Atlanta’s financial leadership took center stage Wednesday evening as colleagues, friends, and city leaders gathered at Atlantic Station to honor Chief Financial Officer Mohamed Balla, recently named CFO of the Year by both the National Association of Securities Professionals and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Mayor Andre Dickens joined the celebration, calling Balla “one of the finest financial minds in municipal government” and noting the impact his leadership has had on every corner of the city.
The evening included tributes from former Mayor Kasim Reed, colleagues Eugene Duffy and Kenneth Neighbors, and Imam Plemon T. El-Amin. Guests enjoyed live music, a special video presentation, and stories reflecting on Balla’s professional achievements and personal dedication to Atlanta.
Under Balla’s leadership, Atlanta has achieved a Triple A credit rating, issued the city’s first ESG bonds — including the award-winning $400 million “Moving Atlanta Forward” social bond — and financed transformative projects ranging from affordable housing to public safety infrastructure.
But for Mayor Dickens, the numbers tell only part of the story. “What I appreciate most about Balla is not his financial savvy,” the Mayor shared. “It is his heart. He cares deeply about this city. He leads with purpose, integrity, and humility — and he inspires the rest of us to do the same.”
The reception closed with a toast to Balla, celebrating not only his professional accomplishments but also the passion and vision he brings to moving Atlanta forward.
