Welcome to LEAD, Class of 2027. We look forward to a transformative year ahead!
To check out who is in next year’s cohort, go to our website: /currentclasslead
LEAD Class of 2027 Co-Chairs: Merry Hunter Caudle, CEcD LEAD ‘20 and Kelly Harper Lee LEAD ‘22
Calling all Atlanta Non-Profits: Our 2027 Community Capacity Project Application is LIVE!
We’re excited to launch the 2026-2027 Leadership Atlanta and LEAD Atlanta Community Capacity Projects to support Atlanta region nonprofits with the extra support and tools they need to increase impact.
Selected nonprofits will receive a year’s worth of pro-bono consulting support from 10 Leadership Atlanta or LEAD Atlanta class members representing some of Atlanta’s brightest minds to advance a strategic organizational priority.
To see a glimpse of the impact, check out this video from the LEAD Class of 2026 and their partnership with Center for Puppetry Arts. Featuring: Danielle Cassady, Marcus Fitts, Qazi Haq, Gavin Guidry, Marvel Myrtile, Leandro Zaneti, Kari Saunders. If you want to learn more, DM US!
LEAD Alumni Master Class Spotlight
We were thrilled to host a full room yesterday morning at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America headquarters for an engaging session on Strategic Volunteering.
Heather Rocker ‘19 equipped LEAD alumni with actionable strategies to identify growth opportunities, align personal and professional goals, and leverage volunteering as a powerful tool for authentically connecting and brand building.
A special thank you to our LEAD alumni community, representing more than 20 years of classes, for your continued engagement and commitment—and to Heather for leading such an impactful conversation.
TO OUR COMMUNITY’S NON-PROFIT LEADERS, BOARD MEMBERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS:
You work tirelessly every day on your missions to better our community so we would like to return the favor!
We’re excited to launch the 2026-2027 Leadership Atlanta and LEAD Atlanta Community Capacity Projects to support Atlanta region nonprofits with the extra support and tools they need to increase impact.
Selected nonprofits will receive a year’s worth of pro-bono consulting support from 10 Leadership Atlanta or LEAD Atlanta class members representing some of Atlanta’s brightest minds to advance a strategic organizational priority.
To learn more about the opportunity, see the RFP here: https://lnkd.in/etPmSDtC
We are offering two upcoming info sessions for Q and A. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eTq32Twf
To apply for the opportunity, complete the application here: https://lnkd.in/exmneejE
Congratulations to the LEAD Class of 2026 on completing an incredible program year. Welcome to the LEAD Alumni Association, where the learning continues and your commitment to civic engagement in Atlanta grows even stronger.
Proud to have hosted my LEAD Atlanta Class of 2026 and a few alumni for a Wellness Immersion at Life Time Buckhead.
We started with an energizing cycle ride, flowed into yoga, and closed with a restorative sound bath! A reminder that strong leaders also prioritize their wellbeing.
We wrapped the afternoon with light bites, conversation, and the kind of community that makes Atlanta special.
Grateful for this group and the opportunity to create space for leaders to recharge.
#LEADAtlanta #AtlantaLeaders #LifeTimeBuckhead
Legacies in Leadership Recap
Last night, a group of LEAD Atlanta alumni had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Deb Houry, MD, MPH ‘13, former Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director at the CDC, who served through four administrations and seven CDC directors.
Andrew J. Clark, LEAD ’25, captured several key takeaways from the conversation:
• Prepare for change before the change arrives
• Your team takes cues from you, especially in moments of chaos
• Decisions made with integrity are the ones you can stand behind long term
• Know what your red lines are
We thank Deb for sharing her time and treasure, and for all that she has done to make our country healthier and safer.
Throwback Thursday to last week’s LEAD Class of 2026 Community Issues Day focused on Affordable Housing. This interactive day featured candid, data-driven discussions grounded in real-life experiences, along with site visits and expert speakers who explored the affordable housing issue, potential solutions, and the critical role of public and private partnerships.
We thank our gracious host CHRIS 180 for being part of such an important day.
Thank you to our program chairs: Elizabeth Banks, MPH LEAD ‘24, Candice Jordan, CAP® LEAD ‘13, and Ryan Woods LEAD ‘24 for curating an exceptional day.
Speakers and Site Visits:
Matt Delicata, Strategic Real Estate Advisor, City of Atlanta
Chanel Zeisel, Director of Housing Policy, City of Atlanta Gregory Edward LEAD ’25, Vice President of Acquisitions, Integral
Mandy Eidson, Director, Business Development & Community Engagement, Self-Help Credit Union
Jimiyu Evans, Chief Executive Officer, PCCI
Lauren Fareiera
Camille Sims Russell, MS, Vice President of Programs and Implementation, Partners for HOME
Brock Thompson, Southeast Director of Development, Gorman USA
Dr. Mary Kuku, Senior Manager of Population Health and Community Benefits, Grady Health Systems
Darion Dunn, P.E. ’20, Managing Partner, Atlantica Properties
Rosalyn Merrick, Chief Executive Officer, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
- 2 Peachtree (thank you Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD!)
- The Melody
- Waterworks
- City of Refuge
- CHRIS 180
- Finley Street Cottages (thank you, Will Johnston LEAD ‘12!)
What happens when community leaders come together to focus on the real issues facing Atlanta’s children and families? Action follows.
CHRIS 180 was proud to host @lead_Atlanta for their Community Issues Day. It was a meaningful opportunity to bring leaders inside our work and into conversations that shape long-term impact.
Over the past several weeks, we have partnered with a LEAD Atlanta cohort to develop a comprehensive partnership strategy that strengthens collaboration across metro Atlanta. Strong partnerships expand access to behavioral health counseling, family support, and community-based services.
We are grateful for their engagement and commitment to building stronger systems of care.
Learn more about our work and how to partner with CHRIS 180 by visiting our website.
#CHRIS180 #Atlanta #Leadatlanta
Last week, our LEAD alumni community celebrated the Lunar New Year along Buford Highway, gathering at Northern China Eatery, Kamayan Filipino Restaurant, and Minhwa Spirits to honor culture and meaningful connection.
