Welcome to “Top 50 Nonprofit Influencers from the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.” This blog celebrates the individuals making significant contributions to the nonprofit sector in Atlanta. The team at NonProfits.Club carefully selected these influencers based on criteria such as leadership, impact, innovation, and dedication to their causes. We looked at their roles in various organizations, their achievements, and their overall contributions to the community. These leaders exemplify the spirit of service and commitment that drives positive change in Atlanta.
Leonard L. Adams Jr. – Founder, President, and CEO, Quest Community Development Organization
Leonard L. Adams Jr. is a visionary social entrepreneur who founded Quest Community Development Organization in 2001. Under his leadership, Quest has grown from a grassroots organization with a $30,000 budget to one with an annual operating budget of over $4 million and $39 million in assets. Adams has been instrumental in developing affordable and supportive housing communities in challenged neighborhoods on Atlanta’s Westside, securing over $50 million in government grants and subsidies for affordable housing. His work focuses on serving homeless and low-income individuals, families, older persons, and veterans living with disabilities.
Kwame Johnson – President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Atlanta
Kwame Johnson has led Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Atlanta since March 2018, bringing over 20 years of nonprofit experience to the role. Under his leadership, the organization has seen significant growth, with overall revenue increasing by 80%. Johnson has been recognized for his work in youth mentoring and development, receiving awards such as the Atlanta Business Chronicle Most Admired CEO Award and being named one of Atlanta’s Top 500 Most Powerful Leaders. His efforts have expanded the reach and impact of youth mentoring programs in the Atlanta area.
Cheneé Joseph – President and CEO, Historic District Development Corporation
Cheneé Joseph leads the Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC), one of Atlanta’s oldest community development corporations. HDDC focuses on preserving affordable housing in the Old Fourth Ward district. Joseph’s work involves developing and implementing affordable-supportive housing programs that serve special needs homeless and low-income populations. Her leadership contributes to equitable urban revitalization and the preservation of cultural integrity in historic Atlanta communities.
Ann Cramer – Civic Leader, Community Volunteer retired IBM Director Americas Corporate Citizenship
Ann Cramer is a distinguished civic leader and community volunteer with a rich background in corporate citizenship and nonprofit consulting. She retired from IBM as the Director for Corporate Citizenship for the Americas, where she played a crucial role in shaping the company’s social responsibility initiatives. Following her corporate career, Cramer transitioned to a Senior Consultant role at Coxe Curry & Associates, providing strategic guidance to nonprofit organizations. With a degree in mathematics from Salem College, Cramer has leveraged her expertise to serve on various boards, including The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, where she champions efforts to close the wealth gap. Her extensive experience and dedication to public service have made her a respected figure in Atlanta’s civic and philanthropic communities.
Eric Robbins – CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
Eric Robbins has been the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta since August 2016. In this role, he leads efforts to support and strengthen the Jewish community in Atlanta. While specific achievements are not detailed in the search results, Robbins’ leadership likely involves overseeing community programs, fundraising initiatives, and fostering connections within the Jewish community and beyond.
Anthony Rodriguez – Executive Director, HUB404 Conservancy
Anthony Rodriguez is the Executive Director of HUB404 Conservancy, leading an innovative project to create a 9-acre “cap park” above GA 400 in Buckhead, Atlanta. This project aims to transform the core of Buckhead by creating a dynamic public space connected to MARTA’s Buckhead rail station. Rodriguez’s work contributes to urban development and community engagement in Atlanta.
Jill Savitt – President and CEO, National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Jill Savitt has led the National Center for Civil and Human Rights since March 2019. With a background in human rights advocacy and genocide prevention, Savitt oversees exhibitions, trainings, and convenings on civil and human rights issues. Her work contributes to educating the public about civil rights history and contemporary human rights challenges, fostering dialogue and promoting action on these critical issues.
Raphael Holloway – CEO, Gateway Center
Raphael Holloway has been the CEO of Gateway Center since July 2016. With over 20 years of experience in social services, Holloway leads one of Atlanta’s prominent nonprofits focused on ending homelessness. Under his leadership, Gateway Center provides evidence-based programming and shelter services for men experiencing homelessness. Holloway’s work contributes to addressing homelessness in Atlanta through a collaborative, data-driven approach.
Belisa Urbina – CEO and Co-founder, Ser Familia
Belisa Urbina is the CEO and Co-founder of Ser Familia, Inc., one of Georgia’s largest Latino organizations providing comprehensive family, social, and mental health services to the Latino community. Since its founding in 2001, Ser Familia has grown significantly under her leadership, receiving numerous accolades, including being named one of Georgia’s 50 Most Influential Latinos multiple times. Urbina’s work has been pivotal in supporting Latino families through coordinated, culturally relevant services and advocacy.
Rodney Bullard – CEO, Same House, Inc.
Rodney Bullard is the CEO of The Same House, Inc., a public benefit corporation dedicated to social and economic good. Previously, he served as Vice President of Community Affairs at Chick-fil-A and Executive Director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. Bullard has been recognized for his leadership and service, including receiving the 2024 Presidential Award of Distinction from Morehouse College. His work focuses on empowering underserved neighborhoods in Atlanta through education, employment, and entrepreneurship programs.
Kimberly Jackson – Executive Vice President, Southeast Region, American Cancer Society
Kimberly Jackson is the Executive Vice President of the Southeast Region at the American Cancer Society, where she oversees mission and revenue strategies across several states, including Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Since joining in 2022, Jackson has driven initiatives that support cancer patients and caregivers, engage volunteers, and raise significant funds for cancer research and programs. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the fight against cancer in the Southeast region.
Frank Fernandez – President & CEO, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Frank Fernandez is the President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Under his leadership, the foundation focuses on building a more equitable and prosperous Atlanta through initiatives like TogetherATL, which addresses affordable housing, economic mobility, and equity in the arts. Fernandez’s work has led to significant investments and grants supporting nonprofit organizations and community development in the Atlanta region.
Kyle Waide – President & CEO, Atlanta Community Food Bank
Kyle Waide is the President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, one of the largest hunger relief organizations in the U.S. Waide has led the organization through substantial growth, quadrupling its annual food distribution and launching innovative initiatives to expand food access. His leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, and he serves on several boards, contributing to the fight against food insecurity in Georgia.
Tim Bresnahan – Vice President, Advancement and Philanthropic Services, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Tim Bresnahan is the Vice President of Advancement and Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. In this role, he oversees donor engagement and development strategies, helping to secure resources that support the foundation’s mission of fostering a more equitable Atlanta. Bresnahan’s work focuses on building relationships with donors and enhancing the foundation’s philanthropic impact.
Ayana Gabriel Turner – Vice President, Community Impact, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Ayana Gabriel Turner serves as the Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. She leads efforts to address critical community issues through strategic grant-making and partnerships. Turner’s work is centered on advancing equity and improving the quality of life for residents in the Atlanta area, particularly through initiatives that support education, health, and economic mobility.
Elyse Hammett – Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Elyse Hammett is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. She is responsible for overseeing the foundation’s communication strategies, public relations, and branding efforts. Hammett’s work ensures that the foundation’s mission and impact are effectively communicated to the public and stakeholders, enhancing its visibility and engagement.
Novella Noble – Vice President of People, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Novella Noble is the Vice President of People at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. In this role, she focuses on human resources and organizational development, ensuring that the foundation attracts, retains, and develops talented staff. Noble’s work contributes to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture that supports the foundation’s mission and goals.
Debbie Schumacher-Jones – Chief of Staff, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Debbie Schumacher-Jones serves as the Chief of Staff at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. She plays a key role in supporting the President and CEO, managing strategic initiatives, and coordinating cross-functional efforts within the foundation. Schumacher-Jones’s work is essential in driving the foundation’s operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Mark Sutton – Chief Financial Officer, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Mark Sutton is the Chief Financial Officer at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. He oversees the foundation’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and investment management. Sutton’s work ensures the foundation’s financial health and sustainability, enabling it to continue its philanthropic efforts and community impact.
Dr. Kristy Arnold – Director of Community Impact, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Dr. Kristy Arnold is the Director of Community Impact at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. She leads initiatives that address key community challenges through data-driven approaches and strategic partnerships. Arnold’s work focuses on creating measurable impact in areas such as education, health, and economic development, contributing to the foundation’s mission of fostering a more equitable Atlanta.
Conrhonda E. Baker – Program Officer, Arts, Culture, & Creative Enterprises, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Conrhonda E. Baker serves as the Program Officer for Arts, Culture, & Creative Enterprises at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. She brings over 10 years of experience working with donors, customers, and grantees from diverse backgrounds. Her role focuses on supporting and developing arts and cultural initiatives in the Greater Atlanta area.
Kevin C. Allen Nash – Director, Philanthropic & General Counsel, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Kevin C. Allen Nash, Esq., LL.M., is the Director of Philanthropic & General Counsel at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. With a background in law and education, Nash brings expertise in legal matters and philanthropic strategies to support the foundation’s mission and impact in the community.
Kimberly Spear – Director, Donor Engagement, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Kimberly Spear serves as the Director of Donor Engagement at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. In this role, she focuses on building and maintaining relationships with donors, ensuring their philanthropic goals align with the foundation’s mission and community needs.
Liz Liston – Director, Donor Relationships, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Liz Liston is the Director of Donor Relationships at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. She is responsible for planning and implementing fund development strategies, focusing on deepening relationships with donors to support the foundation’s philanthropic efforts.
Derin Dickerson – Chair, Atlanta Community Food Bank Board
Derin Dickerson serves as the Chair of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Board. As a partner at Alston & Bird LLP, he brings legal expertise to his role in guiding the food bank’s strategic direction and governance.
Althea Broughton – Vice Chair, Atlanta Community Food Bank Board
Althea Broughton is the Vice Chair of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Board. As a partner in the Real Estate practice at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, she contributes her expertise in affordable housing and community development to support the food bank’s mission.
Claire E. Sterk – Treasurer, Atlanta Community Food Bank Board
Dr. Claire E. Sterk, President Emerita and Charles Howard Candler Professor at Emory University, serves as the Treasurer of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Board. Her background in public health and leadership in higher education brings valuable insights to the organization’s financial oversight and strategic planning.
James Stevens – Chair, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
James Stevens, a banking and FinTech partner at Troutman Pepper, chairs the Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board. His expertise in financial services and corporate matters contributes to the food bank’s strategic initiatives and community impact.
Karen Houghton – Founder, Infinite Giving
Karen Houghton is the founder and CEO of Infinite Giving, a financial technology platform for nonprofits. Her work focuses on providing smarter investing solutions and amplifying giving for nonprofit organizations, contributing to the sector’s financial sustainability and growth.
David Abes – Dash Hospitality Group, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
David Abes, owner of DASH Hospitality Group, serves on the Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board. His extensive experience in the hospitality industry brings valuable insights to the food bank’s operations and community outreach efforts.
Wayne Bradly – Troutman Pepper, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Wayne Bradley, a corporate partner at Troutman Pepper, serves on the Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board. His legal expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and strategic matters contributes to the food bank’s governance and strategic planning.
Karen Brodie – Community Volunteer, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Karen Brodie serves as a community volunteer on the Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board. While specific details about her contributions are not provided in the search results, her role likely involves supporting the food bank’s community engagement and volunteer initiatives.
Marina Alden Bryant – Special Projects by Marina, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Marina Alden Bryant, owner of World Events, Inc., contributes her expertise in event planning and management to the Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board. Her experience in coordinating large-scale events and fundraising initiatives likely supports the food bank’s community outreach and fundraising efforts.
Joanne Bryant – Charles Schwab, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Joanne Bryant is a VP – Sr. Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab with over 24 years of professional experience. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and has been involved in various community initiatives, including chairing the Atlanta Food Bank Fashion Show. Her financial expertise likely contributes valuable insights to the Food Bank’s financial strategies and fundraising efforts.
Christine Conner – Switch Consulting, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Christine Conner is the Founder and Managing Partner of Switch Consulting Group, focusing on change management and organizational transformation. As an Advisory Board member for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, she likely brings her expertise in organizational change to help the Food Bank adapt and improve its operations and impact.
Jennifer Dunaway – J. Dunaway Public Relations, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Jennifer Dunaway has been serving on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank since April 2015. With her background in public relations, she likely contributes to the Food Bank’s communications and outreach strategies, helping to raise awareness and support for their mission to alleviate hunger.
Bart Edwards – Community Volunteer, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Bart Edwards serves as a community volunteer on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. While specific details about his professional background are not provided, his role as an advisor suggests he contributes to the strategic planning and community engagement efforts of the Food Bank, helping to address food insecurity in the Atlanta area.
Adam Emrich – Georgia Power, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Adam Emrich is a Director of Operations at Georgia Power Company. His experience in business operations and community affairs likely provides valuable insights to the Food Bank’s operational efficiency and community engagement strategies.
Lauren Fernandez – CEO, Founder at Full Course, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Lauren Fernandez is the CEO and Founder of Full Course, a company that invests in and grows food and restaurant brands. She has been serving on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank since June 2014. Her extensive experience in the food industry likely provides valuable insights into food supply chains and restaurant partnerships that can benefit the Food Bank’s operations.
Pat Ferrer – Orion Portfolio Solutions, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Pat Ferrer is associated with Orion Portfolio Solutions and serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. His expertise in financial services likely provides valuable insights into the Food Bank’s financial strategies and investment management, supporting its mission to alleviate hunger and improve food security.
Doug Foley – Center Cut Restaurant Group, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Doug Foley is the Operating Partner at Center Cut Restaurant Group and serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. With extensive experience in the restaurant industry since 2003, Foley brings valuable knowledge of food service and supply chain management to the Food Bank, contributing to its efforts to provide nutritious meals to those in need.
Jordy Gamson – IceBox, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Jordy Gamson serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. While specific details about his role at IceBox are not provided, his involvement suggests he contributes to the Food Bank’s strategic planning and community outreach efforts.
Amir Ghoddousi – Transportation Insight, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Amir Ghoddousi is currently VP of Client Acquisition at ShipBob and has been serving on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank since June 2022. His expertise in transportation and logistics likely provides valuable insights into the Food Bank’s distribution and supply chain operations.
Mark Griffin – Fifth Third Bank, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Mark Griffin is a Treasury Management Area Manager at Fifth Third Bank. His financial expertise, particularly in treasury management, likely contributes to the Food Bank’s financial strategies and operational efficiency.
Joanne Hayes – ValueStream Media Group, Simply Buckhead, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Joanne Hayes is the Publisher and Founder of Simply Buckhead Magazine and CEO of ValueStream Media Group. With over 26 years of experience in publishing, she launched Simply Buckhead in 2010, which has become a prominent lifestyle publication in Atlanta. Hayes serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, contributing her media expertise to support the organization’s mission to fight hunger. Her company, ValueStream Media Group, is also a media partner and sponsor for several nonprofit organizations, including CURE Childhood Cancer and Bert’s Big Adventure.
Shireen Herrington – Ford Fry Restaurants, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Shireen Herrington is associated with Ford Fry Restaurants and serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. With extensive experience in the restaurant industry, including roles as Event Sales Director and General Manager at Rocket Farm Restaurants, Herrington brings valuable insights from the food service sector to support the Food Bank’s mission. Her background in hospitality and event management likely contributes to the organization’s fundraising and community engagement efforts.
Katie Jones – Georgia Restaurant Association, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Katie Jones is the Director of Administration and Membership Engagement at the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA). In her role at GRA, she works to support and advocate for the restaurant industry in Georgia. As a member of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board, Jones brings her knowledge of the restaurant sector to help address food insecurity issues, likely facilitating partnerships between restaurants and the Food Bank to maximize impact in the community.
Nicole Kessell – Voya Financial, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Nicole Kessell is associated with Voya Financial and serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. While specific details about her role are not provided, her background in financial services likely brings valuable expertise in financial management and strategic planning to support the Food Bank’s operations and long-term sustainability.
Arvind Krishnaswami – MedLytix, LLC, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Arvind Krishnaswami is affiliated with MedLytix, LLC and serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. His background in healthcare analytics (as suggested by his association with MedLytix) likely provides valuable insights into data-driven decision-making and efficiency improvements for the Food Bank’s operations and impact assessment.
Jennifer Lamourt – The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, Atlanta Community Food Bank Advisory Board
Jennifer Lamourt is associated with The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta and serves on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Her experience in the luxury hospitality industry likely brings expertise in customer service, event planning, and community relations to the Food Bank. Lamourt’s role probably involves leveraging her hospitality network to support fundraising efforts and raise awareness about food insecurity issues in the Atlanta area.
We hope this list inspires you to recognize and support the incredible work being done by these nonprofit leaders in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Their dedication and impact are vital to the community’s growth and well-being. NonProfits.Club is committed to fostering a strong network of nonprofit professionals and supporters. If you know of any other influential nonprofit leaders in Atlanta who should be included in this list, please reach out to us. Together, we can continue to celebrate and empower those who are making a difference. Visit NonProfits.Club to learn more and get involved.
