MARCH/APRIL2015
JAMESAN INSIDE VIEW INTO GEORGIA’S NEWS, POLITICS & CULTURE
2015 JAMES’ MOST INFLUENTIAL COLUMNS BY JOSH BELINFANTE // RANDY EVANS // MAC McGREW // WAYNE OLIVER // DR. DANA RICKMAN JAVIER RODRIGUEZ // MATT TOWERY // LARRY WALKER Y E A R S OF 100championing & job ECONOMIC GROWTH creation, increasing the quality of life for all Georgians, supporting tax, regulatory and legal policies to help your business grow, RAISING EDUCATION STANDARDS because those kids are going to be running our companies, promoting a career-ready, GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE, advocating for policies that enhance our BUSINESS CLIMATE from the mountains to the coast, building the ENSURING INFRASTRUCTURE, to health care, and transportation system we need, ACCESS partnering with ELECTED OFFICIALS, local and regional chambers and business leaders and WORKING TOGETHER.
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This issue of James featuring Georgia’s “Most Influential” is perhaps my favorite issue of the year because, starting after college graduation as an editorial writer and later as editorial page editor for The Augusta Chronicle, I was able to interact with many well-known and not-so-well-known Georgia movers-and-shakers. I continue to appreciate meeting new “influential” Georgians as my journalism and business career continues with James and its parent company InsiderAdvantage. But who is someone “most influential”? As you review our entire array of these accom- Someone who is highly influential in his profession, plished men and women in their various professions, or in various fields of endeavor, is one who the late poet remember that it is impossible to be “great” unless you E. Merrill Root said “seeks not the unformed marble of work hard and stand for great things. mere existence, but who senses and seeks always with- We hope you appreciate our list, which is surely in the yet-unshaped marble the potential statue.” incomplete. But it is a good snapshot, we feel, of the Consider the married “power couple” of Jeff influential people are who, for better or worse, are the Sprecher and Kelly Loeffler, featured on our cover. Jeff guiding lights of the Peach State’s political, business, dreamed big dreams, worked hard and developed rela- legal and media circles. Many of their ideas and actions tionships which translated into his small Georgia-based impact, in some way or another, all Georgians. company becoming a powerhouse which one day was able to purchase the famed New York Stock Exchange. Kelly has a similar story of hard work and success, and you can read about both of them in our feature inter- view. Indeed, as a man or woman finds the great mean- ing which he or she must serve, and as they consecrate themselves to its service, they are never “bored.” They P.S. Many readers have asked about InsiderAdvantage’s are busy making time live. polling operation and its new association with Opinion Also consider this year’s top Georgia state legisla- Savvy. Opinion Savvy was created by Matthew Towery, tors: House Majority leader Larry O’Neal, Senate Jr. whose past educational training and prior experi- Majority Leader Bill Cowsert and House Speaker Pro ence came together to form a brilliant new cutting edge Tem Jan Jones. They are part-time elected represen- opinion research firm. Like his father, he also goes by tatives, yet they have a passion for public service. The Matt. But Matt Sr. believes his son’s new techniques of bottom line is that these lawmakers, as well as the polling are the future of opinion research and we decid- other elected officials we have listed regardless of ed it best to team up with his company for all of our their political party, all “influence” public policy and future polling and research efforts. We invite you to visit believe in helping people. www.opinionsavvy.com to learn more.
4 JAMES
FLOATING• BOATS
WHO’S RISING AND WHO’S SINKING IN GEORGIA BUSINESS AND POLITICS
What’s a Hala Moddelmog? After more than enough Ministries, will see if the story’s success on paper can trans- time to put her own imprint on the Metro Atlanta Chamber, late to the big screen. Starring Hayden Christensen and Kate President Hala Moddelmog remains an enigma to many. Bosworth, the film began production on January 26 in Longtime staffers were reportedly shown the door in a not so Atlanta. Its ship is definitely...RISING friendly way when she took over and many GOP officials feel the Chamber has taken a decidedly less friendly attitude Home Depot will receive $200 million in bond money from toward many things Republican under her leadership. Has Cobb County in exchange for agreeing to keep its corporate Moddelmog managed to make people yearn for the days of headquarters, which hosts some 7,000 workers, in the coun- Sam Williams? Oh Hala we hardly know ye… Drifting ty. The home improvement giant will also receive tax breaks for the next 10 years. Good to see the company staying put, Once again UGA football legend Vince Dooley has but that’s one hefty price-tag. Until we see how Home Depot added to his portfolio as coach, horticulturalist, and Civil War reinvests in the area, the ship for Cobb is… Drifting expert with his recent article in the Georgia Historical Quarterly about the year Athens was home to arguably the Amidst the great transportation debate, MARTA rider- two best football teams in America. The Bulldogs of that year ship was up across the board in 2014, with both bus and won the Rose Bowl and finished as number one in many heavy rail seeing near 3 percent increases. Good news for polls. But right down the road a coach named Paul “Bear” a system that looks to further expand into Clayton and Bryant coached the Naval Pre-Flight’s own football squad. beyond in upcoming years. For MARTA and the increasing The full story deserves a read but let’s just say Bryant’s number of Atlantans who use it, the ship is...RISING squad just might have eclipsed the Dawgs had they been in collegiate competition that year. Here’s to Dooley, who never After months of testimony, the state finished its case in stops learning or teaching. He is…RISING the test cheating trial against 12 former members of the Atlanta Public School system. Since the trial began in Former State Rep. Jay Neal of Lafayette continues to September, the Fulton County District Attorney’s office has play not only a leading role in Georgia’s criminal justice produced more than 130 witnesses against the defendants. reform process as executive director of the Governor’s The defendants, as we go to press, have made their case. Office of Transition, Support and Re-entry, but he has now But it looks as if their ship is…SINKING been appointed to the prestigious national panel of The Charles Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections, a con- As an attempt to relieve “range anxiety,” the Georgia gressionally formed task force studying the federal criminal Power Co. will spend $12 million on about 50 new public justice system. Neal has been on a meteoric rise since he vehicle charging stations across the state as well as offer- led Georgia’s reform movement started by Gov. Nathan ing up to $250 rebates to install their own personal home Deal. Both Neal and Georgia are being recognized for their chargers. Atlanta is already second in the nation for electric contributions to the national conversation about sentenc- vehicle sales, and with an ally like Georgia Power at the ing laws and reducing prison populations! This boat con- forefront of expanding the industry the ship is...RISING tinues to be…RISING When the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks in File this under the “Least Surprising” category: late December, no one could have imagined that they Operations for downtown Atlanta’s shiny new streetcar would not lose another game until February 2. The 19-game will cost $4.8 million, up from the $3.2 million projected by winning streak, which included a perfect record in the city officials. Ridership numbers have been lower than month of January, left the Hawks tied with the 6th longest expected, though maybe expectations should have been low- winning streak in NBA history. The postseason awaits, but ered considering the streetcar doesn’t really travel anywhere regardless of how the rest of the season plays out, the people want to go. Another update and another shake of the Hawks and their fans are…RISING head, as the great streetcar experiment is still…SINKING With Beijing’s airport rapidly gaining passengers, Over a decade ago, 90 Minutes in Heaven hit the Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced that he will form a shelves and became a New York Times Bestseller. The auto- committee to help protect Hartsfield-Jackson’s prized title biography of a Texas pastor’s near-death experience sold of “Busiest Airport in the World.” The committee will over six million copies. Now the owner of the nation’s largest include members from many of the city’s largest companies Christian non-profit, Rick Jackson of Family Christian and will attempt to market the airport and the city to attract even more flights. Nobody said defending the champi- onship belt was easy. A strong push from the number one 6 JAMES contender out of China sees our claim to fame… Drifting “ We’re upgrading to a smarter, more efficient power grid. Which means storm or not, we’ll be even more reliable for our customers.”
Learn more at georgiapower.com
André Georgia Power Lineman ©2014 Georgia Power MATT TOWERY
H ow many politicians and charitable groups have you me that far too many people were still saying they preferred to given money to only to see ungrateful recipients show rent than to fight to qualify for a mortgage for a new or existing no gratitude? For me it’s a longer list than I would like to think it home that might be for sale. is. The charities I can understand because, hey, it’s charity. But And I knew John Williams understood that business like the politicians? They act like giving them thousands of hard nobody else. earned dollars is like slicing off small pieces of tissue. My hunch proved to be true. Preferred Apartment I’m sure many who have given or contributed to people or Communities saw its stock price zoom in 2014 and it rose causes share some of the same frustrations. Now imagine if you even more this year. I might add that some other good compa- were to add to that huge donations to building a community and nies, including Post which John founded, have also enjoyed the creation of jobs and successful careers. For those whose success as the trend towards upscale residential rentals has mouths were fed or whose entire community was bettered to continued to grow. show little or no gratitude would likely really sting. But beyond his huge comeback in the business he knows But one man has shown an amazing ability to give, promote, best, John Williams has taught all of us a lesson about grace, create, and contribute—only to get the back of all too many a dignity, and perseverance. When the Cobb County School Board hand from those he helped. Yet he moves on as if never fazed! last year turned its back on the man who literally built their That man is developer John A. Williams and it looks to me county, over a zoning matter that would have inured to the as if he is getting the last laugh, so to speak. county’s benefit, Williams didn’t retaliate against the small- Williams is known for having created Post Properties, a minded. He just quietly picked up his entire corporate headquar- company whose hallmark of quality apartments, mixed use ters and moved to Buckhead. developments, and beautiful landscaping remain a tribute to his Hmmm. That’s not a bad idea. When those you helped make, devotion to quality. Years ago Williams departed the company he build, create, fund and support forget you, don’t get even. Just founded after facing what, in my opinion, was one of the worst move to a better location with people who appreciate what you do. displays of greed coupled with disloyalty imaginable. Yet rather than wallow in the past he moved on to create new real estate ventures during the rocky times of the Great Matt Towery is a former legislator, nationally syndicated columnist, Recession. That wasn’t an easy thing and even as times were pollster, author and attorney. He is the former CEO of a major national tough John Williams continued to contribute to his beloved commercial printing company and chairman of InsiderAdvantage. Cobb County and to numerous political candidates he believed He manages his family-owned investment partnership, and he and in. And he used whatever clout that might have come to him his wife, Dolle, reside in Georgia and Florida. from those efforts to support and promote others, some of whom, again in my opinion, would have been cast aside as half-witted pencil pushers or mediocre salespersons were it not for his support. Now comes that “last laugh.” The fact is anyone who knows Overton Rise John Williams knows that he doesn’t have much “mean” in apartments in Atlanta his body and probably could never laugh in the face of anyone who he bested later down life’s road. Before I write the rest of this I should note that John did invest in our firm years ago, something for which I will be forever grateful. But now that I no longer head the company I can truly say I gain nothing from either praising or criticizing this businessman I came to know. In the last year I have followed his three-year-old Preferred Apartment Communities purely as an arms-length investor, buying small amounts of shares on the publicly-traded market. I did that, in part, because as one who looks at public opinion surveys and news trends, it was obvious to
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his is not about integrity nor intelligence, diligence nor Let’s go back to John or Johnny—pretty common, but T determination. It is not about the ability to make a great when you’re as outstanding as Johnny Isakson, you can make it speech or the gift of persuasion. It is not even about the ability a Georgia household name. When you’re talking about nation- to sincerely exude empathy or exhibit kindness. What it is al politics in Georgia, and you say “Johnny said it would hap- about is a good name. A name that most all are given at birth, pen,” every politician in Georgia from the Capitol to the court- or within a few days after, and save for a few that obtain a great house knows you mean U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson—now that or difficult nickname either from schoolmates or circumstances. took loads of ability and integrity and lots of hard work on the Zell Miller. Now, my friends, that’s a great political name! senator’s part. Saxby (a great political name—unique) and Sam And, yes, it’s a name that its carrier shined and embellished (not as unique, but like Johnny, it was earned with ability and with a lifetime of great service. But, I would submit that the work) had the same positive identification. I’ll bet David Perdue name “Zell” added to his opportunity for “a lifetime of great will have it soon. accomplishments.” Women politicians have a harder time. Most start with one Zell. How many “Zells” do you know? How many “Johns” or name and switch, if and when they get married, or with some “Bens” or “Michaels” do you know? I know two Zells: Zell they don’t switch and get criticized for it, or they have a dou- Blackmon and Zell Miller. Rare. The last letter in the alphabet. ble last name and get criticized. But, lest you male politicians You hear it once, and you never forget it. A great political name. think that’s an advantage for you, and it is, still, you’d better I mentioned John, and certainly, I mean no offense to my watch out because women politicians are coming fast. They many friends named John. I’ve got a son named John. And, I might be in the majority soon, even should add that we’ve had many, with the “name disadvantage.” And, many great politicians, men of great by the way, Jan Jones, the Georgia accomplishments, including presi- House Speaker Pro Tem, has a great dents, named John. But, the com- political name. monality of the name is not an asset Two old timers were talking and to politically needed quick and early one says to the other, “they are going identification, and not to be soon to move Stone Mountain,” to which forgotten by potential voters. Johns the listener replied, “they can’t move have to work harder at getting Stone Mountain.” The first retorted, known and remembered than do the “Gene Talmadge said they were,” to few named Zell. which the second asked, “where There are exceptions, of course, they going to move it to?” to the “John rule”—the best I know of Talmadge was not a really good being close at hand in our own political name because folks couldn’t remem- Georgia Senate and being carried by the new state senator from ber whether it had a “d” in it or not. I still have to look it up. Come Macon, John F. Kennedy. The name itself, being identical to an to think of it, whether it had a “d” or not, didn’t really matter, did idolized and much publicized president, gives to this politician it? Gene and Herman, in their times, made it a name known by “a leg up.” But when you couple this with the fact that this sen- most Georgians. Not only did folks know the name, but they had ator has an (R) behind his name, whereas the president had a strong feelings about it, either positively or negatively. (D), this unforgettable name is for its carrier an instant winner. Talmadge became a good Georgia political name. Johnny It is a bipartisan name if political bipartisanship ever comes back Isakson, too. But, Zell was a great political name from Zell’s in vogue. Zell, John F. Kennedy (R)—good political names. beginning to now. A good political name is a great political Alliteration is good and helpful. How does it sound? How advantage. Isn’t that right, Casey Cagle? does it flow? Let me give an example from many years ago. They (House members) used to laughingly say in the House that “Harry said, Jerry said, Terry said, that Larry said . . .” That would be Representatives Harry Dixon, Jerry Jackson, Terry Larry Walker is a practicing attorney in Perry. He served 32 years in the Georgia General Assembly and presently serves on the University System Coleman and Larry Walker. Four names with four syllables of Georgia Board of Regents. each (two first name syllables and two last name syllables) that flowed well. Good political names. Not as good as Zell or John F. Kennedy (R), but pretty good. 11 RANDY EVANS
ov. Nathan Deal and Georgia legislators have again tackled Currently, local governments such as municipalities, counties the tricky issue of Georgia’s transportation problems. It has and school boards receive part of the sales tax on gasoline. But, not been that long since the last time Georgia’s leaders under the initial House of Representatives-passed proposal, local Gtried. Unfortunately, last time, it did not work out so well. governments will not receive any of the new statewide excise tax Georgia voters largely defeated a proposed one cent sales tax which will replace the sales tax on gasoline. increase to fund specific transportation projects and improvements The net effect shifts some revenue streams from local govern- around the state. Notwithstanding the defeat, transportation in ments to the state government. As a consequence, the impact on Georgia is a problem that is not going away. And so, Georgia’s elect- local governments could be severe. Legislators have attempted to ed leaders have been back at it again this year. mitigate the problem by allowing local governments to impose their Transportation is indeed a tricky problem. On the one hand, own excise tax up to a limit. Georgians, especially those living in the metropolitan Atlanta area, Yet, amidst all the maneuverings, the state ends up with an continue to identify transportation as one of the most serious prob- additional one billion dollars to fund transportation projects. lems facing Georgia. If not addressed, it could stymie any hope of Significantly, under this rather convoluted movement of money continued economic growth from one place to another, state officials Each day, as Georgians spend more insist that they have not raised taxes. and more time in traffic, they get more Instead, they will undoubtedly insist that and more angry. Yet, while inconvenience the change from a sales tax to an excise and frustration are increasingly common, tax does not involve a tax increase. the condition of Georgia’s roads, bridges, If local governments want or need to and interstates are starting to present real make up the difference, then it is local public safety issues. From potholes to governments raising taxes, not the state. bridges, the problem only gets worse (Of course, it will be the state that grants every year that passes. local governments the power to levy their On the other hand, Georgians have own excise tax.) repeatedly made it clear that they do not Rather than defined projects (like last like tax increases. Regardless of whether time), the new money will fund largely Democrats or Republicans propose rais- existing plans sitting on the shelf of a litany ing taxes, Georgia voters largely react the same. The answer is an of government agencies from the Department of Transportation to the emphatic ”NO” even if necessary for things that they really want. Atlanta Regional Commission. The last attempt to address transportation made the point. In In the end, Georgia voters must still approve these changes 2012, Georgia leaders attempted the straightforward approach. through a constitutional amendment. Squarely give Georgians the choice between much needed transporta- Clearly identifiable project targets have largely disappeared. tion funding financed through a one cent increase in the sales tax or Opponents will no longer have individual projects to use as wedges endure continued deterioration of Georgia’s infrastructure with mount- for dividing support and combining pockets of opposition. ing traffic congestion and failing infrastructure. The answer was no. More significantly, the ultimate political dirty word—taxes— Since then, more businesses have relocated to Georgia, more will likely degenerate in the course of the campaign for approval people have moved to Georgia and they all have continued to cram into a muddled mess. Gas taxes, excise taxes, local excise taxes, sales onto the roads and bridges. taxes—they all get shuffled around with politicians insisting that the The net effect of these dynamics is a virtual political Rubik’s process is largely tax neutral but with the state ending up with Cube. Voters want transportation problems solved but do not want enough money to fund desperately needed transportation projects. to pay higher taxes to do it. While this year’s transportation solution may look a lot differ- Within this context, Georgia elected officials have now decided ent, Georgians still actually have (again) a pretty simple choice to to try a different approach. Rather than go with the simple solution make. Fund transportation or sit in traffic. of higher taxes to fund specific transportation projects, they opted But that should not be the end of it. Add to the proposal provi- for a much more saleable solution. sions aimed at identifying, targeting, and eliminating government The actual technicalities of the solution involves converting waste, and new transportation legislation has some appeal. Georgia’s gasoline taxes to an excise tax constitutionally dedicated to With projects this size, only the assurances of actual transparen- fund the state’s transportation needs. If successful, it would raise cy combined with eliminating government waste can make a pro- approximately one billion dollars for Georgia transportation projects. posal this big palatable for a tax weary Georgia. Of course, any plan that increases revenue is a tax increase regardless of what it is called. But, just how much of a tax increase is unclear. This is where the new proposal gets complicated. Randy Evans is an Atlanta attorney with McKenna Long & Aldridge
12 JAMES
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INSIDERADVANTAGE.COM JOSH BELINFANTE
fter each “crossover day” in the Georgia legislature, Unintended consequences each surviving bill is somewhat like the teams that This is one of the most legitimate and most articulated rea- have made it into the final rounds of a large poker sons for voting against a piece of legislation. The “unintended tournament. It is a great accomplishment to make it to consequences” concern allows a legislator or governor to sincere- Athe last tables but, like the poker players, more bills will never ly say that he or she agrees with the legislation and what it make it to the governor’s desk or grace the pages of the Official attempts to do. It also permits him or her to claim, with equal Code of Georgia Annotated. Our founders recognized this was for candor, that the legislation’s language or potential interpretation good reason. As my former boss, Gov. Sonny Perdue, used to by agencies, courts or juries would lead to a result no one intend- always say the first charge of a policymaker is to do no harm: If ed or even foresaw. Some of the most skilled lobbyists and policy- Georgians have existed this long without a new law, regulation or makers will save their alleged unintended consequence until the other prohibition, the burden is on the legislative sponsor to show last possible moment and use it to kill a bill when it is too late to why law is needed now. remedy the flaw. Voting “no” because of unintended consequences When evaluating the session’s last pieces of legislation, policy- allows the policymaker to tell the bill’s sponsor “better luck next makers have several reasons to vote “no” or veto a bill. Some are time if you can just address this one issue.” political, substantive, regional, the result of failed horse trades or even just plain old spite. Some elected officials will address the mer- The juice isn’t worth the squeeze its of the legislation when explaining their vote; others will use a complete or partial pretext to avoid saying the legislation was just a This argument is one of the more political ones that will be used. bad idea or that the bill’s sponsor may have had something to do In short, a policymaker will advise another that they may like what with it. It takes skills to know when to hold ‘em and when to show the legislation does or at least attempts to do. But, the fight to get it ‘em, and some of their best aces when avoiding attacks on the mer- across the finish line may not be worth the supposed benefits of the its of legislation are: legislation—and the effort may take down several other, less contro- versial bills with it. By saying “the juice isn’t worth the squeeze” pol- icymakers can avoid saying legislation is a bad idea while still voting It is a solution in search of a problem “no.” If the juice isn’t worth the squeeze and it is a solution in search This is a tactic used when the legislation actually creates no real of a problem, be prepared to run and not walk away. harm, but it also does not address a significant or actual problem. By claiming the bill fights ghosts instead of real issues, policymak- The cost is too great ers can avoid a debate on the merits and focus on the purported lack of evil the law is intended to remedy. Cost is a very valid and very debated reason to vote for and against legislation. Bill sponsors will fairly argue that long-term sav- ings from legislation, either through economic growth or reduced It needs more study spending elsewhere (e.g., preventative medicine saves money in the When considering major reforms, like rewriting an entire act or emergency room), are not captured by fiscal notes. Opponents can title in the Code, policymakers frequently want to learn all intended also fairly claim that whatever prospective or potential benefits the and unintended consequences. The crossover day time table lets one law may have are speculative, and by contrast, the real impact of the chamber dissect a bill far more than the other. Consequently, the tax cut or spending increase will be felt now. Telling a sponsor you receiving chamber may hold the bill over one more session to allow like his or her idea but you fear it is not affordable in the short term more time to “study” and kill momentum for significant legislation. sounds much better than saying simply “no.” Other times, this argument is the “bless his heart” of legislation. These are just some of the reasons that legislators will explain why they voted against a bill or that the governor may use to veto it. The_____ just won’t let us do it There are certainly more. Sometimes, these arguments are raised genuinely. Other times, they are used to maintain a relationship in A great way to say “I can’t” without saying “no” is to blame the face of disappointment. Whether they are used convincingly or some other source of law. Often the state Constitution’s prohibition not can be decided at the time for counting, when the session’s done. against gratuities, federal laws like HIPAA or some obscure federal regulation buried somewhere deep in the Federal Register can be used as scapegoats to end a bill’s path to becoming a law. When rais- Josh Belinfante practices litigation and regulatory law at Robbins ing one of these often cited and rarely understood provisions of law, Ross Alloy Belinfante & Littlefield in Atlanta. policymakers can say “I can’t vote for your bill” instead of “I won’t vote for your bill.” 15 Solve Georgia’s Transportation
Funding Crisis By Javier Rodriguez
When it comes to our national and state surface transportation sys- Federally, approximately $10.8 billion is needed to keep the tems there are two questions to ask, and the answers are obvious: Highway Trust Fund (HTF) from insolvency through May 2015. As Congress is learning, there aren’t any politically easy alternatives to Do we need a comprehensive and sustainable surface the gas tax, the traditional means of funding the nation’s transporta- transportation system on both the national and state level? tion system. The same holds true on a state level. Absolutely. The United States has benefited greatly over the past The federal gas tax was last raised by 4.3 cents per gallon in 50 years from having the most efficient highway system in the world. 1993, but even then it was raised for deficit reduction and did not go This system allowed all sectors of the economy to operate from any- into the HTF until 1998. Since 2008, Congress has transferred $52.1 where in the nation. Global economic competitors such as China are billion from the general fund into the HTF to keep it solvent due to now building their own national systems that will provide them inadequate fuel tax revenues. This is neither sustainable, nor desir- improving efficiencies relative to our now congested and deteriorat- able. Being dependent on annual general fund appropriations puts ing system. Without a national system, highways—left only with dis- critical infrastructure investment by state departments of transporta- parate states’ resources—will ultimately devolve into islands of good tion at risk. Unfortunately, due to this impasse addressing long-term roads in a sea of bad ones as some states step up to the need and oth- funding on the federal level, it now requires states to step up in ers simply cannot. An unconnected national highway system will addressing funding shortfalls. become a significant disadvantage to U.S. economy. Various alternatives to the gas tax are being discussed throughout As for states, while our national system is competing globally, the country. One alternative being highlighted is a vehicle miles trav- regional systems are competing with their neighboring states for those eled tax. This would entail a fee paid per mile driven. Oregon current- same economic investments. Georgia is at a pivotal point in moving ly has a pilot program which is being closely monitored by many forward a transportation funding bill which will allow its infrastruc- states and industry professionals. ture system to continue being a driving force of Georgia’s economy. A direct user fee or toll is another alternative that has proven to The movement of goods and services on a surface transportation sys- be successful and sustainable for high volume roads and bridges. tem is as important as your world class airport and ports. All three are Nationwide there are approximately 6,000 miles of roadway being interconnected in continuing Georgia’s prosperity. Sustainability of funded, in whole or in part, by toll revenue. Tolls represent a market- your infrastructure will play a critical role in job growth, long-term driven funding alternative that is used by a large number of states to increase in per capita income and state revenues. help pay for or sustain their surface transportation system. A Feb. 25 Associated Press article reported that the “total amount of money available to Georgia from the Federal Highway Trust Fund So, what can be done? has declined 12% during the five-year period ending in 2013. That is Let’s continue a bipartisan robust debate to solve the funding cri- compared to 3.5% nationally during the same time frame… based on sis once and for all on both the national and state level. Let’s mean- population, Georgia experienced the third-largest drop in money avail- ingfully discuss and explore other funding options giving each state able from the fund since 2008 behind only Minnesota and the flexibility to decide what is best for their constituents. Washington.” A Georgia DOT report also indicates that with current Come May, Congress has the opportunity to pass meaningful long- funding levels, only 1% of vital roadways are on track to be resurfaced, term bipartisan legislation to fund our transportation system—the back- where the goal is to resurface 6 to 7% of the roadways annually. bone of our country. Georgia, at this time, has the same opportunity. Statistics indicate that Georgia’s exploding population growth Let’s take a bold step forward and ensure a successful transporta- and recent economy has outpaced an equivalent level of transporta- tion system for generations to come. tion infrastructure funding. Javier Rodriguez, the 2015 president of the International Bridge, Tunnel How can we pay for a surface transportation system? and Turnpike Association, is also the executive director of the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority. Prior to that the author had a long career at the Florida In Georgia, the Legislature is considering Georgia House Bill 170, Department of Transportation. a much anticipated state transportation plan known as the Transportation Funding Act of 2015. The bill will help to deliver $1 billion to the State’s transportation needs. GEORGIA’S PARTNER IN INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS
TOP LEFT: Atlanta 285 VSL, Ga. | TOP RIGHT: MARTA General Engineering Consultant, Ga. | BOTTOM: Rome Pedestrian Bridge, Ga.
The HNTB Companies Infrastructure Solutions THE POWERS THAT BE
There is no shortage of leaders in the state of Georgia. The editors at James are pleased to present our 2015 Most Influential List Since politics tend to dominate any list, we have a comprehensive collection of our elected officials as well as major players from across the state. 2015 JAMES’ MOST
StaceyINFLUENTIAL Abrams Juanita Baranco Arthur Blank Minority Leader, Georgia House of Representatives Chief Operating Officer, Baranco Automotive Group Owner, Atlanta Falcons The state House’s Democratic As we noted last year, her business success is The Home Depot co-founder is leader, often the voice and face of only half the story. Baranco is a tireless public like the energizer bunny—he her party on policy issues, is a servant. She has chaired the Board of Regents keeps moving. Due to his vision prolific fundraiser. But Abrams is and served on both the state Board of Education and deal-making skills, the owner criticized by fellow Democrats for and the board of directors of the Georgia Power of the Atlanta Falcons ensured her lack of financial accountabili- Company. that his football team will have a ty over the failed 2014 voter registration drive new downtown stadium in 2017. He is also led by her New Georgia Project. Dr. Mark Becker praised for being a generous philanthropist who President, Georgia State University invests in a wide range of charities. Dean Alford Dr. Becker, president since 2009, Businessman, Board of Regents member continues to take bold steps to Mike Bowers This articulate businessman and visionary, an make GSU an urban university sec- Lobbyist/Lawyer apostle of higher education initiatives and ond to none—which is also trans- The former Democrat-turned- reform who serves on the Board of Regents of lating into student body growth. Republican Georgia attorney gen- the University System of Georgia, is the CEO of GSU is also becoming better eral and current attorney at Balch Allied Energy Services. known as a research center under his tutelage. and Bingham is a lobbyist heavy- weight. He relishes fighting for Debbie D. Alford Gary Black clients both in the courtroom and CEO, Georgia Lottery Corp. Commissioner, Georgia Department of Agriculture in the court of public opinion. A former state budget director who became As the voice and face of Georgia’s $71 billion president and CEO of the Georgia Lottery agriculture industry, Black’s main challenges Paul Bowers Corporation in 2012, Debbie Dlugolenski Alford include ensuring that farmers have sufficient, President/CEO, Georgia Power Company continually fights to promote ticket sales and legal labor, protecting food quality and safety Winter storms continue to underscore that the raise revenues. Lottery sales (around $4 billion and navigating through the complex federal reg- most influential person at Georgia Power is one of annually) continue to fund the state’s popular ulations of the industry. the most influential people in Georgia. Bowers merit-based HOPE tuition scholarship program continues his company’s unwavering commit- and pre-kindergarten. Keith Blackwell ment to finish construction of two new Plant Justice, Supreme Court of Georgia Vogtle nuclear power units near Waynesboro, David Allman The Cherokee County attorney was elevated which means customers will continue to have Chairman, Buckhead CID from a Court of Appeals justice to the high court some of the lowest electricity rates in the country. A Lovett School and Dartmouth College alumni, in 2012. Blackwell once clerked for conservative the owner of Regent Partners has been a staple judges on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Lisa Branch, of the commercial real estate business in has emerged as a constitutional conservative Judge, Court of Appeals Atlanta since 1980. A philanthropist, Allman voice on a court that for decades leaned leftward A graduate of Emory University’s School of Law, chairs the Buckhead Community Improvement due to Democrat gubernatorial appointees. Branch practiced litigation at District and Opportunity International. Smith, Gambrell, and Russell LLP, Frank Blake and served as a counsel to the U.S. Dan Amos Chairman/CEO, The Home Depot Office of Management and Budget Chairman/CEO, AFLAC Blake kept a steady hand through under former President George W. Known nationally and internationally for his com- hard times for housing, although Bush. She was selected as a Super pany’s effective “duck” advertisements and also the company’s opposition to “reli- Lawyer in 2012, the same year she became a for his longtime stewardship of the Columbus- gious liberty” legislation has been judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals. based corporate insurance giant. Amos ensures criticized by Georgia’s Christian that he and his company gives back to the state community. Recently, he secured a Dr. Steven R. Briggs and home town Columbus in a big way. sweet $200 million tax break from Cobb County in President, Berry College a deal to keep Home Depot headquarters there. Upon assuming office in 2006, Briggs commit- Richard Anderson ted himself and the faculty to prepare Berry stu- CEO, Delta Air Lines Sara Blakely dents to be “life ready” and make an education The Atlanta-based mega-carrier, Founder, Spanx at this northwestern Georgia college an afford- which has absorbed Northwest Blakely’s success made her the world’s youngest able one. He is succeeding. And he’s also Airlines, posted record profits in self-made female billionaire by developing the ensuring that its museum is being upgraded. It 2014. However, Anderson’s con- women’s undergarment Spanx. The Atlantan has is a “must-see” for those interested in the histo- troversial comments on General been named one the world’s 100 most influential ry of this unique college with its huge campus. Assembly legislation and shrill people by Time magazine and in 2014 she named opposition to a Paulding County airport expan- a new CEO who is expanding sales and market- 19 sion, garnered needless political opponents. ing. She also runs a foundation that helps women through education and business training.
Scott Davis Chairman, United Parcel Service GEORGIA SENATE LEADERSHIP “Innovation, execution, and growth” was the theme of UPS President Casey Cagle Chestnut Mountain while Scott Davis was the CEO. Leaving his executive role in the President Pro Tempore David Schafer Duluth one of the largest shipping com- Majority Leader Bill Cowsert Athens panies in the world in 2014, Davis Majority Caucus Chair William Ligon, Jr. Brunswick has been with the corporation since 1986. Davis was appointed to the President’s Intelligence Majority Whip Steve Gooch Dahlonega Advisory Board by President Barack Obama Democratic Leader Steve Henson Tucker after he retired as CEO of UPS. Democratic Caucus Chair Horacena Tate Atlanta Nathan Deal Democratic Whip Vincent Fort Atlanta Cowsert Governor Beating back six primary opponents in 2010 and two in 2014, the second-term governor has John Brock Chris Carr been a champion of conservative economics by President, Coca Cola Enterprises Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Dev. cutting state spending and waste, reducing the The world’s biggest beverage A graduate of both the University of Georgia’s size of state government, an improving educa- maker is striving to expand its Terry Business School and Lumpkin School of tion funding. With an Opportunity School domestic market by currently Law, the commissioner was appointed to the District plan to help get kids out of failing class- pushing its mini-cans as a guilt- Georgia Department of Economic Development rooms, the governor is already laying the free way to enjoy a healthy cola in 2013 by Gov. Nathan Deal. The former chief of groundwork for his legacy. snack. Under Brock’s and CEO staff to U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson is playing a Muhtar Kent’s aegis, Coke plays a vital role with considerable role in getting Georgia’s economy Sandra Deal civic & business organizations— while occa- back on track. First Lady of Georgia sionally taking political stands on legislative As we’ve said before, Sandra Deal issues under the Gold Dome. Chris Clark is far more than the governor’s President/CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce wife. She’s truly the First Lady of Kevin Brown Clark is a tireless and effective the state, as evidenced by her President/CEO, Piedmont Healthcare advocate for Georgia businesses, tireless advocacy for families, This is Brown’s second year on the job and it business expansion and interna- children and the disadvantaged. has been a good one, in spite of having to deal tional business recruitment on Her public readings of the children’s book “Who with all the turbulence created by many fronts. Clark and Chamber I’d Like To Be” have become known all over Obamacare— ranging from its often-frustrating lobbyists, however, must deal Georgia. regulations and taxes. Good job, Brownie! with many Republican state lawmakers torn between their Chamber sympathies versus Ralph de la Vega Mark Butler competing Tea Party and anti-tax sentiment. President/CEO AT&T Mobile and Business Solutions Commissioner of Labor The former President/CEO of AT&T Mobility The former member of the Fred Cooper expanded the communications network to a Georgia House took office as the Chairman/CEO Cooper Capital LLC leader in providing wireless Internet and smart- first Republican labor commis- This Atlanta attorney, who founded a private phones. A Cuban native and Atlanta resident, sioner in 2011. Since that time, investment firm and has met with great busi- de la Vega has held various titles including Butler has implemented econom- ness success, is a longtime fundraiser and can- COO of Cingular Wireless and President of ic programs that help Georgia didate selection strategist in state Republican BellSouth Latin America. businesses prosper and make the job market Party circles. more accessible, including the Business Ivan Dunleavy Service Unit, Customized Recruitment, and Shan Cooper CEO, Pinewood Studios GeorgiaBEST, a program for high school and Vice President/General Manager, Lockheed Martin Georgia’s film and television pro- middle school students. Lockheed has been a stalwart of Cobb County ductions now generate $5.1 bil- and the U.S. defense industry for decades. lion in economic impact, and the Casey Cagle Cooper and her team continue to win friends Peach State has rapidly become Lieutenant Governor and influence people (i.e. members of Congress one of the country’s three top pro- This third-termer survived leadership chal- from both parties charged with making sure our duction centers. The well-con- lenges in the state Senate and, as presiding offi- nation’s defenses are second to none). nected Dunleavy and his studio came at the cer, has solidified control over the chamber’s right time to the right place, and is expanding legislative flow with the assistance of the pres- Cathy Cox studio capacity. ident pro tem. Republican Cagle primarily President, Young Harris College remains on education reform and job creation, The former Georgia Secretary of Terry England and is eyeing a 2018 gubernatorial run. State was hired in 2007 to trans- Chairman, House Appropriations Committee form the college from a two-year A longtime farmer and businessman from Michael Cassidy college into a four-year institution. Auburn, the conservative England is serving in President/CEO, Georgia Research Alliance An alumnus of Mercer Law his eleventh year in the legislature. As The Research Alliance is about turning state School, Cox has accomplished Appropriations chair (and a member of five funding into more lucrative federal and private that goal and more during her tenure— includ- other powerful House committees) he is investment. Cassidy and his high-powered ing diversifying the college and making it more respected by all for his encyclopedia-like knowl- business colleagues continue their push to get affordable. (WS) edge of the budget and the budget process. new companies coming here, which translates into the creation of more private sector jobs. GEORGIA HOUSE LEADERSHIP Dan Cathy Chairman/CEO, Chick-fil-A Speaker of the House David Ralston Blue Ridge Cathy has been “playing chicken” for years under the tutelage of his Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones Milton famous Christian businessman Majority Leader Larry O’Neal Bonaire father Truett, who died in 2014. Under Dan Cathy’s leadership, Majority Whip Matt Ramsey Peachtree City the fast-food chain continues to Majority Caucus Chair Matt Hatchett Dublin successfully expand outside of Georgia and the Southeast. Minority Leader Stacey Abrams Atlanta Minority Whip Carolyn Hugley Columbus 21 Minority Caucus Chair Virgil Fludd Tyrone O’Neal Randy Evans Attorney, Georgia GOP National Committeeman GEORGIA STATEWIDE ELECTED OFFICIALS This McKenna Long & Aldridge partner, who is also Gov. Nathan Deal’s personal attorney Governor Nathan Deal Gainesville (along with other prominent clients) is a well- known strategist/consultant —and well-con- Lt. Governor Casey Cagle Chestnut Mountain nected in state and national Republican circles. Secretary of State Brian Kemp Athens He is also a close friend and business colleague Attorney General Sam Olens Marietta of former U.S. House Speaker and 2014 presi- dential candidate Newt Gingrich. Labor Commissioner Mark Butler Carrollton State School Superintendant Richard Woods Tifton Tom Fanning Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black Commerce Cagle Chairman/President/CEO, Southern Company Ever-increasing energy needs to Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens Winterville the right and environmental pres- sure to the left. Fanning and donors to the state GOP and a variety of Tim Hynes Southern Company are tackling Republican candidates over the years. President, Clayton State University these multiple concerns the A graduate of the University of smartest way possible—by com- Frank Hanna Massachusetts, Hynes moved mitting to a viable mix of energy sources, includ- CEO Hannah Capital, LLC south in 1996 and became vice ing natural gas, coal, and nuclear and solar power. Earning his BBA and JD from the provost of the University of West University of Georgia, Hanna is Georgia before being named to Curtis J. Foltz heavily involved in the Roman head Clayton State. The former Executive Director, Georgia Ports Authority Catholic Church both in Atlanta chair of the Georgia Humanities Council, Hynes The long-awaited deepening and expansion of and around the world and served has been a member of various Chambers of the port of Savannah has begun, a tribute to the as a co-chair of a Presidential Commerce. His latest focus: New, specialized efforts of the man who oversees the state’s Commission on Education under George W. training for students eyeing jobs in the bur- ports. He worked for years to achieve this goal Bush. He is respected as a leader in both reli- geoning movie/TV industry. in tandem with the state’s bipartisan leadership gious organizations and philanthropic societies and every member of Georgia’s congressional across the globe. Panos Karatassos delegation. It paves the way to Georgia accom- Owner and Founder, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group modating the new class of super cargo tankers, John Heagy III If you wine and dine regularly in upscale restau- thus keeping the Peach State’s economic Chairman, Perimeter CID rants in Atlanta, you’ve almost certainly engine running at full throttle. The Senior Managing Director of the Southeast enjoyed one of the group’s 14 restaurants here. Regional office of Hines, an international real And you’ve likely seen the prominent Atlanta Gordon Giffin estate firm, also serves as the DeKalb Perimeter businessman Panos himself, no doubt oversee- Attorney, Former U.S. Ambassador Community Improvement District that aims to ing his domain. This McKenna Long and Aldridge attorney, a improve transportation and other aspects of the veteran Democrat Party strategist and fundrais- Perimeter’s infrastructure by using money from Johnny Isakson er, once served as the U.S. ambassador to property taxes. CID’s improvements over the U.S. Senator, Georgia Canada (nominated by President Bill Clinton). past 15 years have been valued over $146 million. Now Georgia’s senior senator, he helped build Most recently Giffin was a major strategist for the modern state GOP and, in the process, failed U.S. Senate candidate Michelle Nunn. Douglas Hooker established a reputation for helping con- Executive Director, Atlanta Regional Commission stituents regardless of party. James has often Larry Gellerstedt The ARC has an important planning role for praised Isakson as the poster man for compe- President/CEO Cousins Properties important sectors of 10 counties in metro Atlanta, tence, diligence and willingness to work across Four years after Cousins Properties including transportation, land use and profes- party lines without compromising his core con- acquired The Gellerstedt Group in sional development for the workforce. Hooker servative principles. (The one-time realtor has 2005, Gellerstedt became the CEO continues to impress in his role of public official, never voted for a tax increase!) of the Atlanta-based real estate businessman and civic diplomat. investment firm. Since then, he Robert James has improved Cousins Properties’ Henry “Hank” Huckaby District Attorney, DeKalb County efficiency and profitability. With a background in Chancellor, Board of Regents of the University This controversial prosecutor, one healthcare, Gellerstedt played a large role in the System of Georgia of the state’s top judicial officers creation of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The chancellor’s consolidation of eight institu- in the Democrat Party, has made tions into four which are bigger, stronger and it a mission to battle corruption in Phil Gingrey better positioned to serve students is a model for DeKalb County. However, his Former U.S. Congressman the nation. Huckaby is now proposing that ongoing prosecution of embattled former CEO After leaving Congress in January, the Marietta Kennesaw State and Southern Polytechnical Burrel Ellis, another influential Democrat, has doctor joined the Washington, D.C.-based firm Institute merge. He believes the result will be proven long, costly and divisive. If it is unsuc- Drinker Biddle & Reath as a senior advisor. reduction of administrative costs and opera- cessful, his political star could fall. Although he cannot lobby former House of tional inefficiencies, thereby freeing funds to be Representatives colleagues for a year, the firm reinvested in teaching and student support. says this veteran public servant will “work closely with the District Policy group, the firm’s boutique Ralph Hudgens lobbying, public policy and advocacy practice.” State Insurance Commissioner GEORGIA PUBLIC Hudgens has built an effective, streamlined SERVICE COMMISSION Bart Gobeil team to help the average Georgian with insur- Chief Operating Officer, State of Georgia ance issues. The vocal commissioner has also The hard-working Gobeil exerts run legal and administrative interference District 1 great influence through his super- against the unpopular Obamacare law, which H. Doug Everett Albany vision of 50 state departments, aided his re-election. agencies, and their boards and District 2 commissions—and has instituted Carol Hunstein Tim Echols Bogart numerous reforms with the guid- Georgia Supreme Court Justice District 3 ance of the governor. The second woman justice in the Chuck Eaton Atlanta history of the state Supreme Court David Hanna has been re-elected repeatedly, District 4 Co-Founder of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and recently the Georgia Legal Lauren “Bubba” Hanna graduated from the University of Historical Foundation awarded McDonald, Jr. Clarkesville Georgia with a degree in finance and serves on her the coveted Nestor Award for the boards of St. Jude’s Children’s Research outstanding service to the legal community. District 5 Hospital and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Stan Wise Marietta Wise He and his brother Frank have been stalwart
Ross King and economic status of Georgians since he GEORGIA CONGRESSIONAL Executive Director, Association County opened the first Home Depot store in 1979 with DELEGATION Commissioners of Georgia his business partner Arthur Blank. He has As we’ve noted before, King and the ACCG is donated huge sums of his own money to various UNITED STATES SENATORS hands-on when it comes to specialized leader- projects over the year including the $200 million ship training for county officials. It also has an he spent to help build the Georgia Aquarium. effective lobbying team under the Gold Dome. Kyle Marrero Jack Kingston President, University of West Georgia Former U.S. Congressman Dr. Marrero has served as president since 2013 Kingston, an 11-term Savannah- and has been raising the university’s value and based congressman who repre- heightening its name recognition ever since. Senior Senator Junior Senator sented a 17-county coastal dis- Over the past couple of years, he has improved Johnny Isakson David Perdue trict, gave up his seat and narrow- the school’s academic culture, which led to an Moultrie Sea Island ly lost the GOP U.S. Senate nomi- increase in enrollment and fundraising, in other nation to the eventual Nov. 4 gen- words exactly what you want the president of a UNITED STATES HOUSE eral election winner, David Perdue. Although liv- university to do. OF REPRESENTATIVES ing in Georgia, he is employed by the Keith Mason District 1 Buddy Carter Pooler Washington, D.C. powerhouse government rela- tions firm of Squire Patton Boggs to work on Attorney District 2 Sanford Bishop Albany business development and strategic consulting. This McKenna Long & Aldridge partner has an District 3 Lynn Westmoreland Grantville He also intends to keep his future Georgia polit- impressive resume of public service. Once a District 4 Hank Johnson Lithonia ical options open. chief of staff to a Georgia governor and also an aide in the Clinton White House serving as its District 5 John Lewis Atlanta Steve Koonin liaison to the nation’s governors, Mason han- District 6 Tom Price Roswell CEO, Atlanta Hawks and Phillips Arena dles a host of important political and business District 7 Rob Woodall Lawrenceville Following a stint that saw the Hawks lose both clients and is well-connected in state Democrat District 8 Austin Scott Augusta their GM and primary owner to, (separate) Party circles. racism allegations, few would have thought a District 9 Doug Collins Gainesville middling team with a dwindling fan base was Sam Massell District 10 Jody Hice Monroe destined for any measure of success. Enter President, The Buckhead Coalition District 11 Barry Loudermilk Cassville Koonin, whose leadership, (along with the The former Atlanta mayor is the Hawks’ play) has seen records set both on the unofficial “mayor of Buckhead” as District 12 Rick Allen Augusta court and at the box office. well as the founding president of District 13 David Scott Atlanta this well-known nonprofit which District 14 Tom Graves Ranger Don Leebern Jr. serves not only to upgrade the CEO, Georgia Crown Distributing Co. Buckhead section of the city but This gregarious former University also greater Atlanta. Massell is a huge business Reynold Jennings of Georgia football player is the booster and seems to know almost everything President/CEO, WellStar Health Systems third generation member of his about people and places in his beloved domain. Before becoming CEO of WellStar family to oversee this growing in 2011, Jennings previously served adult beverage distributor; he is Lee May as the COO for Tenet Healthcare also a generous philanthropist and Interim CEO/DeKalb County Corporation. He also founded the is the longest-serving member of the University Appointed in 2013 by Gov. Nathan Deal, May is Georgia Health Collaborative, an System’s Board of Regents. His son Don III is the youngest CEO (interim or otherwise) in initiative between state health sys- also a savvy businessman who is the president DeKalb County history. While he oversees an tems, and has expanded various clinical services of the company. annual budget of over a billion dollars, May has while at WellStar. His successor has been picked committed himself to public safety, economic and will take over in 2016. Craig Lesser development, and government efficiency in the Managing Partner, The Pendleton Group third-most populous county in the state. Tharon Johnson Lesser is a commanding ‘invisible hand’ who A McKenna Long & Aldridge managing direc- works to steer businesses across the world to Rich McKay tor/political consultant, Johnson in a confidant Georgia. Once the state’s commissioner of eco- President/CEO, Atlanta Falcons of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and oversaw nomic development, he now chairs both the Back-to-back disappointing sea- President Barack Obama’s 2014 southeastern World Trade Center of Atlanta and the World sons led to a head coaching election campaign operations. The polished Chamber of Commerce, among other positions. change for the Falcons, but Johnson is well-connected in state Democratic President Rich McKay remains as circles and is often a media voice and face for John Lewis the (second) most important fig- liberal Democrat positions. U.S. Congressman ure in the organization. McKay Lewis was elected to Congress in 1986 and has also serves on the NFL’s Competition Brian Kemp been a champion for civil rights and liberalism Committee, making him among the most influ- Georgia Secretary of State ever since. Before his first election, Lewis direct- ential front office executives in the league. In a time when cash is getting ed the volunteer agency ACTION and served on tighter, Kemp has made the best the Atlanta City Council. Besides his public Russell McMurry out what money his office is bud- service, history will remember Lewis for chair- Commissioner, Georgia DOT geted by maximizing efficiency ing the Student Non-Violent Coordinating The newly-appointed commissioner has been both in the voting booth and in Committee and for being one of the “Big Six” with the state agency since 1990 serving as a the issuance of licenses across civil rights leaders of the turbulent 1960s. project manager, an engineer, a planning direc- the state. After being elected in 2010, Kemp tor, and the Director of Engineering at the was chosen to chair the Republican Secretaries Dennis Lockhart GDOT. After his and other state agencies of State Committee two years later. He is also an President/CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta weathered the winter storms very well this past effective watchdog over voter fraud. President and CEO of the Atlanta season, let’s hope Georgians can feel confident Fed since 2007, Lockhart is also a in McMurry’s new but untested leadership. Muhtar Kent member of the Federal Open Chairman/CEO, The Coca-Cola Company Markey Committee responsible for Kim Menefee After 125 years in business, Coke remains a setting the nation’s monetary poli- Board Chair, Georgia Chamber of Commerce worldwide ambassador of Atlanta, and Kent cy. Yeah, you really can’t get much The Senior VP of Strategic remains its able captain. He and company pres- more influential than that. Community Development of ident John Brock remain among Georgia’s lead- WellStar serves as the chair- ing corporate citizens. Bernie Marcus woman of the Cobb Chamber of Co-Founder, Home Depot Commerce, one of the most influ- Worth $8.3 billion, the New Jersey native and ential chambers in the state. 24 JAMES philanthropist has been improving the lifestyle Menefee has been with WellStar since 1992.
Caesar Mitchell President, Atlanta City Council HOUSE COMMITTEES & CHAIRMEN Boasting an extensive civic affairs resume and a sometime-opponent of Atlanta’s current Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Higher Education Motor Vehicles mayor, Mitchell appears well situated to use his Tom McCall Elberton Carl Rogers Gainesville Tom Rice Norcross time as the president of the Atlanta City Appropriations Human Relations & Aging Natural Resources & Environment Council to propel himself into the mix for the Terry England Auburn Tommy Benton Jefferson Lynn Smith Newnan mayor’s race in 2017. Banks & Banking Industry & Labor Public Safety & Homeland Security Allison Moran Greg Morris Vidalia Mark Hamilton Cumming Alan Powell Hartwell CEO, Racetrac Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight Information & Audits Regulated Industries Replacing her father Carl Bolch Chuck Martin Alpharetta Mike Cheokas Americus Howard Maxwell Dallas Hr. as the CEO of the Atlanta- Code Revision Insurance Retirement based Racetrac in 2012, Moran David Casas Lilburn Richard H. Smith Columbus Paul Battles Cartersville has made Racetrac one of the top Defense & Veterans Affairs Interstate Cooperation Rules workplaces not only in the state, John P. Yates Griffin Matt Dollar Marietta John Meadows Calhoun but also in the nation. No sur- prise—she started the company’s human Economic Development & Tourism Intragovernmental Coordination Science & Technology Ron Stephens Savannah Jan Tankersley Brooklet Ed Setzler Acworth resources division. Education Judiciary Small Business Development Jere W. Morehead Brooks Coleman, Jr. Duluth Wendell Willard Sandy Springs David Knight Griffin President, University of Georgia Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications Judiciary Non-Civil Special Rules A former assistant U.S. Attorney, Morehead was Don Parsons Marietta Rich Golick Smyrna Stephen Allison Blairsville nd selected as the 22 president of the University Ethics Juvenile Justice State Planning & Community Affairs of Georgia in 2013. The former UGA provost has Joe Wilkinson Atlanta Tom Weldon Ringgold Jimmy Pruett Eastman been in charge of improving both the academ- Game, Fish, & Parks Legislative & Congressional State Properties ics and value of the state’s flagship research Jon G. Burns Newington Reapportionment Barbara Sims Augusta university. Randy Nix LaGrange Governmental Affairs Transportation Jeff Mullis Ed Rynders Albany MARTOC Jay Roberts Ocilla Mike Jacobs Brookhaven Rules Chairman, Georgia Senate Health & Human Services Ways & Means The veteran Republican lawmaker from Sharon Cooper Marietta Jay Powell Camilla Chickamauga is highly respected and, as chair of the influential Senate Rules panel, controls what bills make it to the floor and which don’t. is already making a name for himself in the He is also a transportation expert during a year nation’s capital. when it is a burning issue under the Gold Dome.
David Nahmias Sonny Perdue Former Governor Justice, Supreme Court of Georgia Perdue may have left the governor’s office in Appointed by former Gov. Sonny 2011, but his shadow still looms large over the Perdue in 2009, Nahmias once state. Georgia’s first Republican governor clerked for U.S. Supreme Court played a key role in his cousin David’s success- Justice Antonin Scalia and has ful senatorial run last year, showing that the become known for scholarly, Perdue name still carries a great deal of political Spiro Amburn intellectual arguments. clout. He is also a well-connected and astute Chief of Staff, Office of House Speaker David Ralston businessman. • Lamar Norton Joselyn Baker Executive Director, Georgia Municipal Association G.P. “Bud” Peterson Georgia Chamber of Commerce The director of an organization that lobbies on President, Georgia Institute of Technology • behalf of Georgia cities is facing harder and Peterson has been the head one of the nation’s Jeremy Collins more difficult battles every year. Norton has top public universities since 2009. Georgia Tech Chief of Staff, Senator David Shafer been the executive director since 2012 and is an is globally recognized for its engineering pro- • expert at fighting in the fiscal arena. grams and is of increasing importance to both Sandra Deal Sam Olens Georgia and the nation in the research sector in First Lady an ever-changing economy. • Attorney General Derrick Dickey One of 25 GOP attorneys general Alec Poitevint in the nation, Olens has admirably Chief of Staff, Sen. David Perdue Businessman led Georgia’s fights against the • A former chairman of the state Republican Patient Protection and Affordable Ben Fry Party and onetime Georgia GOP National Care Act (Obamacare). He is bat- Director of Communications and External Affairs Committeeman, the successful Bainbridge tling sex trafficking, illegal immi- Lt. Governor Casey Cagle businessman managed the 2012 Republican gration and various forms of federal overreach • National Convention in Tampa. From 1997 to while protecting Georgia’s water rights. He Dianne Hardin 2001, he was also the Republican National obviously is influential as the state’s chief law Executive Assistant, Speaker David Ralston Committee’s treasurer. Poitevant enjoys a wide- enforcer. • range of political and business connections and Joan Kirchner Dan Papp remains an advisor to top Georgia Republicans. Chief of Staff, Sen. Johnny Isakson • President, Kennesaw State University Michael Polk Kennesaw State University’s student popula- Tharon Johnson-McKenna President/CEO Newell Rubbermaid tion has grown to include over 24,000 students Political Strategist to President Barack Obama Since being named President and and the university has been steadily gaining (Southeast) and Mayor Kasim Reed CEO in 2011, Polk has used his national prominence under Papp, who has been • decades of experience at Kraft in charge of the university since 2006. Irene Munn Foods and Unilever to help main- General Counsel and Policy Director David Perdue tain Newell Rubbermaid’s spot at Lt. Governor Casey Cagle the top of the ladder when it U.S. Senator • comes to consumer and commercial products. Few predicted that the cousin of former Gov. Chris Riley Chief of Staff, Governor Nathan Deal Sonny Perdue would emerge from a crowded Tom Price field of 2014 GOP Senate primary candidates, but • U.S. Congressman David Perdue defied expectations to defeat Brian Robinson The north Fulton County Republican, a medical Michelle Nunn last November and head to Communications Director, Governor Nathan Deal doctor, is the main sponsor of alternative reform Washington. As a conservative freshman, Perdue legislation to Obamacare (“The Empowering Patients First Act”) and he now chairs the U.S. (and getting) the ouster of incompetent Veterans Miguel Southwell House Budget Committee. His priorities: boost- Administration officials while pushing for better GM, Hartfield-Jackson International Airport ing defense funding, as well as cutting Medicaid veterans’ treatment within the VA system. Named to his post by Atlanta Mayor Kasim and food stamps by transforming them from fed- Reed in June of 2014, Southwell brings over two eral programs into wholly state-run programs David Shafer decades of aviation management experience to that receive lump-sum federal funding. Georgia Senate President Pro Tempore his role at the helm of the world’s busiest air- This former James “Georgia Legislator of the port. Unfortunately, the airport’s bidding vendor David Ralston Year,” re-elected to his position for the 2015 leg- process is all too often non-competitive and Speaker, State House of Representatives islative session, is a proven conservative, espe- weighted toward Reed’s friends. One of the 2014 James “Georgians cially when it comes to holding the line on new of the Year,” the speaker contin- taxes. His canny ability to forge Senate coali- Eric Tanenblatt ues to lead his fellow state repre- tions makes this Duluth Republican a force to be Senior Managing Director, McKenna Long & Aldridge sentatives from the front. After reckoned with. Once a chief of staff to Gov. Sonny Perdue and fending off a primary challenge an aide to the late U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell, from a Tea Party faction last sum- Beth Shiroishi Tanenblatt is well-connected in state and mer, the most powerful man in the state House President, AT&T Georgia national GOP circles. A veteran fund-raiser, he appears secure in his position. Recently named to succeed the handles an impressive government affairs ros- retired Sylvia Russell, Shiroishi ter of business and political clients. Matt Ramsey has picked up the leadership Majority Whip, House of Representatives baton and run with it. New wire- Lee Thomas The Peachtree City attorney, a main author of less and broadband services are Director, Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment the state’s 2011 immigration control law, is a already the result. The film industry has exploded in rising conservative star in the House chamber. recent years, and Lee Thomas has He was the popular choice of his caucus to be Kim Shreckengost been at the forefront of the move- its whip for the 2015 session. (PK) Executive VP, AMB Group ment from the start. As the bridge The face of public relations and human resources between the state and the pro- Kasim Reed for AMB, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Arthur M. duction companies that make the Mayor, City of Atlanta Blank Family Foundation, Shreckengost plays a movies and TV shows, she helps provide the After winning a second term (he’s now term lim- pivotal role in everything Arthur Blank touches incentives that have led to a $5.1 billion/year ited), Reed just secured voter approval of a $287 in Atlanta, (which is quite a lot). industry in Georgia. million bond referendum to address the city’s crumbling infrastructure. Although a fervent sup- John W. Somerhalder II Tommy Thomas porter of President Obama, the former state law- Chairman, President & CEO, AGL Resources Inc. Atlanta Barber/Power Broker maker won plaudits for working with Governor Somerhalder has overseen the The Thomas Barber Shop is something of a leg- Deal to help secure state and federal funding for expansion of the energy holding end. Aside from giving a great haircut, it is one the Savannah harbor expansion project. company into a distributor that of the premier spots in the city to spot politicos. serves over 4.5 million customers. Carrying on in the footsteps of his father, Vic Reynolds He is also an integral part of the Tommy’s sphere of influence carries on far past District Attorney, Cobb Judicial Circuit Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., and serves the West Paces shopping center where the This hard-charging prosecutor, while oversee- on the boards of the Georgia and Metro Atlanta shop resides. Few state politicians (even some ing an expanding caseload, has established a Chambers of Commerce. presidential candidates) come through Atlanta mental health court as well a veterans court and without making a stop to see Tommy. also formed a special gang prosecutorial unit.
Earl Rogers President/CEO, Georgia Hospital Association SENATE COMMITTEES & CHAIRMEN It should go without saying that Rogers presides over an associa- Administrative Affairs MARTOC David Schafer Duluth Fran Millar Vice Chairman* Dunwoody tion which is a huge influence over Georgia healthcare issues, Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Natural Resources & the Environment and is a lobbying powerhouse at John Wilkinson Toccoa Ross Tolleson Perry the state Capitol. Appropriations Public Safety Jack Hill Reidsville Buddy Carter Pooler David Scott U.S. Congressman Banking & Financial Institutions Reapportionment & Redistricting This Democrat congressman who represents a John Crosby Tifton Don Balfour Snellville sprawling district doesn’t always tow the Obama Economic Development Regulated Industries & Industries party line and has been a major force, along with Frank Ginn Danielsville Jack Murphy Cumming various Republican colleagues, in demanding Education & Youth Retirement Lindsey Tippins Marietta Fran Millar Dunwoody — GEORGIA MAYORS TOP CITIES Ethics Rules Rick Jeffares Locust Grove Jeff Mullis Chickamauga Atlanta Kasim Reed Finance Science & Technology Judson Hill Marietta Brandon Beach Alpharetta Augusta Hardie Davis Government Oversight Special Judiciary Columbus Teresa Tomlinson Bill Heath Bremen Curt Thompson Tucker Brookhaven J. Max Davis Health & Human Services State & Local Governmental Operations Athens Nancy Denson Renee S Unterman Buford William T. Ligon, Jr. St. Simons Sandy Springs Rusty Paul Higher Education State Institutions & Property Bill Cowsert Athens John Albers Roswell Alpharetta David Belle Isle Insurance & Labor Transportation Macon Robert Reichert Tim Golden Valdosta Steve Gooch Dahlonega Johns Creek Mike Bodker Interstate Cooperation Urban Affairs Hardie Davis Augusta Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr. Decatur Albany Dorothy Hubbard Judiciary Veterans, Military, & Homeland Security Smyrna Arthur Max Bacon Josh McKoon Columbus Ed Harbison Columbus
Judiciary Non-Civil *Note 28 JAMES Jesse Stone Waynesboro MARTOC only has a Vice-Chair, no Chair Solutions for Business & Government
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GEORGIA Bank of America Plaza | 600 Peachtree Street, NE | Suite 5200 Contacts Atlanta, GA 30308-2216 Pete Robinson, Chairman Tel: 404.879.6500 | Toll Free: 888.879.6578 | Fax: 404.962.6919 Rob Willis, Principal Atlanta r Raleigh r3JDINPOEr8BTIJOHUPO %$ XXXUSPVUNBOTBOEFSTTUSBUFHJFTDPN Hugh P. Thompson the Georgia Board of Regents. One needs only Lewis W. Dickey, Jr. Chairman/President/CEO, Cumulus Media Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Georgia to glance at his accomplishments and titles to Named chief justice in 2013 after grasp the influence Wilheit has in this state. David Dickey serving on the Georgia Supreme President, Dickey Broadcasting Company Court since 1994, the courtly John A. Williams Atlanta-based Cumulus Media is the second Thompson has pushed for better Real Estate Developer largest owner and operator of AM and FM radio access to lawyers and for more Williams, the founder of Post stations in America. Dickey Broadcasting alternatives to prison for non-vio- Properties, moved on to become Company, a subsidiary of Cumulus, is credited lent offenders in his tenure at the helm of the CEO of Atlanta-based Preferred with launching sports talk radio in Atlanta two state’s highest court. Apartment Communities. In just decades ago. several years PAC worked to own William Underwood thousands of apartment units in Andre Jackson Editorial Page Editor, Atlanta Journal-Constitution President, Mercer University nine markets and 10 retail shopping centers in Mercer University, under Underwoord’s leader- seven markets around the country. As we’ve The editorial/opinion pages are ship, has seen a 20 percent growth in student said before, this savvy businessman/philan- separate from the AJC newsroom. enrollment and three-successive record-break- thropist is a class act. While the institutional editorial ing classes. opinions still usually echo the lib- Stan Wise eral “party line,” Jackson is less T. Rogers Wade Public Service Commission shrill than past editorial page edi- Chairman, Georgia Public Policy Foundation Almost half-way through his fourth term as a tors. He has even written editorials on occasion A major player in Georgia politics for over 40 Public Service Commissioner, the former Cobb that are thoughtfully centrist and sometimes years, Wade has advised leaders from former County GOP commissioner has made a name pro-private enterprise. In recent years Jackson U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge to Gov. Nathan for himself as an expert on government regula- has helped add a degree of political balance to Deal. He serves on the board of the Georgia tions (and especially in the nuclear energy sec- the previously hard-left opinion pages, especial- Chamber of Commerce and is an active mem- tor) and is respected statewide. ly with the letters to the editor. ber in the Atlanta Rotary Club. Andrew Young Bert Roughton James Wagner Former Atlanta Mayor, Former U.N. Ambassador Managing Editor & Senior Editorial Director Atlanta Journal-Constitution President, Emory University Largely credited with making This ideologically-driven editor, Not only is Wagner the president of one the Atlanta the international hub it is while not having final say over all nation’s leading private universities, but the today when he was mayor, the news operations, is described by Maryland native also serves on the boards of the affable Young is noted for his civil AJC insiders as the driving politi- SunTrust, The Carter Center, and the Metro rights activism, political experi- cal/journalistic force over other Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. ence and skills as a negotiator among Atlanta political factions. The former news editors and beat reporters. Larry Walker Democrat congressman from Georgia is known Roughton all too often bends the news (or omits it) to fit a trendy politically liberal agenda, and is Member, Board of Regents around the world as a diplomat and an educator. married to an openly left-wing political activist. Walker is a practicing attorney in Perry. He served 32 years in the Georgia General Assembly Hilton Howell and presently serves on the University System of CEO/President, Gray Communications Georgia Board of Regents. As President of Gray Commun- Chuck Warbington ications, which owns and oper- ates TV stations in over 40 mar- ED, Gwinnett Village CID kets nationwide, it’s safe to say After helping to found the state’s largest Howell wields some considerable Community Improvement District in 2006, influence. He has also served on numerous Warbington has since worked tirelessly on proj- boards in Georgia, including the Georgia ects such as the Jimmy Carter bridge over I-85. Department of Human Resources and the Board As one of the nation’s most rapidly growing of Regents. counties, Gwinnett is lucky to have him. Jim Cox Kennedy Neil Warren Chairman, Cox Enterprises Sheriff, Cobb County The grandson of Cox Enterprises founder James Since he became sheriff over a Cox, Kennedy currently serves as Chairman to decade ago, “Wild West Warren” MEDIA the media empire. A renowned philanthropist has become an influential law and nature enthusiast, his reach doesn’t stop enforcement officer throughout with his family’s business. When you’re worth the state and is known as one of Ed Baker over $6 billion, it’s hard not to be influential. the toughest immigration control Publisher David Allison sheriffs in the nation. His “Corn Boilin’ in Cobb Tim McVay County for charity is an annual tradition (and Editor, Atlanta Business Chronicle Vice President/General Manager, WSB political mixer) that draws thousands. In 2013 Baker was inducted into the As the flagship station of Cox Lynn Westmoreland Atlanta Press Club Media Group, WSB and its five sister radio stations have more U.S. Congressman Hall of Fame mainly viewers, (and listeners) than any First elected to Congress in 2006, Westmoreland because under his other local station in America. is a former state legislator from Sharpsburg. This BAKER ALLISON leadership the news- McVay, who has worked for Cox staunch conservative serves on the House paper has become one of the largest business his entire career, ascended to the post of Select Committee on Benghazi, and chairs the journals in the country. Allison is an effective General Manager of WSB in 2011. House Subcommittee of the NSA and editor because he sees the Atlanta business cli- mate the same way his business readership Cybersecurity. Don’t be surprised if he eyes a William S. “Billy” Morris III 2018 GOP gubernatorial run. does: As something that’s evolving every day. Chairman/CEO, Morris Communications Corp. William S. “Will” Morris IV Philip Wilheit Sr. Otis Brumby III CEO/Morris Venture Capital President/CEO, Wilheit Packaging Materials Publisher, Marietta Daily Journal Morris corporate headquarters is in the family’s Twenty years on the board of the Georgia A third generation of Brumbys strives to fill the hometown of Augusta, but its many media Chamber of Commerce, former treasurer and enormous footprints left by their predecessors. holdings reach as far away as Alaska. They Statewide Chairman for the Deal for Governor Otis Brumby III serves as the publisher of the include newspapers and magazines, outdoor campaign, board member and former Chair of MDJ, Neighbor Newspapers & Cherokee Tribune, making him, like his father and grand- advertising, radio broadcasting, book publish- father, one of Georgia’s foremost newsmen. ing and distribution, visitor publications and 30 online services. Billy is a former member of the JAMES Georgia Board of Regents, and both he and his son Will are generous philanthropists. Dink NeSmith Robert Hays President/Co-owner, Community Newspapers Chairman, King & Spaulding NeSmith’s Community News- LAW Robert, like his brother Richard, papers publishes more than two has ascended to the top of one of dozen papers both in Georgia and Editor’s note: This brief listing of “most influential” the state’s most powerful firms. surrounding states. He also boasts attorneys and judges is just a small sample of more Hays also serves as a member of an impressive civic service extensive coverage of Georgia’s legal profession for a future issue of James. the board of directors of the resume, including stints as chair- Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. man of the Georgia Board of Regents, president Roy Barnes of the Georgia Press Association, and emeritus Founder, Barnes Law Group David Hudson trustee of the University of Georgia Foundation. A powerful former Governor, Attorney, Hull Barrett Barnes is currently an esteemed This prominent Augusta attorney with Hull Tyler Perry lawyer at the Barnes Law Group, Barrett PC has made a name for himself as a Actor, Director, Playwright, Producer which focuses on consumer advo- libel law expert (he assisted governors and leg- Perry does it all, and he is well cacy. Fondly referred to as ‘King islators in crafting laws in this area over the compensated for it. In 2011 Roy’ while in office, he is one of years). Hudson also serves as the general coun- Forbes called him “the highest the nation’s preeminent trial attorneys. sel to the Georgia Press Association and enjoys paid man in entertainment.” A a wide range of friendships with publishers and key supporter (and fundraiser) of Jeff Haidet editors across the state. President Barack Obama, Perry’s Chairman, McKenna Long & Aldridge political clout isn’t something to be overlooked. As Chairman of McKenna Long & Aldridge, Tim Jefferson Haidet helps lead one of the state’s premier law Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel, Grady Healthcare Bill Schneider firms as it tackles cases both in the state and Jefferson has become the public face of Grady Vice President/General Manager, Fox5/WAGA-TV across the globe. over the course of his 17 years at the hospital. Keeping up with WSB-TV isn’t easy, but Whether working with the business community Schneider has turned the local Fox affiliate into John Hall to secure capital or dealing with state and feder- the Cox flagship’s chief competition since tak- Founding Partner, Hall Booth Smith al officials, Grady certainly wouldn't be the state ing over from Gene McHugh in 2010. A founding partner of the law firm of the art facility it is today without his counsel. bearing his name, Hall has won Ted Turner dozens of awards while specializ- Thomas “Tommy” Malone Founder, CNN/Former Owner, Atlanta Braves ing in the defense of high expo- Litigation Attorney, Malone Law He may have moved out west, but sure cases. His leadership is key More than 40 years of litigating perhaps no Georgian had as in what has become one of the cases involving personal injury much influence in the 20th centu- state’s fastest growing firms. and wrongful death have led to ry as Ted Turner. He revolution- Malone becoming one of the ized cable TV and invented the 24 Richard Hays state’s foremost malpractice hour news network, not to men- Managing Partner, Alston & Bird attorneys. He holds offices with tion bison burgers. Turner’s influence on Managing director of Alston & Bird since 2008, many of the state’s most prestigious legal Atlanta and the state as a whole will linger long Hays plays a key role in the strategic direction of organizations, including the Georgia Trial after he’s gone. the firm, which has offices in 9 cities both state- Lawyers Association and the American side and abroad. Association for Justice. Leo Reichert General Counsel, WellStar Since joining WellStar in 2011, Reichert has 2015 emerged as one of the top names in the health- care field. With rumors of a possible Emory- WellStar merger beginning to swirl, expect to hear his name quite often in coming months. Charles Ruffin JAMES’ President, Georgia Bar Association MOST Named as head of the 45,000- member State Bar of Georgia in 2013, Ruffin has more than 30 years of litigation experience. He is a shareholder with Baker, INFLUENTIAL Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz of Atlanta/Macon. Bob Webb GEORGIA HOUSE LEADERSHIP Chairman/Managing Partner, Troutman Sanders During his tenure as a Managing Partner at Troutman Sanders, Speaker of the House David Ralston Blue Ridge Webb has seen the firm grow from 165 lawyers in one office to more Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones Milton than 600 in 14 offices in the U.S. and Asia. His parallel career in Bonaire civic affairs has included serving on the Boards of Majority Leader Larry O’Neal Directors of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Majority Whip Matt Ramsey Peachtree City
Chip Wheeler Majority Caucus Chair Matt Hatchett Dublin General Counsel, Gwinnett Health System With Gwinnett Health as the primary health- Minority Leader Stacey Abrams Atlanta care providers in one of the nation's fastest growing counties, Wheeler has become one of Minority Whip Carolyn Hugley Columbus the industry's go-to lawyers over his 23 years with the organization. Minority Caucus Chair Virgil Fludd Tyrone was just 18 years ago when Jeff Sprecher, a former power-plant developer, bought a small Atlanta firm to build a company that he Itwanted to be a customer of; a transparent market for energy buyers and sellers to meet. That was the genesis of Intercontinental Exchange, known as ICE. His vision and hard work rapidly transformed the com- pany into a powerhouse that, in late 2013, made national and interna- tional headlines with its $11 billion acquisition of the fabled citadel of capitalism, the New York Stock Exchange. That stunning buy propelled the former hobby race car driver- turned-CEO and his wife Kelly Loeffler, ICE’s head of investor relations, marketing and communications, even more into Georgia’s public spot- light. While they both have midwestern roots, they have wasted no time in making Atlanta their home. Through their service on numerous boards, they are generous contributors to a wide range of charitable organiza- tions. Their values, hard work and success are among the many reasons Jeff, tell our readers a little about growing up, getting interested in business James chose to name this power couple as “Georgians of the Year.” and how you came to locate to Georgia. You don’t have a Wall Street or In addition to the power couple running a company with a market computer background, so how did you build your Georgia company? capitalization of over $25 billion, they keep an equally busy schedule out- side of the office. Kelly is the co-owner and co-chairman of the WNBA’s JS Ever since I was young I had an interest in business and in run- Atlanta Dream—the only women-owned professional sports organization ning my own business. I started out with a paper route and worked in Georgia. But we learned more about our “Georgians of the Year” when through school and college. I’m an avid reader, and especially an avid James CEO and publisher Phil Kent interviewed them about themselves, reader of business literature. As a result, I learned how others made their work and what these captains of capitalism plan to do in the future. great accomplishments and I learned from understanding the success of others. I was able to start the company because I had a specific Let’s start with the big question: You are dual-headquartered in Atlanta idea that grew out of my own need to manage the price risk of ener- and New York. What does Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) do? gy. So I bought a company located in Atlanta that was basically fail- ing. Inside that company I found that there were some great technol- JS We operate 11 exchanges and seven clearinghouses around the ogists with an understanding of the market who were willing to work globe ranging from London, New York, Amsterdam, Singapore to with me to build what is today ICE. In fact, living in Southern Winnipeg and Chicago. We basically help the world set the price for California at the time, I thought everyone in Atlanta would want to energy and agricultural products, equities, interest rates and credit. move there. It turned out that everyone in Atlanta wanted to stay, so I made Atlanta my home. How did the symbol of American capitalism, the New York Stock Exchange, get to be bought by a younger 15-year old Atlanta business? Kelly, recently ICE reported the ninth consecutive year of record revenues JS We were able to grow the business by positioning ourselves and earnings. How do you maintain a growth trend? with the trends of the use of the internet to serve customers glob- KL ICE’s growth is the result of a number of organic drivers. The ally. We had a great technology platform for trading in global mar- demand for trading, clearing and data continues to grow due to the kets and good customer relationships, and that allowed us to grow. need for risk management and hedging. In addition, we are growing It eventually allowed us to acquire the New York Stock Exchange through acquisitions. In 2014 we acquired four companies that and its related exchanges. expanded our ability to capitalize on growth trends we see, includ- ing acquiring an exchange in Singapore. Finally, we are growing the Did you know that you wanted to acquire the New York Stock Exchange bottom line by realizing expense efficiencies. We achieved $290 mil- when you went public on it in 2005? lion worth of savings since we closed on the New York Stock JS No. In fact, it didn’t even cross my mind. The process of going Exchange deal late in 2013. By growing the top line and reducing public and getting listed on the New York Stock Exchange was expenses, our earnings grew 15 percent in 2014. overwhelming and served as a tremendous source of pride for my 33 company. But never did we think we would buy the place. Kelly, tell us about your background, how you got interested in busi- member. And, this summer my business partner Mary Brock and ness and what it means to lead public relations, marketing and I will begin our fifth season of owning the WNBA Atlanta Dream. investor relations. It is a great intersection between business and sports and is a way to build something in Atlanta. I believe young people benefit from KL I grew up on a farm in Illinois listening to the crop prices on sports, especially by setting goals, dealing with adversity and the radio, such as corn and soybeans, and that made me interest- being a part of a team. ed in the financial markets. That set me on a path to learning more about international business. My parents are farmers and Jeff, you are now the chairman of the Buckhead Coalition. Why did entrepreneurs, having started a trucking company when I was you accept this position now in the midst of an intense work schedule? born, and they run the business together to this day. I started working as I went through school, so I think I’ve always had a JS I have tremendous respect for its founder Sam Massell. He strong work ethic in my blood. I got my undergraduate degree in and his team have been able to do a lot of effective work that has business administration and a master’s degree in international had a very positive impact on Buckhead and it’s great for Atlanta finance and marketing, as well as my CFA. I then grew through too. I’m proud to lend a hand to continue their efforts. a series of financial roles over time. I was attracted to ICE as a startup because it offered an opportunity to be a part of some- Through your involvement with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Atlanta thing that I believed could be truly ground-breaking. Initially, I Committee for Progress, the Advisory Board for Georgia Tech and the was brought in to run investor relations and to help the compa- Commerce Club, do you think Atlanta is doing all it can to continue ny go public; but ended up also running marketing, public rela- positioning itself as a global city? tions and other areas of the business given the lean, entrepre- neurial nature of the company. JS Yes. The state of Georgia and city of Atlanta have tremendous assets. We are fortunate in Atlanta that we have the Hartsfield- What is your day like for such a global company? Jackson International Airport which grants us access to major global hubs around the world. We have an expanding list of KL Every day is different. The issues that impact us every day global companies headquartered here and a growing popula- are typically the issues facing our customers and our customers tion. Couple that asset with the investment Georgia is making range from oil companies and farmers to NYSE-listed compa- with the Port of Savannah. It is quite an intersection between nies. Their needs drive our agenda. We cover a broad range of goods and services from around the world. A lot of the organi- topics—it could be regulatory change one day, and then the zations I’m working with are focused on improving our local next day we might be focused on launching new energy or agri- transportation and workforce so we can continue to attract glob- cultural futures contracts. al employers to Georgia.
JS Because we are a global company, there is also a tremendous What reforms have you already instituted for the New York Stock amount of travel involved as we work with our customers and Exchange? colleagues around the world, and around the clock. I travel internationally frequently, at least every month if not multiple JS I’ve done a couple of things. First, we’ve tried to simplify the times a month. company. We have instituted a flatter organization that puts our people closer to our customers. Also, because we are technology- I’ve known you both for a few years now. I feel like you’ve been able driven, we’ve started the work of simplifying the technology that to “fly under the radar.” How has the New York Stock Exchange acqui- drives the stock market. sition increased your public profile? What further reforms are you contemplating? JS It definitely increased our public profile. We used to tell peo- ple that we ran exchanges and people would smile politely, not JS We continue to advocate to the entire industry and our regu- understanding what we did for a living. Now more people have a lators that the financial services industry needs to be more better understanding of our business in the context of the NYSE, focused on protecting consumers and investors, as well as with which is a truly iconic image that I think people can relate to. helping entrepreneurs raise capital. That is the essential function of the U.S. capital markets, and as stewards of the New York You reside in the Buckhead section of Atlanta and are prominent com- Stock Exchange we need the pendulum to move in that direc- munity leaders. Kelly, you are also part owner of the Atlanta Dream tion. We have been investing in the NYSE building itself and to women’s basketball team. Can you provide a snapshot of some of the improve the public spaces for employees and visitors. We will many public service/charitable organizations you are involved with? unveil more of that later this year. KL My board participation includes organizations that focus on What is your best advice for young people, especially college gradu- innovation, health and humanitarian efforts in our community, ates, to be as successful in business as both of you? including the Georgia Research Alliance, a public-private partner- ship with the University System of Georgia that promotes innova- KL Hard work is essential to success. It will take you places. tion and research, as well as with the Skyland Trail, a mental JS I succeeded by taking risks, yet they were always calculated health facility. In addition, I’m on the board of the Atlanta chap- risks. I always tried to make sure that I understood the down- ter of the Red Cross and recently became a Grady Hospital board side of a risk, and then gave myself permission to go ahead.
34 JAMES Larry O’Neal Bill Cowsert
James named Republican House Majority The Athens attorney, elected to the state Senate Leader Larry O’Neal as a “Legislator of the in 2006, was chosen by his peers to be major- Year” in 2013 and he merits the honor again. ity leader just two years ago. He represents the The Bonaire attorney and former systems ana- citizens of Clarke, Oconee and Walton coun- lyst for the Burroughs Corp. won a special elec- ties and serves on seven key committees: tion to the state House in 2001 and his policies Appropriations, Finance, Health and Human and actions continue to impact all Georgians. Services, Judiciary, Reapportionment and The epitome of the Southern gentleman, Redistricting, Regulated Industries and O’Neal’s main guiding principle is fiscal con- Utilities, and Rules. His position, and his good servatism coupled with limited government. Some may not know that working relationship with the Senate’s presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Casey after House Speaker Glenn Richardson resigned in 2010, O’Neal ran Cagle, obviously makes him a very influential lawmaker. for the GOP caucus nomination for speaker against—guess who?— All revenue-related legislation has to originate in the House, but Rep. David Ralston, who won that contest and is the current speaker. when it passes over to the Senate the spotlight always turns to a O’Neal and Ralston formed a good working alliance over the Senate troika: The dominant Cagle, savvy Senate President Pro past five years but, during this legislative session, it was strained due Tempore David Shafer and Cowsert—the one who has to “herd all to a fracturing of the GOP House caucus over $1 billion transporta- the cats” to pass, change or kill bills. Cowsert, of course, is always in tion legislation containing a higher gasoline excise tax. O’Neal and the mix figuring out strategy and mapping ways to get results. Majority Whip Matt Ramsey broke with the speaker and tried to The House-passed transportation legislation, of course, is the push through an amendment trimming back the transportation bill. big issue as we go to press. We suspect Cowsert, especially with The speaker, however, stuck with the original package and it passed the various Senate changes regarding that bill and with the logjam the House with Democrat support. of many other bills, may emerge with snow-white hair after the That appears to have been a minor bump in the relationship. As stressful legislative gymnastics that will mark the end of the ses- the session wound down, O’Neal worked in tandem with the speak- sion in early April. er and the Senate leadership to navigate last-minute legislation—and Through it all, though, he has compiled a generally solid fiscally O’Neal did it with his usual grace and gravitas. and socially-conservative record. His political star will continue to rise.
Jan Jones
The energetic speaker pro tempore represents a rock-solid Republican district that includes some northern Atlanta suburbs including parts of Milton, Roswell and Alpharetta. She is perhaps the leading female voice of the Republican Party statewide and is often a featured speaker at GOP events. Jones has compiled an outstanding record of fiscal conservatism as well as excellent constituent service. She has championed numerous bills to reform what she has considered as a dysfunctional Fulton County government, and has espe- cially focused on holding the line on taxes and making the Commission more rep- resentative of underserved north Fulton. She also spearheaded the creation of two north Fulton cities, Milton and Johns Creek—widely regard- ed as a successful and popular move which ensured local control over local affairs in those growing areas.
35 IT DOESN’T TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO HELP KIDS WITH THEIR EDUCATION.
Nope. All it takes is a scratch or two. Because every time you play the Lottery, Georgia kids are the real winners. That’s because for over 20 years the Georgia Lottery has contributed more than $16 billion to education. On top of that, more than 1.7 million HOPE scholars have gone to college and more than 1.3 million four-year-olds have attended a Lottery-funded >`S9>`]U`O[ BVOb_cOZW¿SaOaO`]QYSbP]]abS`W\]c`P]]Y galottery.com EDUCATION
Dr. Dana Rickman
ow important is early learning? Even more than you may will help Georgia identify sustainable and replicable implementa- realize. By now, results from studies like the Perry tion strategies that can be scaled statewide. Each region is home Preschool Project, the Chicago Child Parent Centers and the to around 10,000 children under the age of five. Abecedarian Project have documented the long term impacts of The resources will be devoted to developing infrastructure in high quality early learning programs: school success, higher these zones to strengthen their early childhood system and support achievement test scores, lower rates of grade retention, fewer children’s development and learning. One resource for the E3Zs referrals for special education services, and decreased likelihood will be a packaging of economic development incentives to pro- of involvement in the juvenile or adult justice system. mote the expansion of the early care industry by attracting quality However, what is less commonly known is the economic early care and education providers to the region. To support these impact that the early care industry has on regional development new ventures, the E3Z resources will provide grants for quality and employment. The industry employs teachers, family child care improvements, child care subsidies, summer transition programs, providers, administrators, and staff. Workers in these settings spend and specialized professional development for professionals. their earnings in Georgia, which in turn, distribute additional Statewide, the Early Learning Challenge Grant will also focus employment and spending opportunities throughout the state. on increasing the capacity of the early learning workforce. The This industry also supports working parents by providing grant supports the revision of the existing Early Childhood them with opportunities to engage in meaningful employment. A Education Professional Development Competencies, which are research study conducted in 2007 showed that the child care what early learning educators need to know to be effective in the industry in Georgia created over $4.1 billion in annual revenues classroom. These new competencies will be aligned with the and created over 61,000 jobs. This is on par with industries such Georgia Early Development Standards, add a home visitor and as computer and electronic product manufacturing and pharma- family support role for community engagement, and specifically ceutical manufacturing. focus on serving a linguistically diverse, high need population of Georgia has long had a commitment to early learning. It was the young children and their families. It will focus on expanding pro- first state in the nation to establish a state-level department respon- fessional development opportunities through scholarships and sible for early learning—Bright from the Start: Georgia Department increasing the number of early education professionals who earn of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Based on the strength of the credentials aligned with the new competencies. state’s Pre-K program—a free early learning program for 4-year-olds The grant has raised the visibility of the importance of early available to all children depending on space and availability— learning and re-emphasizes what researchers have known for some Georgia is viewed as a national leader in early learning. time: high quality early learning is the building block for future In December 2013, it was announced that Georgia was a win- student success. Transforming the educational system for our state ner of a Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant (RT3- starts with our youngest citizens. As an industry, early learning not ELC), which is a state-level competitive grant program, targeted at only prepares children to lead the way in strengthening our edu- early learning and development. While the goals of the grant are cational system and our economic competitiveness in the future, to improve program quality and outcomes for all children, but supports Georgia’s current workforce development strategies. Georgia is to specifically target children with high needs attend- The last economic impact study of the early care industry was ing high quality programs and increase kindergarten readiness. conducted in 2007. Georgia’s economy has changed a lot since Georgia will receive $51.7 million over a four-year grant period then. DECAL has commissioned a new economic impact study to There are 10 different projects that fall under the RT3-ELC. be released this coming summer. As Gov. Nathan Deal continues to One central aspect of the grant is the creation of Early Education focus on job creation in the state, it is important to understand the Empowerment Zones (E3Zs), a project that targets four geograph- role the early care industry plays and Georgia’s role in developing it. ic regions in Georgia. Each of these E3Z regions will receive over $1-million in targeted resources and participate in research that Dr. Dana Rickman is the Policy and Research Director at the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education.
IT DOESN’T TAKE A GENIUS TO KNOW THAT WHEN YOU PLAY, GEORGIA’S KIDS WIN. galottery.com decade ago this winter, Georgia Republicans cele- Senate. This plan would eliminate medical malpractice as we brated a great victory under the Gold Dome. The have it in Georgia. Under the proposal, physicians would no Georgia Legislature adopted comprehensive civil longer be sued. Instead, all claims filed by patients would be justiceA reform as one of its first measures of the new GOP reviewed by an administrative panel of healthcare experts majority. There was immense hope this measure would do which would determine if the patient suffered a medical injury. much to reduce healthcare costs in our state. If so, the patient would be swiftly compensated for their loss. Fast forward to 2015 and some of the most important planks Today, patients who have been harmed by doctors must of that legislation have been overturned by the Georgia Supreme find an attorney to take their case. Litigation can take years Court, including a $350,000 cap on damages for “pain and suffer- with uncertain outcomes. ing.” Provisions that remain in place have done little to remove Under the proposed PCS plan, the practice of defensive the concern over litigation in the minds of the state’s physicians. medicine would be significantly reduced as physicians would As a result, Georgia doctors still fear lawsuits. no longer be personally liable and put through an adversarial In an effort to protect themselves from litigation, Georgia physi- litigation process. The no-blame model would be one that cians still practice defensive medicine. Defensive medicine resolves cases by an administrative court similar to our state’s occurs when physicians order more tests, CT scans, stress workers’ compensation model. tests, X-rays, medical procedures or prescription medications As a result, we would see a reduction in defensive medi- than are medically necessary in apprehension of a lawsuit. cine that would create savings in health insurance premiums Gallup says that one in four healthcare dollars are spent on for both the public and private sectors. BioScience Valuation, defensive medicine. In Georgia, that translates to $14 billion an independent healthcare economics firm, estimates the PCS annually in healthcare costs to public health plans like proposal would save Georgia taxpayers almost $7 billion over a Medicaid, the state’s employee health plans and private health decade as we would see a reduction in defensive medicine insurers. So we are clear, defensive medicine does not provide and its impact on the state Medicaid program and the state’s any improved patient care, any therapeutic value, any clinical health insurance plan for state employees. value or any diagnostic value for the patient. But what may catch the eye of Georgia doctors is the Georgia’s attempt at neither civil justice reform nor pas- enormous savings to their personal bottom line. Unlike the sage of the Affordable Care Act has deterred the practice of 2005 tort reform measure, the PCS system would radically defensive medicine because doctors are still targets for litiga- reduce medical malpractice premiums. Under the PCS, tion. So long as there is litigation, there will be defensive med- Georgia physicians would no longer pay medical malpractice icine. That’s why states such as Georgia have a chance to premiums to be insured against litigation. Instead, they would reduce healthcare costs on their own by taking bold steps to pay a dramatically-reduced administrative fee to cover poten- eliminate defensive medicine. tial payouts related to claims under the administrative system In Georgia, we have such a proposal with the proposed supervised by the state. Patients’ Compensation System, legislation before the state For example, today, obstetricians/gynecologists now can write checks as high as $64,000 a year for medical malpractice insurance. Under the PCS system, their administrative fee would drop to $19,500 . Orthopedic surgeons today pay up to $52,000 and under the PCS model it would only cost $13,200 for protection. The cost savings is made up in the elimination of lengthy litigation costs. Eliminating medical malpractice and replacing it with an administrative PCS model would not only insure patients get compensated fairly and quickly but would reduce the expen- sive practice of defensive medicine. And every single Georgian would save on healthcare costs. At the same time, it would be a win for the medical profession as they would see a tremendous reduction on what they pay to insure themselves for potential patient injuries. This is exactly the type of healthcare model that would make Georgia a pioneer in healthcare reform.
Wayne Oliver is executive director of Patients for Fair Compensation, a Georgia-based non-profit seeking to replace the malpractice systems in five states with one that reduces the practice of defensive medicine, increases 38 JAMES patient safety and boost patients’ access to justice. BUSINESS TRANSITION: MAC McGREW PL AN E ARLY, [email protected] COMMUNICATE OFTEN
2012 study concluded that about half of family busi- A ness owners intend to pass the company on to the next generation.1 If you have yet to navigate the often choppy waters of tran- sitioning the business to your heirs, or if you are about to embark on that journey, here are some of the potential pitfalls in that process. A Slippery Slope Family business experts found that only about one in three companies successfully execute an inter-generational business transition,2 with the leading causes of failure attributable to:
1. Breakdown of communication and trust within the family unit: 60% Manage conflicting priorities. It is not uncommon for younger 2. Inadequately prepared heirs: 25% and older generations to have differing, and conflicting, priori- 3. Absence of a clear vision or mission to align ties for the business. family members: 12% • Senior leaders may have concerns about whether the 4. Failure by advisors to properly address taxation, younger generation “has what it takes” to successfully run governance and wealth preservation issues: less than 3% the business; anxiety about the next chapter of their lives Pathways to Success (retirement, staying involved in some capacity); or worries about all children, including those not involved in the busi- With success riding largely on a family’s ability to communi- ness, receiving a fair share of the family wealth. cate and to clearly articulate a plan for the future, the following guidelines may help to ease the business transition process. • Members of the younger generation may be anxious “mak- ing their mark” on the business by taking it in a new direc- Start planning early. Get the process started years before the tion; investing in new technologies or processes that may actual transition occurs. Some experts recommend building an improve the business but require a significant capital out- exit/transition strategy into the initial business plan. As part of lay; and micromanaging by an owner remaining involved in the planning process, business owners should create: day-to-day operations.
• Supporting structures, such as a family constitution and It is important that families express their concerns open- business bylaws to familiarize all parties with the rules of ly, and it may help to engage a professional facilitator. When governance. Fewer surprises mean fewer conflicts and dis- all parties feel they are being heard and respected, the sense cord down the road. of commitment to the business—and the transition process— is strengthened. • A clear vision for the business that involves all family mem- Sources: bers, whether or not they are active in running the business. 1 Visioning is an effective method of allowing all stakeholders Price Waterhouse Coopers, “Choosing your next big bet,” PwC Family Business Survey, A U.S. perspective, 2012/11. to share their personal goals for the business, which in turn 2 Abbot Downing, a Wells Fargo business, “Preparing for Family Business helps create buy-in and minimize future conflicts. Transitions,” 2012.
Identify the skills and leadership Prepare the next generation. Mac McGrew is a wealth advisor with The Harrison McGrew Group of qualities the business may need in the future, and then prepare Morgan Stanley in Atlanta. young family members to fulfill those roles. This will likely require sharing knowledge and providing educational opportunities. 39