On Saturday evening, leaders from across Georgia gathered at the Waverly Hotel in Cobb Galleria for the annual Leadership Georgia Alumni Gala, a celebration of service, vision, and the people shaping the state’s future. The statewide network, now more than 50 years strong, convenes hundreds of civic, business, and community leaders each year to recognize outstanding leadership and collective progress.
This year, Leadership Georgia presented its most prestigious distinction — the J.W. Fanning Award — to Mayor Andre Dickens, honoring his dedication to public service, community-centered leadership, and efforts to improve opportunity and quality of life across Atlanta and beyond.
A Weekend Celebration of Statewide Leadership
More than 500 alumni, trustees, and partners attended Saturday’s black-tie gala, which included a cocktail hour, awards program, dinner service, and evening entertainment. The J.W. Fanning Award is reserved for Georgians whose leadership reflects humility, long-term commitment, and meaningful service to the greater good — a distinction previously awarded to figures such as Andy Young, John Lewis, President Jimmy Carter, Hank Aaron, and Dan Cathy.
Mayor Dickens arrived shortly before the awards program began and was recognized during the ceremony’s signature presentation.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Accepting the award, Mayor Dickens thanked Leadership Georgia for its statewide impact and spoke about the meaning of service in leadership:
“I am honored to be recognized by an organization that has dedicated itself to building better leaders who will help to lift Georgia even higher.”
He reflected on his 12 years of public service, including four as Mayor, and emphasized the responsibility of building communities where every resident can thrive:
“To make that happen, my team and I know we must continue investing in people and remaking communities in a manner that allows everyone to thrive, no matter the zip code.”
Mayor Dickens credited his team, partners, educators, business owners, community leaders, faith leaders, public safety workers, and neighbors who “show up every day with their talent, drive, and heart.”
He also linked service to purpose:
“At its core, leadership is rooted in service. And meaningful service is about love — a love for people, a love for community, and a genuine desire to make life better for people.”
Recognizing the Work Still Ahead
As Atlanta continues to “move forward together,” Mayor Dickens shared gratitude for residents who placed their trust in him to continue leading the city through major initiatives in housing, youth engagement, job creation, community investment, mobility, and neighborhood improvement.
