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The Herman J. RussellCEO of the YearMAYOR ANDRE DICKENS2025 ABL CEO LUNCHEON HONOREEBIOBIO

Andre Dickens is the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, a proud native of the city and a graduate of Atlanta Public Schools. Since taking oice in January 2022, he has been committed to Moving Atlanta Forward through a focus on public safety, youth empowerment, aordable housing, and neighborhood investment—while upholding a culture of integrity within city government. Mayor Dickens envisions “One city with one bright future”—a safe, connected, and equitable Atlanta where every resident can thrive. During his rst term, he has launched Atlanta’s rst-ever investment in early childhood education, reestablished the Pothole Posse, created the Nightlife Division to curb crime at problematic venues, and successfully led the eort to prevent the city’s de-annexation. Before becoming mayor, Dickens served two terms as a citywide Atlanta City Council member. He championed initiatives around public safety, transportation, housing, youth development, and senior services. He chaired the Transportation Committee and played a key role in creating the Department of Transportation, establishing the BeltLine Inclusionary Zoning policy, and launching the $40 million Housing Opportunity Bond. He also sponsored the Atlanta Youth Commission, co-created the BeltLine senior housing rehab program, and introduced the Teen Midnight Basketball League—an initiative combining recreation with life skills and education workshops. Dickens holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University. His professional background includes over a decade as an entrepreneur, including co-founding City Living Home Furnishings, which became a multi-million-dollar business. He also served as Chief Development Oicer for TechBridge, where he co-founded the Technology Career Program to train and place unemployed and disadvantaged individuals in tech careers. At Georgia Tech, he helped lead diversity initiatives that boosted academic performance and graduation rates for Black male students. A man of faith and community, Mayor Dickens is a deacon at New Horizon Baptist Church and has served on boards including the Atlanta BeltLine, Invest Atlanta, TechBridge, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. He’s also an alumnus of Leadership Atlanta, Diversity Leadership Atlanta, and other civic programs. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, attending church, listening to live music, traveling, and cheering on Atlanta’s sports teams.