swing shift at the paper factory. Despite how hard she worked she always took time to play board games with us and she never missed an opportunity to whisper in our ears, ‘you can be anything you want to be. There are not limitations.’ So I grew up knowing that the sky was the limit.”
Navigating her career moves has not always been easy. However, Rice says she has gotten the best advice from the people, on what she calls her, personal board of advisors. “These are mentors and former teachers who have always been available to provide a critical assessment of my professional progress. I think it is critical to your success that you surround yourself with people who are willing to tell you the truth. As a leader, they ensure you have your finger on the pulse of the organization you, and that you are leading with indisputable integrity.” Rice received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology and her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Emory University School of Medicine and her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Hutzel Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She also completed the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. In the coming years, she intends to continue Morehouse School of Medicine’s strong legacy of responding to the Atlanta community’s medical needs. “When I think about this great institution, I see our role as anticipating the medical needs of the community and continuing to provide everyone with the highest quality of care. The game changer will be when every citizen in Georgia has full and equal access to quality healthcare.”
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LISA WILLIAMS
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER, CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: CELEBRATING LIFE, INC. LIVING WATER FOR GIRLS & LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER
CHANGING ‘THE GAME’ OF SEX TRAFFICKING AND RESCUING GIRLS FROM ‘THE LIFE’ By Sheryl M. Merritt
On the streets, prostitution is called ‘the game’ or ‘the life.’ How apropros for Williams, who is changing the game by “educating people about the tactics pimps use to trick and recruit children into commercial sex trafficking. We have made parents, educators, law enforcement, and those in the court system more aware. Now they understand the truth because we have given them the backstory on this heinous crime against children and young women that is ravishing our community.” Because of her work locally, Williams was invited to speak at the United Nations on “Eliminating Violence against Women and Girls” and The White House on “Eradicating Modern Day Slavery.”
“Atlanta is a strong city that doesn’t live in denial; it takes responsibility for this issue by doing the work to make Atlanta a safe and better place for everyone, especially for children to live. There is still much work to do, but I’m thankful to see how the community has linked arms and hearts together around this issue.” Williams doesn’t get compensated for her 60 hour work week but there are some things which reward her in a way that money never could. “Seeing the girls at the undisclosed campus jumping rope, giggling, having girl fun without worrying about someone invading their body or imprisoning their mind, knowing they don’t have a quota to fill that night is very rewarding. It is also rewarding to see the girls in court stand up to their former oppressors by testifying against them and bravely sharing their stories. Having them study and sit for their GED exam and see them attend college, some without major learning support and learn a trade or career that will enable them to take care of themselves, is priceless.”
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or Lisa Williams, a ten year old being charged, shackled and put in detention for 4 months for a crime that was being committed against her required immediate action. Saying, “How do you see that and not do anything? I rallied support because I knew it should not be tolerated.” Today, Living Water for Girls, through their grassroots efforts have increased the awareness of 365,000 individuals through training and seminars, and raised 1.4 million dollars to prevent abuse through sex trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery. This is Williams’s contribution to society. She encourages others who see injustice to stand up and do something about it, because it’s the right thing to do and there will be others who join in the process. “There’s never an ‘I’ that can make an impact that ‘we’ can make. Because of this mindset, more people are on the lookout and more vigilant to bring people into awareness and help save a child’s life. Through safe refuge, and therapeutic and education services we have helped restore children to healthy homes. Whenever you can help a family come back together, they are stronger in our community.”
Empowering the girls through a new Learning Resource Center that Mayor Kasim Reed was instrumental in making happen, the center provides educational and vocational resources, is aesthetically and artistically beautiful, and is equipped with amazing teachers, volunteers and dedicated staff modeling what it is to be a woman of courage, virtue and integrity. Rescue is not a singular act. It continues here. Game Over.
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MOST INFLUENTIAL
FOCUS CELEBRATE PROMINENCE RECOGNITION
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MOST INFLUENTIAL
Big Tigger
Robert E. Brown
On-Air Personality WVEE-FM/V-103
COO / Co- Founder Universal Sports and Entertainment Management, LLCHonoree’s
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ne of radio and television’s most distinctive personalities, Big Tigger currently hosts the afternoon drive on Atlanta’s V-103, heard Monday – Friday, from 2PM – 6PM. There, he reaches millions of fans and gives platform to the hottest music and interviews of multi-platinum hip-hop and R&B artists. Such artists include Jay-Z, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Lil’ Wayne, Beyonce, Maxwell, Drake, Ne-Yo and more.
Tigger is best known as the host of hit shows like BET’s Rap City: Tha Basement and 106 & Park, Live in the Den with Big Tigger, Direct Access with Big Tigger and VHUYLQJ DV WKH FR KRVW YRLFH RU RI¿FLDO '- IRU WKH Soul Train Awards 5HFHQWO\ KH EHFDPH WKH RI¿FLDO GM IRU the Atlanta Hawks and stays in spinning demand with sports celebrities from Shaquille O’Neal to Michael Jordan, as well as corporate entities such as Ciroc, Nike and Macy’s. Big Tigger also heads the Street Corner Foundation (SCF), D QRQ SUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQ GHGLFDWHG WR increasing public awareness and prevention of HIV/ $,'6 'XULQJ KLV GRZQWLPH KH HQMR\V PRWRUF\FOH riding, cars, gadgets, playing sports and participating in charitable events.
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REHUW ( %URZQ VHUYHV DV FKLHI RSHUDWLQJ RI¿FHU of the Universal Sports and Entertainment Management, LLC. As co-founder of the Agency since 2000, this devout husband and father RI WZR FKLOGUHQ LV D FHUWL¿HG FRQWUDFW DGYLVRU ZKRP works closely with the NFL, and the NBA. He deals extensively in the areas of contract negotiations and endorsements. Brown understands the complex needs of professional athletes and strives to ensure that each athlete realizes his or her full potential. Brown is a graduate of Alabama State University with a degree in secondary education. Brown was a standout running back and four-year letterman at Alabama State University. He was recognized as Who’s Who Among College Athletes. His competitiveness and leadership ability enables him to continually secure solid contract and endorsement opportunities. Brown has also earned a Masters of Education in administration management from Strayer University and is proud to be part owner of the largest minority owned sports agency in the state of Georgia.
MOST INFLUENTIAL
Kandi Burruss
Jerry R. Caldwell, Esq.
CEO Kandi Koated Entertainment
Founder & Managing Attorney The Caldwell Law Firm, P.C.
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former member of the platinum-selling music group Xscape, Kandi Burruss earned a Grammy for her work on TLC’s mega-hit “No Scrubsâ€? and also wrote the number-one hits “Bills, Bills, Billsâ€? and “Bug A Booâ€? for Destiny’s Child. ,Q %XUUXVV EHFDPH WKH ÂżUVW $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ woman ever to win the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Songwriter of the Year award. An entrepreneur at heart, she serves as a creator and executive producer of the show, in addition to owning her own businesses TAGS & TAGS II, Kandi Koated Nights and Bedroom Kandi. With an eye for star power, she has cultivated hits for numerous musicians including Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Pink, ‘NSYNC, Usher and Whitney Houston. Burruss, along with her team of experts on “The Kandi Factory,â€? offers the chance of a lifetime for two hopefuls each week in mastering the key elements of becoming a star. She lives with her ten-year-old daughter, Riley and ÂżDQFp 7RGG
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erry R. Caldwell is the founder and managing attorney of The Caldwell Law Firm, P.C. He provides legal counsel to small business owners, entrepreneurs, athletes, and entertainers in the areas of business law/litigation, intellectual property, bankruptcy and sports and entertainment law. Caldwell is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association and Black Entertainment Sports Lawyers Association. He also volunteers as a mentor to at-risk youth through the Fulton County Juvenile Court Choices Program. His hobbies include serving as a contributing writer for the The Legal Blitz Sports Blog as well as cohosting the radio show, “Current Events Live� aired on Frequency360radio. Caldwell received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Masters of Business Administration from American Intercontinental University, and a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, North Carolina. He is a native of Chester, South Carolina and is married to Rukiya N. Caldwell.
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MOST INFLUENTIAL
Ryan Cameron
Denise Cleveland-Leggett
On-air Personality V-103
Attorney
wo-time Emmy Award winner, Ryan Cameron, is the host of Atlanta’s only live, local morning show. Broadcasting to 1.2 million listeners per week on V-103, he is an Atlanta native whose dream has always been to help people right in his own backyard realize their fullest potential.
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Cameron has achieved success as a well-known FRPHGLDQ WKH ÂżUVW $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ SXEOLF DGGUHVV announcer for the Atlanta Hawks and founder of the Ryan Cameron Foundation. He holds his own weight in the community, and remains the most sought after host of several annual charity events and community LQLWLDWLYHV WKDW UHGHÂżQH JLYLQJ EDFN LQFOXGLQJ WKH 5\DQ Cameron Father/Daughter Dance, the Ryan Cameron Hip Hop Docs Week and Health Fair and more.
Leggett has legal experience in the public and private sectors. She served Of Counsel with the Baudino Law *URXS D ORQJ VWDQGLQJ +HDOWKFDUH ODZ ÂżUP 6KH KDV VHUYHG DV D OHJDO FRQVXOWDQW WR PDMRU FRPSDQLHV DQG corporations on issues relating to Title VII and other employment related matters. Leggett headed up the due diligence team for multi-million dollar hospital and bond transactions.
V-103 is proud to claim Cameron as an instrumental part of its innovative programming and revenue generation. This devoted husband and proud father of three is a local personality with national recognition, and as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he humbly remains invested into community and social service making him a change agent for the world.
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enise Cleveland-Leggett is an accomplished $WWRUQH\ LQ $WODQWD *HRUJLD 6KH MRLQWO\ received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history and an Associate in Science degree in communications IURP 2DNZRRG &ROOHJH &OHYHODQG UHFHLYHG D MXULV doctorate from Boston University School of Law.
Her experience also includes serving as an attorney with Hunton and Williams, and counsel in with the Maryland General Assembly. She has served on and chaired several boards including The Atlanta History Center, True Colors, Literacy Action and many others. Leggett was also appointed by two Lt. Governors to The State Ethics Commission and The Women’s Commission. She received the Justice Benham Award by the State Bar of Georgia for community service.
MOST INFLUENTIAL
Kevin T. Conner
The Honorable Myra H. Dixon
CEO/President/Founder Universal Sports and Entertainment Management, LLC
Judge Fulton County State Court
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evin T. Conner is president, chief executive RIÂżFHU DQG IRXQGHU RI 8QLYHUVDO 6SRUWV DQG Entertainment Management, LLC. U.S.E.M. is D IXOO VHUYLFH PDQDJHPHQW DQG PDUNHWLQJ ÂżUP EDVHG LQ Atlanta since 2000. Associated with the sports industry for over 15 years its not surprising that Kevin would EHFRPH DQ 1)/ DQG 1%$ FHUWLÂżHG DJHQW DV ZHOO DV President of the largest minority owned sports agency in the state of Georgia. Conner started his career at Alabama State University where he graduated with honors, acquiring a Bachelors of Arts degree in political science/pre law and a Masters of Science in counseling. He was a standout free safety and four-year letterman at Alabama State. After completing post-graduate work in educational leadership at UGA Conner went on to obtain a Masters of Divinity degree from Emory University. He and his partner/vice president have assembled a team of competent professionals able to service the needs of up and coming draft candidates as well as the seasoned veteran. Conner currently resides in Atlanta with his wife and 2 children.
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KH +RQRUDEOH 0\UD + 'L[RQ KDV EHHQ D MXGJH on the Fulton County State Court bench since 1998. Dixon presides over civil and criminal misdemeanors cases. Her legal career has been that of much distinction and diversity. She was a partner at Thomas, Kennedy, Sampson & Patterson; Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia; Assistant Public Defender in Fulton County; and Associate to General Counsel of the Navy. “Women Looking Ahead Magazine� honored Dixon in 2012 and 2009 as an outstanding woman. She was also 2010 Co-Chair of Just The Beginning Foundation Conference - Robes in Schools Program. Dixon received a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Tennessee State University, DQG D MXULV GRFWRUDWH FXP ODXGH IURP +RZDUG University School of Law, 1978. She and attorney Pat D. Dixon, Jr., have two children: Kyra, a 2012 graduate of Howard University School of Law and Pat, a 2011 graduate of Howard University School of Law.
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Dr. Nedra Dodds
Saptosa Foster
Cosmetic Surgeon & Skincare Specialist Opulence Aesthetic Medicine
Managing Partner 135th Street Agency
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As freshman at Meharry Medical College, Dodds obtained a $45000 grant from the Honda Foundation – to conduct the program she wrote for high school VWXGHQWV WR JDLQ H[SRVXUH WR WKH ¿HOG RI PHGLFLQH 7KH ÀDJVKLS FODVV RI + 35(3 JUDGXDWHG LWV ¿UVW VWXGHQW from Meharry 10 years later. The core program is still being used today for post baccalaureate students.
A native of Wilson, N.C., Foster attended Spelman &ROOHJH DV DQ (QJOLVK PDMRU 'XULQJ KHU IUHVKPDQ summer of 1995, she landed two simultaneous internships – one as a promotions/publicity intern at Pendulum Records and the other as a writer in the marketing department at Bad Boy Records. Foster went on to graduate cum laude from Spelman in 1998 and, after a brief stint at Accenture Consulting as an analyst, she moved to New York City in 1999 where she pursued a career as a freelance writer. She got her start as a writer for Vibe, Complex, XXL, The Source, Savoy, +RQH\ )DGHU 7KH $YH DQG &UHDWLYH /RD¿QJ. Now a communications executive and entrepreneur, Foster has been featured in Black Enterprise, ESSENCE, VIBE Vixen, KING and on the Food Network.
lifelong believer in education, women’s rights and health, Dr.Nedra Dodds is a member of numerous organizations and has received many career based and service-oriented awards. Her career of altruism began as a student at the University of 0DU\ODQG ZKHQ VKH ZURWH WKH FDPSXVœV ¿UVW PLQRULW\ based program centered on academic retention. The success of ROPES (Retention Orientation and Positive Enrichment Seminar) garnered Dodds as the ¿UVW African American to be inducted to the Order of Omega Honor Society in 1985.
Dodds continues to be passionate in educating women on every economic level on health, wellness and education. She dedicates her time to research in AntiAging and Aesthetics and cures for victims of black market cosmetic procedures.
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aptosa Foster is managing partner of the 135th Street Agency, where she oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and spearheads most SXEOLF UHODWLRQV SURMHFWV IRU IHDWXUH ¿OP DQG QHWZRUN television clients such as The Weinstein Company, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, Disney, Sony Screen Gems, Turner, WEtv, Paramount, Lionsgate and more.
MOST INFLUENTIAL
Larnett Glenn
Chip Joyner
Distribution Alliances Manager Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
President The Real Chow Baby, LLC
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n her role as distribution alliances manager, Larnett Glenn serves as relationship manager for all National Accounts for Guardian Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 500 Financial Services Company based in New York City. His career with Guardian has spanned nine years and she has previously held the positions of national brokerage manager for disability insurance and manager, center IRU VDOHV VXSSRUW DQG ¿HOG GHYHORSPHQW Prior to her career at Guardian, Glenn held the position RI GLUHFWRU RI PDUNHWLQJ IRU VHQLRU EHQH¿WV DGYLVRUV D UHWLUHPHQW VHUYLFHV ¿UP 6KH DOVR RZQHG DQG RSHUDWHG her own consulting business. Glen received both a bachelor’s in communication and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Massachusetts. She also attended both The University of Oklahoma and the University of New Orleans. She’s an avid Oklahoma Sooner Football fan (Boomer Sooner!) She is a business plan guru. When any of her friends are starting a business they come to her for a written business plan or consulting on business development and marketing strategies.
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ith over 15 years of management experience with high volume food and beverage operations, Chip Joyner is a restaurant industry veteran. After serving on the staffs of three U.S. Senators, working for both the Democratic and Republican National Committees, and serving as a personal and legal assistant for friend and longtime mentor, the late Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., Esq, Joyner moved on to peruse a career in Food and Beverage Operations.
He has since garnered considerable training and experience from managing concessions during the 1984 and 2006 U.S. Olympic Games, to working with PXOWLSOH EUDQGV DQG YHQXHV LQFOXGLQJ +DUWVÂżHOG Jackson International Airport. As the director of operations at the world’s busiest airport, Joyner successfully completed brand management and IUDQFKLVHH WUDLQLQJ SURJUDPV DQG EHFDPH FHUWLÂżHG as a manager with several Fortune 1000 companies/ brands including: Starbucks, Host Marriott Services, and Autogrille’s HMS Host. After founding restaurant consulting, management and investment company, Joyner Ventures, he became coowner of multiple “The Real Chow Babyâ€? restaurants throughout metro Atlanta and continues to further his training through enrollment in Harvard Business School’s Owner Management Program.
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MOST INFLUENTIAL
Anthony “Tony Kidd� Keitt
Dr. Melody T. McCloud
Vice President of Programming Cox Media Group Atlanta Radio
Founder/Medical Director Atlanta Women’s Health Care
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nthony “Tony Kiddâ€? Keitt has cut a career path most would only dare to dream with a broadcasting career spanning three decades. A veritable pioneer in the radio broadcasting industry, .LGGÂśV GHYHORSPHQWDO ZRUN ZLWK WKH QDWLRQÂśV ÂżUVW Black Adult Contemporary station has earned him enormous respect among his peers. Kidd’s proven ability to think strategically and his strong commitment to excellence are assets to him in his current positions at Cox Media Group. Tony Kidd serves as format leader for Cox Urban Radio stations nationwide, as well as vice president of programming for all of Cox Radio Atlanta. These Atlanta stations include the award winning News/Talk WSB which ranks as America’s #1 News/Talk Station (WSB-AM 750 and 95.5 FM) and three top rated music stations: WALR-FM (Kiss 104.1), WSB-FM (B98.5) and WSRV (97.1 The River).
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r. Melody T. McCloud, founder/medical director of Atlanta Women’s Health Care, EOD]HG D WUDLO LQ ZKHQ VKH EHFDPH WKH ÂżUVW Black female to establish an obstetrics and gynecology practice in Decatur, GA and all of Dekalb County, GA, and the third to do so in metro Atlanta. She lectures nationwide about health, sex, media imagery and social issues. McCloud is a member of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; the CDC Advisory Council; Emory University’s Board of Visitors, Leadership Atlanta and more. She is a graduate of Boston University School of Medicine and Emory University Hospitals. Recognitions include the “2012 Health-Care Heroes ‘Physician’ Awardâ€? per the Atlanta Business Chronicle, RQH RI Âł7KH 0RVW ,QĂ€XHQWLDO 'RFWRUV LQ $WODQWD´ and a “Best Thinker in metro Atlantaâ€? by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. A media consultant with interviews on CNN, network DIÂżOLDWHV DQG WKH 7RP -R\QHU 0RUQLQJ 6KRZ McCloud’s been published in USA Today, Parade, Essence, the AJC and more. She hosts a blog at Psychology Today; and authored the book, Living Well: The Black Woman’s Guide to Health, Sex and Happiness.
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Dr. Gary A. McGaha
Nick F. Nelson
President Atlanta Metropolitan State College
CMO/Principal Liquid Soul
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r. Gary McGaha is from Northeast Mississippi. He received a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi Valley State University, a Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Mississippi in 1976. He worked as a senior level administrator at Kentucky State University and at Morehouse School of Medicine. McGaha served as chair of the Division of Social Sciences at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, and Dean of Academic Services for the Dunwoody Campus and the Alpharetta Site of Georgia Perimeter College. He also served as vice president for Academic Affairs and was named interim president in November of 2006 and appointed as the permanent president November 13, 2007. Under his leadership the enrollment has increased by 85 percent, the college was granted baccalaureate degree status and the name was changed to Atlanta Metropolitan State College. Dr. McGaha is a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Greenforest Community Baptist Church, is active in the community and serves on several boards. He is married to Juliette Wilkinson McGaha and he has two daughters and two sons.
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ick F. Nelson is principal and chief marketing RI¿FHU RI /LTXLG 6RXO D OLIHVW\OH PDUNHWLQJ company. Developing marketing and SXEOLFLW\ FDPSDLJQV IRU RYHU %R[ 2I¿FH ¿OPV including: Fast & Furious 6 and 42. He developed successful television campaigns for programs like NBC’s The Voice and Celebrity Apprentice, WEtv’s Mary Mary and CNN’s Black in America. Nelson has received recognitions including the 2012 Marketer of the Year (American Marketing Association), Who’s Who of Black Atlanta - Interesting Personality (Real Times Media) and Outstanding Alumni of the Quasquicentennial (125th) Anniversary (Florida A&M University). He is a Board member of AMA Atlanta where he launched a multicultural special interest group and created bi-monthly professional events that featured multicultural industry leaders. Nelson is Board Chair for the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Deacon at Christ the King Baptist Church and a member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and Alpha Phi Alpha. He has earned a Public Relations degree from Florida A&M University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Ohio State University. Nelson resides in Atlanta, GA with his wife Tiffany and son Quinn.
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SAVE THE DATE! Atlanta’s most highly acclaimed event recognizing Atlanta’s elite professionals and power brokers Official Networking & Unveiling Reception Tuesday, October 20, 2015 | 6 p.m. Atlanta Marriott Marquis 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303
Contact Lorraine Cochran today for information and advertising opportunities at 678-515-2053