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45th Annual CEO Program Book

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Annual CEO AwardsLuncheonTuesday | June 11, 2024 | 11:30 AMAtlanta Marriott Marquis | 265 Peachtree Center Ave. | Atlanta, GA 30303 

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3Greetings:There are people who walk among us who see obstacles yet, find ways to navigate around or conquer them. This year we honor five who have spent their professional lives accomplishing amazing feats and living up to the theme of this year’s Atlanta Business League CEO Awards Luncheon. All the people we will recognize this year are CHANGEMAK-ERS who turn PROBLEMS into POSSIBILITIES. The Atlanta Business League established the CEO awards ceremony to highlight such people in 1979. Georgia-born Jimmy Carter was president of the United States, and the governor of this state was a Democrat that year. Attitudes about workforce development had started to change. But the change wasn’t taking place quickly and Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson, had riled the status quo during his second term in office. He wanted to see more African Ameri-can business owners and professionals have access to the opportunities that existed all over the metro Atlanta area. Some leaders of that era understood that building a vibrant and sustainable community could only happen when busi-ness talent from all communities was included. The Atlanta Business League wanted to recognize these far-sighted men and women and established the CEO awards program to do so. Atlanta has since burgeoned into an internationally known city and a place where several multinational companies have headquarters. Still, in 2024, limitations and divisive attitudes restrict workforce inclusivity. It is specifically fitting at this time to laud enterprises that utilized the wealth of Black business talent that metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia have to offer. The Atlanta Business League has always advocated the kind of social consciousness that seeks to lift all boats in the rising tide of prosperity. We have done this for more than 100 years. Few advocacy groups from any other cultural or ethnic group can make that statement. So, it is with pride and admiration that we recognize our honorees both as corporate citizens who care about their com-munity and as exceptional truth-tellers who understand the need for diversity in commerce. Our honorees are: • Keith Parker, Goodwill of North Georgia, CEO, recipient of the Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year• Tharon Johnson, The Paramount Consulting Group, Founder & CEO, recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award • Nikema Williams, Congresswoman Georgia’s 5th District, recipient of the Catalyst Award• Michael Thurmond, DeKalb County CEO, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award• Eric Pinckney, President of Program Management, The Integral Group, recipient of the Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. League Leadership Award. We hope the stories you hear about the lives of each person will motivate you in your personal quest for goals and dreams. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to join us and thank you for supporting the Atlanta Business League. Sincerely,Ryan WilsonBoard Chair A Message from the Board Chair and the President & CEOLeona Barr-DavenportPresident & CEO

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4BUILDING A BETTERWORLD WITH THE POWER OF ALLWe are driven to take diversity, equity, and inclusion further. A train runs on the strength of the people behind it. At Norfolk Southern, we run on the strength of our diversity. That’s why we work with organizations like the Atlanta Business League to create a culture of respect and lay the foundation for a more inclusive tomorrow. Together, we can all achieve more. See how we lead the way to a greater future at NorfolkSouthern.com. © 2024 Norfolk Southern. All Rights Reserved.451655 ABL ad for 2024 CEO Luncheon.indd 1451655 ABL ad for 2024 CEO Luncheon.indd 1 4/30/2024 3:32:42 PM4/30/2024 3:32:42 PM

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5Welcome..................................... Shon Gables Anchor, Atlanta News FirstGreeting & Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leona Barr-Davenport President & CEO, Atlanta Business LeagueInvocation.................................... Rev. K.L. Alexander Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church North LuncheonAwards PresentationTHOMAS W. DORTCH, JR. LEAGUE LEADERSHIP AWARDPresenter..................................... Andrella Kenner Founder, CEO & President, CI² Aviation Inc.Honoree...................................... Eric Pinckney Legacy Principal, Integral Group, LLCDISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDPresenter.....................................Al Edwards Chief Executive Officer & President, C.E.R.M.Honoree...................................... The Honorable Michael L. Thurmond Chief Executive Officer, DeKalb CountyCATALYST AWARDPresenter.....................................Valerie Nesbitt Director Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability, Norfolk SouthernHonoree...................................... The Honorable Nikema Williams Congresswoman, Fifth DistrictENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDPresenter..................................... Andrew Morse President & Publisher, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Honoree...................................... Tharon Johnson Founder & CEO, Paramount Consultant GroupHERMAN J. RUSSELL CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDPresenter.....................................Ryan Wilson Co-founder & CEO, The Gathering SpotHonoree...................................... Keith T. Parker President & CEO, Goodwill of North GeorgiaClosing Remarks...............................Leona Barr-Davenport45TH ANNUAL CEO AWARDS CEREMONY11:30 AM • Atlanta Marriott Marquis

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HERE, HISTORY ISN’T JUST THE PAST. HISTORY IS STILL IN THE MAKING EVERY SINGLE DAY. Atlanta’s rich heritage is deep, progressive, thriving and continuously evolving.The culture of our city is one that few can rival with diverse, creative, innovative communities that leave lasting legacies which continue to influence the world. Atlanta has been recognized for its history and cultural offerings, named to prestigious Best Places to Travel and Best of the World lists in 2022 and 2023, and became the seventh MICHELIN Guide destination in the U.S. in 2023. Visit our site to learn more about ATL Unguided and the experiences behind these accolades.scan andDISCOVER MOREAWARDED BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL 2023money.comDiscoverAtlanta.com

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7 History of the Atlanta Business League The Atlanta Business League (ABL) was established in 1933 as an aliate of the Naonal Business League, founded in 1900 by Dr. Booker T. Washington. The Naonal Business League was commied from its incepon to a strong, comprehensive program of self-help and self-suciency that encourages civic pride and community re-investment. The Atlanta Business League was formed on the same premise and principles. Serving the role of minority business developer and advocate, the ABL seeks to provide economic empowerment and business development opportunies for minories throughout the metropolitan Atlanta region. The ABL is a strong force for posive growth whose programs and iniaves have fostered business relaonships that have translated to hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and new business start-ups. It serves as one voice for many small businesses, using their collecve power to inuence the course of events economically, polically, and socially. As challenges arise, the ABL connues to resolve them. MISSION, GOALS & BENEFITS Mission: The Atlanta Business League fosters the growth, creaon, and development of successful business enterprises that are owned, operated, and managed by African Americans in metropolitan Atlanta. Goals: • Implement programs that promote the development of African-American business and entrepreneurship • Develop and implement iniaves that support African-American businesses • Implement programs that promote increased access to business opportunies and capital • Encourage the support and patronage of businesses owned by African Americans Benets: • Aliaon with a well-networked, business development organizaon that advocates on behalf of minority-owned businesses • Networking opportunies during Business Power Forums, Business Enrichment Seminars and events • Weekly News Exchange with informaon for and about member businesses and our corporate partners • Educaonal training opportunies for business owners and sta • Markeng and promoon of member businesses, via the ABL website • Special discounts and more

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WE ARE THE JAZZ OF THE CITY – WCLK.COM

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9Media SponsorsAmerican TechnologiesAtlanta News FirstNK DivisionsThe Atlanta InquirerThe Atlanta VoiceAudio/visual SponsorsA1 Audio Visual2024 CEO Awards Luncheon SponsorsGoldSilverBronzePresenting

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Congratulations to the 2024 Atlanta Business League CEO Award Honorees. CHANGE MAKERSHere’s to theTRAILBLAZERSMOLD BREAKERS© 2024 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc. kp.org

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11 CEO AWARDS CATEGORIES HERMAN J. RUSSELL CEO OF THE YEAR AWARD is the most prestigious recognition any CEO can receive. This award recognizes the true measure of a CEO’s success -- commitment and fairness to people – while maximizing shareholder profits. In today's world, that is very challenging. The CEO of the Year has an unparalleled commitment to fairness as demonstrated by his/her commitment to minority business enterprise programs even when it is unpopular amongst many of his/her corporate colleagues. ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD (formerly referred to as Corporation of the Year) recognizes an outstanding minority business owner who is a proven leader within his/her industry which is evidenced by financial success and commitment to community service. Business savvy and tenacity are key components of this CEO’s success. TRAIL BLAZER AWARD recognizes an individual who has demonstrated pioneering attributes in providing opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises and the minority community at large; has reached the top in his/her profession; and has made an impression on the Atlanta community through business and civic leadership. CATALYST AWARD recognizes the contributions of an elected official for his/her effort in enhancing opportunities for minority businesses. The Atlanta Business League understands and appreciates the personal sacrifice people working to serve the public make and recognizes the vision and unwavering dedication needed to be successful in that role. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD recognizes an individual who has distinguished him/herself as both a community and civic leader in Atlanta and throughout the nation. THOMAS W. DORTCH, JR. LEAGUE LEADERSHIP AWARD is the ultimate badge of honor for an Atlanta Business League member. This award recognizes the ABL volunteer who continuously makes significant contributions to the mission and goals of the League. VISIONS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD recognizes an individual within our community who is committed to a vision for Atlanta and surrounding communities. It is a vision of harmony and safety and is responsive to the needs of all citizens with fair and just economic parity. To understand this, one must be able to envision the dream -- believe it possible -- and be an active participant & developer in the realization of it. CHAIRMAN’S AWARD allows the ABL leader to share thoughts about why a particular person or institution should be recognized for the good things they have done to impact the community at large.

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12TThhee AAttllaannttaa IInnqquuiirreerr nneewwssppaappeerr CCeelleebbrraatteess AAnnnnuuaall CCEEOO AAwwaarrddss LLuunncchheeoonn Hon. Nikema N. Williams Hon. Michael L. Thurmond Tharon Johnson Keith T. Parker Eric L. Pinckney Catalyst Award Distinguished Service Award Entrepreneur of the Year Award Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year Award Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. League Leadership Award 

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13Partners for Corporate GrowthCompanies committed to the growth and development of minority-owned businesses.4 38TH ANNUAL SUPER TUESDAY CONFERENCEPartners for Corporate GrowthCompanies committed to the growth and development of minority owned businesses.4 38TH ANNUAL SUPER TUESDAY CONFERENCEPartners for Corporate GrowthCompanies committed to the growth and development of minority owned businesses.4 38TH ANNUAL SUPER TUESDAY CONFERENCEPartners for Corporate GrowthCompanies committed to the growth and development of minority owned businesses.4 38TH ANNUAL SUPER TUESDAY CONFERENCEPartners for Corporate GrowthCompanies committed to the growth and development of minority owned businesses.4 38TH ANNUAL SUPER TUESDAY CONFERENCEPartners for Corporate GrowthCompanies committed to the growth and development of minority owned businesses.

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Eric Pinckney is a legacy principal at The Integral Group (Integral), an Atlanta-based, mission driven real estate development and investment management firm. He came to Atlanta, GA to study Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he was tutored youth and assisted the resident association, further encouraging his lifelong commitment to developing the proverbial African village. “It takes a village to raise a child.”Pinckney volunteered as a tutor and coach to children at Techwood/Clark Howell Homes, a nearby housing project in 1980. His witness of the negative effects of gentrification in Boston led him to advise residents to reject offers from real estate developers because he believed the best way to build sustainable communities was to create villages like the one he experienced in Roxbury.After graduating, Pinckney spent the first three years of his career in mechanical engineering in Orlando and Chicago, before returning to Atlanta in 1989. He returned to find a different community. By 1990, 30313, the zip code for Georgia Tech and Techwood Homes, was the most violent zip code in America. It is under this backdrop that Pinckney, coached by Dr. Norman Johnson, PhD, sought to find innovative ways to rebuild communities.After Dr. Johnson introduced Pinckney to Egbert Perry, Pinckney learned that real estate development could recreate economic diversity that had existed before the age of the outlawing of racial segregation. He then changed his educational focus to make his passion for building functioning communities into a profession. He then pursued a master’s degree in City Planning from Georgia’s Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, Pinckney was hired by Integral, where he has spent 30 years developing economically sustainable communities.Throughout his 30-year career, Pinckney led neighborhood revitalization projects in Richmond, VA., Baltimore, MD., Washington, DC, Memphis, TN and Denver, CO. In 2002, he was named Vice President of Operations for Integral’s development division. During that time, his dream of creating sustainable neighborhoods was becoming a reality for families and businesses all over the country.He credits mentorship from Dr. Johnson, Perry, and Renee Glover, former president, and chief executive officer of the Atlanta Housing Authority, for helping him and Integral create some of the most successful and transformative residential developments in the nation.Some of Pinckney’s notable projects include the City of Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy Program, Assembly at Doraville, Microsoft’s acquisition of Quarry Yards. He is currently working with the 2 Peachtree Street project team towards the revitalization of Downtown Atlanta’s Five Points district.Pinckney earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in City Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology. As a husband and father of two sons, Pinckney remains committed to building sustainable communities through his work and service on several boards, including the Atlanta Business League, Arthur Blank Family Youth YMCA, The Ascent Project, Commitment to Excellence, The Alliance at Cook Park, GTFCA, and Trustee for Central United Methodist Church. Pinckney is an active, life-member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.Eric PinckneyLegacy PrincipalThe Integral GroupThomas W. Dortch, Jr. League Leadership18

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15www.TheAtlantaVoice.comSEE MORE ONLINEHonoring the LegacyofThe Black Press“A People Without A Voice Cannot Be Heard”The Atlanta Voice’s mission is to help shape the narrative about the African American diaspora by producing and distributing compelling content across multiple platforms that will change and guide the world’s view of what it truly means to be Black in America

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16Michael L. Thurmond won a 2016 landslide victory to become chief executive officer of DeKalb County, one of the most diverse counties in the Southeast. Since his Jan. 1, 2017 swearing-in, Thurmond’s primary mission is restoring trust in county government. His other priorities include adopting a balanced budget, ensuring accurate water bills, removing blight, offering summer youth employment, improving employee compensation, and fulfilling the federal/state sewer consent agreement.Thurmond, a former member of the Georgia General Assembly and the first African-American elected to a statewide office without prior appointment, is widely regarded as a “turnaround expert” after fundamentally transforming the culture and enhancing operations of complex organizations such as the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, the Georgia Department of Labor and the DeKalb County School District.As superintendent of DeKalb schools, Thurmond is credited with stabilizing the system during a governance crisis, upgrading its threatened accreditation, eliminating a multimillion-dollar deficit, and improving student academic performance and graduation rates.Thurmond was raised as a sharecropper’s son in Clarke County, Georgia. He graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and religion from Paine College and later earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina’s School of Law. He also completed the Political Executives program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.In 1986, he became the first African-American elected to the Georgia General Assembly from Clarke County since Reconstruction. During his legislative tenure, Thurmond authored major legislation that provided more than $250 million in tax relief to Georgia’s senior citizens and working families.Thurmond received a gubernatorial appointment to lead the state Division of Family and Children Services and direct Georgia’s historic transition from welfare to work. He created the innovative Work First program, which helped more than 90,000 welfare-dependent Georgia families move from dependence into the workforce.In 1997, Thurmond became a distinguished lecturer at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The following year, he was elected Georgia labor commissioner.During his three terms as labor commissioner, Thurmond’s most significant achievement was the construction of a $20 million school for children with disabilities at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute.Thurmond’s latest book, Freedom: Georgia’s Antislavery Heritage, 1733-1865, was awarded the Georgia Historical Society’s Lilla Hawes Ward. In 2004, The Georgia Center for the Book listed Freedom as one of The 25 Books All Georgian’s Should Read. He serves on the University of Georgia Libraries Board of Visitors. He is married to Zola Fletcher Thurmond, and they have one daughter, Mikaya.The Hon. Michael ThurmondChief Executive OfficerDeKalb CountyDistinguished Service

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18Congresswoman Nikema Williams has been a fierce advocate for social justice, women and families throughout her political and professional career.As a Member of Congress, Congresswoman Williams continues to uplift the legacy of her mentor and predecessor, Congressman John Lewis, by fighting to prevent voter suppression and expand free and fair access to the ballot box. She always centers the voices of those who are most marginalized. She brings this concern to Congress having seen firsthand how women and people of color continue to fight for racial and social justice in our country.Congresswoman Williams was elected as the Freshman Class President for the 117th Congress. As President, she organized and advanced the interests of her Freshmen Democratic colleagues to fulfill their oath to work for the people. She has membership in several caucuses including the Congressional Black Caucus, Demo-cratic Women’s Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Voting Rights Caucus, LBGTQ+ Equality Caucus and the HBCU Caucus.Congresswoman Williams has a passion for a number of legislative issues including voting rights, reproductive justice, social justice, economic justice and healthcare—her work addresses delivering on the promise of America for all.Congresswoman Williams has a history of advancing the issues that matter to Geor-gians and underserved people across the country, regardless of their bank account or ZIP code. Before her congressional service, Congresswoman Williams served in the Georgia State Senate. As a State Senator, Williams got in the “Good Trouble” Congressman Lewis spoke about. In the wake of the disastrous 2018 Georgia elec-tions, marked with rampant voter suppression, she was arrested at the Georgia State Capitol while peacefully protesting with her constituents, demanding that ev-ery vote be counted.Congresswoman Williams was born in Columbus, GA and raised by her grandpar-ents in Smiths Station, Alabama. She attended Talladega College – a liberal arts Historically Black College (HBCU) in Talladega, Alabama – where she was initiated into Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.Congresswoman Williams has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s 100 Most Influential Georgians, Forty under Forty, Power 30 Under 30, Outstanding Atlanta, and Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. As State Senator, she received the Fresh-man Legislator of the Year award from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and the 2020 Pinnacle Leadership Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Recently, she was awarded the ACLU of Georgia’s Dare to Create – Liberty Award.Congresswoman Williams and her husband, Leslie Small, reside in Atlanta with their son, Carter.The Hon. Nikema WilliamsCongress WomanGeorgia’s 5th District Catalyst of the Year

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Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been promoting financial dignity through financial literacy for communities throughout the U.S. Working with strategic corporate, financial, government and community partners, we help power access to the American dream through access to education and opportunity. Together, we are creating a safer, stronger Atlanta — one client, business, homeowner, and neighborhood at a time.At HOPE, we’re dedicated to transforming communities with financial literacy.Building a Stronger Atlanta,with HOPE.

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20Tharon Johnson is the founder and CEO of Paramount Consulting Group, a full service, bipartisan government affairs and communications firm based in Atlanta, serving clients in the corporate and political sectors.A nationally recognized political strategist and trusted community leader, Tharon appears each week on Fox 5 Atlanta’s longest-running public affairs program, “The Georgia Gang” and on 90.1 WABE-FM’s popular “Political Breakfast” podcast, ranked among the top 40 political podcasts nationally. He is also the author of the award-winning column “Red, Blue, and You,” which can be found monthly in Georgia Trend magazine.Tharon advises elected officials at the highest levels of government. Most recently he served as a senior advisor to the Biden-Harris campaign in the battleground state of Georgia. He has served at senior levels of federal, state, and local campaigns, including for President Barack Obama, Congressman John Lewis, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Congressman John Barrow and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.He appears regularly as a key contributor on news shows, including CNN, MSNBC and Atlanta’s WSB-TV, providing timely insights on political developments at the national, state and local levels. He also is frequently quoted in Newsweek, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Politico, Roll Call, The Hill and other notable publications.Tharon was named both a “Top Lobbyist” and one of the “Top 25 Most Influential Georgians” by James Magazine. The magazine has also repeatedly recognized Paramount Consulting Group as one of Georgia’s top small, non-law firm affiliated lobbying firms. He was also named one of Atlanta’s most powerful leaders in 2023 and Atlanta Business League’s entrepreneur of the year for 2024. He was the youngest and first African American to receive the “Campaign Manager of the Year” distinction from the American Association of Political Consultants. In addition to his political honors, Tharon was also awarded the “Unsung Hero Award” by his alma mater Clark Atlanta University for outstanding contributions in Arts & Sciences. His board positions include the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, Leadership Atlanta, First Tee Metro Atlanta, Clark Atlanta University, and Atlanta Ballet.Tharon is married to dermatologist Dr. Chynna Johnson, who owns and manages her own practice with offices in Atlanta and Alpharetta. They have two young sons, Tyeson and Tatum.Paramount Consulting Group specializes in government affairs, lobbying, campaign strategy and communications. Leveraging deep relationships from across the aisle, the firm supports clients through a variety of complex needs, providing strategic guidance and solutions that drive results.Tharon JohnsonFounder and CEOParamount Consulting GroupEntrepreneur of the Year

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THEATLANTA BRAVESARE PROUDTO SUPPORT THEATLANTA BUSINESS LEAGUE

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22Keith T. Parker, a seasoned executive with a rich history of board service and CEO experience, is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Goodwill of North Georgia (GNG). GNG, one of the largest retail and nonprofit organizations in the southeast, operates across a 45-county territory with 69 stores, 49 attended dona-tion centers, and 14 career centers.Parker’s leadership has been instrumental in GNG’s success, employing over 3,000 team members who play a direct or supporting role in the organization’s operations. Annually, GNG serves more than 7 million shoppers and, through the revenue gener-ated in its stores, trains and connects tens of thousands of North Georgians to em-ployment annually. This has established GNG as the #1 Goodwill in the nation for connecting people to jobs among its 158 affiliates.Before his tenure at GNG, which began in October 2017, Parker served as CEO of the largest transit systems in several cities, including San Antonio, Charlotte, and most re-cently, Atlanta. His five-year leadership at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Au-thority (MARTA) transformed it from a beleaguered transit agency with major budget deficits and public image issues into a fiscally sound, award-winning organization.Parker’s leadership roles have not been limited to executive positions. He has a long history of service to nonprofit, charitable, and corporate boards. He remains active and engaged with the Rotary Club of Atlanta, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Fire & Rescue Foundation, Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Learn4Life, and Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.On a national level, Parker serves on several prominent boards including The Eno Center for Transportation while having served on National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), to which he was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016. On the corporate side, Parker serves on the Fifth Third Bank Advisory Board as well as the VHB Architecture and Engineering Board of Directors. Recently, Parker began his tenure on the board of Directors at Wellstar Health System, a hybrid corporate and nonprofit board.Parker’s commitment to his alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is notable. He received the VCU Alumni Star Award in 2015, followed by successive appointments to the VCU Board of Visitors by Governor Terry McAuliffe (2016) and Governor Ralph Northam (2020). More recently, Parker was unanimously elected Rector and Chairman of the VCU Board of Visitors, further highlighting his board leadership experience.Throughout his career, Parker has received numerous awards and accolades as a transformational leader and transportation visionary. He has won multiple CEO awards in multiple states and was recognized as the nation’s Outstanding Public Transportation Manager by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in 2015. In 2023, Parker was selected to be added to the Titan 100 Hall of Fame.Parker and his wife are natives of Virginia and have 3 children. He holds an MBA from the University of Richmond.Keith T. ParkerPresident and Chief Executive OfficerGoodwill of North Georgia Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year

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DeKalb County congratulates CEO Michael Thurmond forproviding transformational leadership to move DeKalb County forward! DEKALBCOUNTYGA.GOV(404) 371-2000@ITSINDEKALBCongratulations!CEO MICHAEL THURMONDATL_BusLeageAd2024_FNL.indd 1ATL_BusLeageAd2024_FNL.indd 1 6/4/24 3:26 PM6/4/24 3:26 PM

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2024 CEO Awards Luncheon Selection CommitteeAl Edwards - Chief Executive Officer & President, C.E.R.M.Tiffany Callaway Ferrell - Vice President of Operations, Atlanta Gas Light & Chattanooga Gas CompanyDaryll H. Griffin - President, Accolades, Inc. Milton H. Jones - Founding Member, Peachtree Providence Partners, LLCAndrella Kenner - Founder, CEO & President, CI² Aviation, Inc.C. David Moody - President & CEO, C.D. Moody Construction CompanyErica Qualls-Battey - Area General Manager, Marriott International, Atlanta Marriott MarquisRyan Wilson - CEO & Co-founder, The Gathering SpotAtlanta Business League Staff and ContributorsLeona Barr-Davenport, President & CEOTerrisita Terry, Director of OperationsQuentin White, Client Services ManagerEbony Williams, Administrative AssistantMarti Covington, Executive ProducerOwen Montague, IT ConsultantReggie Tolbert, Graphic Design24

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ATLANTA BUSINESS LEAGUE PROGRAMS AND EVENTS BUSINESS ENRICHMENT SEMINAR SERIES The Atlanta Business League ulizes the Business Enrichment Seminar Series (BESS) to provide its members with educaonal experiences, training, and consulng that provide members with signicant opportunies for personal and individual business growth. BUSINESS POWER FORUM The Atlanta Business League Business Power Forum (BPF) is an educaonal gathering where aendees can hear from successful local and naonal entrepreneurs, CEOs of major corporaons, and leaders of key Atlanta organizaons. Aendees learn from the experiences of these seasoned business professionals and gain valuable ps while also enjoying networking with the speakers and other ABL members. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) APPRECIATION LUNCHEON The Atlanta Business League (ABL) recognizes local chief execuve ocers (CEOs) for outstanding parcipaon in minority vendor development and community acvies. These CEOs are recognized, in part, for their vital support of the ABL’s work of promong economic equality for minority-owned enterprises. CONGRESS ON THE STATE OF BLACK BUSINESS The Atlanta Business League collaborates with other key organizaons to host the Congress on the State of Black Business in metro Atlanta. The Congress is a forum for reviewing the current economic outlook, showcasing business opportunies, and creang networking opportunies. MEN OF INFLUENCE RECEPTION & INDUCTION CEREMONY Each year the Atlanta Business League releases its list of Atlanta’s most Inuenal Black Men during a recepon and inducon ceremony. These “Men of Inuence” have demonstrated their commitment to the cizens of metro Atlanta by maintaining signicant involvement and parcipaon in community and civic acvies. WOMEN OF VISION BREAKFAST The Atlanta Business League published its inaugural list of “Atlanta’s Top 100 Black Women of Inuence” in 1994. The WOV Breakfast provides an educaonal opportunity for individuals at all levels, from students to corporate execuves, to meet and interact with women in leading posions throughout metro Atlanta. SUPER TUESDAY CONFERENCE The Atlanta Business League provides workshops and training for parcipants and recognizes African-American female business owners and professionals from all walks of life. Super Tuesday Conference aendees are primarily business owners and professionals, especially women, from throughout the metro Atlanta community. ANNUAL MEETING The Atlanta Business League Annual Meeng serves as a yearly recap that recognizes the achievements that the ABL and its members have made throughout the year. The event also recognizes African American-owned businesses that have been in operaon connuously for 25 years or more and holds an inducon ceremony to enter them into the ABL Business Hall of Fame. STUDENT BUSINESS SHADOW PROJECT The ABL provides high school juniors and seniors with hands-on, real-world access to African-American business owners and their companies to encourage them to explore careers in business. The Student Business Shadow Project (SBSP) provides the students with exposure to professionals in corporate America as well as minority business owners and their employees. ABL CARES The ABL CARES iniave is a coordinated eort to channel the nancial and volunteer resources of ABL members and their associates to benet the Atlanta metro community. TUESDAY TALKS WITH ABL CEOs The Tuesday Talks with ABL CEOs allows members to meet with metro Atlanta CEOs and community leaders in small group sengs. The Tuesday Talks are quarterly, 90-minute roundtables that are typically held at the oce of the host CEO. During the talks, CEOs engage ABL members in a candid exchange of ideas and informaon. THE BRIDGE The (ABL) Bridge consists of young entrepreneurs and professionals aged 21 to 40. It connects the exisng ABL structure to a new wave of younger entrepreneurs through programming that is focused on their needs. 26

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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Date: ____________/_________/__________ Company: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________________________State: _______Zip:____________ Telephone: (______) ______________ Fax: (______) _______________ E-mail: ____________________________ Web site address: ________________________________ NAICS Code(s): __________ ___________ _________ Name of CEO/President/Owner: ____________________________________________________________________ Applicant’s Name:________________________________________________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Product/Service: _________________________________________________________________________________ (As it would be listed in the “Yellow Pages”) Ownership: □Minority □Majority Type of Business: □Services □Retail □Manufacturer □Wholesaler □Government Non-Profit □Other-Specify: ________________ Revenue: □$1-$250K □$250K-$500K □$500K-$1 Million □$1 Million + Year Business Started: _______ # of Employees: □ 1–5 □ 6–10 □ 11–20 □ 21–50 □ 51–100 □ 100 + Age of Applicant: □1900-1945 □1946-1964 □1965-1980 □1981-→ Method of Payment: □ Check □ Master Card □ Visa □ American Express Account #: _____________________________________ Exp. Date: _____/_____/_____ Signature: _____________________________________ Credit/Debit Card CVV Code: _____________  MEMBERSHIP TYPE REVENUE DUES Memberships Incl. Corporate Business > $5 Million $2,500.00 2 Mid-size Business > $1 Million, < $5 Million $1,500.00 1 Small Business < $1 Million $1000.00 1 Associate/Individual N/A $250.00 1 Student N/A $50.00 (with student ID) 1 Write the number of additional company representatives: □ - Additional company representative: $150.00 per rep. Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Please return the completed application with your check, payable to Atlanta Business League, for membership dues to: Atlanta Business League, P.O. Box 92363 Atlanta, Georgia, 30314, Attn: Membership Atlanta Business League 931 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30314 (Office) 404-584-8126 (Fax) 404-584-0445

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28Join forces with AJC as we work together to advance Atlanta through our world-class journalism, content and events including AJC Jam coming to Downtown Atlanta October - .OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE:PARTNER | VENDOR | SPONSOR | SPEAKING | ADVERTISINGScan and be the first to know about opportunities for your business.ADVERTISING@AJC.COMBe a part of what’s next.Make your markLet’s innovate and shape our community for a better tomorrow, together.OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE: PARTNER | VENDOR | SPONSOR SPEAKING | ADVERTISING