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As the holiday season approaches, millions of travelers are preparing to pack their bags and head to the skies, making this one of the busiest times of the year for air travel. Airports across the United States experience a significant surge in passenger traffic, with some hubs seeing more dramatic increases than others. Whether travelers are visiting family, heading for a vacation, or flying for business, the peak holiday season creates a challenge for both airports and airlines to manage the spike in demand.

In response to rising air travel demand, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced $289 million in grants to 129 airports across 40 states. Funded under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants will support terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure improvements. As air travel hits record highs—including the TSA screening nearly 3 million passengers in a single day in June—these investments will help airports better handle surges in traffic during the busy holiday season.

Average Daily Flight Passenger Traffic Recovery After the Pandemic

Air travel has rebounded significantly since the sharp decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with average daily passenger traffic now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Based on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) data, daily passenger traffic during the 2019 holiday season—or the periods surrounding Thanksgiving and winter holidays—averaged nearly 2.3 million, but TSA throughput dropped dramatically to just less than 1 million in 2020. As restrictions eased, air travel slowly recovered, and by 2023, daily passengers reached nearly 2.5 million—surpassing 2019 levels.

Non-holiday passenger traffic has followed a similar trend, with 2023’s daily average of over 2.3 million passengers also exceeding the 2019 figure. With 2024 non-holiday traffic already averaging just under 2.5 million, this holiday season is shaping up to be one of the busiest in recent memory.

Change in Airport Traffic During the Holiday Season by Airport Size

During the Thanksgiving and winter holiday seasons, larger airports see the most significant increases in daily passenger traffic compared to non-holiday periods. Based on 2022 and 2023 data, large hub airports experience a 7.2% increase in daily traffic, while medium hubs follow closely with a 6.2% rise. Smaller airports see more modest increases, with small hubs rising by 4.5%, nonhub primary airports growing by just 1.5%, and nonhub nonprimary airports—the smallest airport commercial service category by annual enplanements—actually experience a 6.8% decrease during the holidays.

Change in Airport Traffic During the Holiday Season by State

Holiday air traffic patterns vary significantly across different states, with some regions experiencing far greater surges in daily passenger throughput than others. States with major tourist destinations and warmer climates, such as Florida (+12.7%) and Arizona (+10.9%), see some of the largest surges in daily passenger traffic during the holiday season. Similarly, states like North Dakota (+11.8%) and Kansas (+10.5%) experience notable increases, potentially due to their smaller airports handling a disproportionate amount of local and regional holiday traffic. In contrast, colder and less accessible states like Maine (-26.0%) and Alaska (-17.0%) see declines, as fewer travelers venture to these destinations during the winter months.

Delaware stands out as an outlier, with an 83.1% increase in daily passenger traffic, driven by the operations of its only commercial airport, Wilmington Airport (ILG). Delaware’s traffic fluctuations have been skewed by the departure of Frontier Airlines in 2022 and the introduction of Avelo Airlines in 2023, leading to a dramatic change in the state’s seasonality.

At the individual airport level, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL) tops the list of large hub airports with a 16.3% increase, while airports in other warm, tourist destinations like Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) in Hawaii and Tampa International (TPA) both see traffic increases of over 12%. On the other hand, Harry Reid International (LAS) in Las Vegas experiences a 4.3% decline in holiday traffic, the largest decrease among large hub airports.

Here is a summary of the data for Georgia:

• Change in daily passenger traffic during the holiday season: +4.3%

• Average daily passenger traffic (holiday season): 79,485

• Average daily passenger traffic (non-holiday season): 76,187

• Average daily passenger traffic (Thanksgiving holiday): 83,525

• Average daily passenger traffic (Winter holidays): 77,084

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Change in daily passenger traffic during the holiday season: +6.2%

• Average daily passenger traffic (holiday season): 2,348,772

• Average daily passenger traffic (non-holiday season): 2,210,803

• Average daily passenger traffic (Thanksgiving holiday): 2,380,380

• Average daily passenger traffic (Winter holidays): 2,329,977

 

Today the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) announced that Ryan Marshall, president and CEO of PulteGroup, will serve as the 2025 MAC Board Chair, and Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment and CEO of Atlanta Falcons, will step into the role for 2026. Chris Womack, president and CEO of Southern Company and 2024 MAC Board Chair, will formally hand over the role to Ryan Marshall at MAC’s 2024 annual meeting on November 21. 

“MAC has an enduring legacy of uniting business and community leaders to create transformative change,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of Metro Atlanta Chamber. “We are grateful for leaders like Ryan and Rich, who continue to build on the foundation established by 165 years of visionary business leaders. Their commitment, along with that of 2024 MAC Board Chair Chris Womack, fuels our mission to shape the future of metro Atlanta’s community and economy.”

Serving as President & CEO of PulteGroup since 2016, Ryan Marshall has helped build the company into one of the largest and most broadly diversified homebuilders in the country. His leadership at PulteGroup, with its founding principle of “Do the Right Thing,” informs his outlook and dedication to community.

“I am eager to collaborate with this exceptional organization, advancing MAC’s vision and leveraging the business community’s ability to impact change,” said Ryan Marshall, president and CEO of PulteGroup. “MAC has demonstrated that they are a smart and relentless team that is unafraid to take on any challenge to unleash Atlanta’s ambition.” 

In 2025 the Chamber will collaborate with Marshall to expand on its economic priorities, growing the region’s reputation as the best and most inclusive place to do business.

“As the Olympics were thirty years ago, 2026 can be another transformational year for Atlanta,” said Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons. “As we host world-class events on a global stage, we continue to build on the region’s incredible reputation for business. It’s an honor to step into this role with the Metro Atlanta Chamber.”

MAC’s annual meeting will take place at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot in Atlanta on November 21. Additional details will follow.

AT&T made a $100,000 contribution to Inspiredu as part of its commitment to helping close the digital equity gap and increasing digital skills learning in Georgia. 

Inspiredu will use the funds to support its Family Learning and Adult Digital Literacy Programs. The contribution will provide Inspiredu with funding to equip families and students with digital devices and technology resources. It will also provide adult learners and veterans with essential digital skills training that will enable them to learn new job skills, access vital services and connect with others. 

“As we continue to prioritize investments in education and workforce development, AT&T’s support of Inspiredu is a great example of private and non-profit organizations coming together to ensure Georgians have access to the digital skills and resources needed to succeed in a 21st century economy,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We’re thankful for AT&T’s contribution to Inspiredu’s Family Learning and Adult Digital Literacy Programs and look forward to the impact it will have as we make Georgia the Top State for Talent.”

Founded in 2020, Inspiredu’s mission is to bridge the gaps in digital literacy and access by providing Georgia’s most marginalized and vulnerable citizens with the resources and support they need to be competitive in pursuit of education and workforce preparedness. Inspiredu helps underserved youth in Georgia develop the skills needed for education and career success through technology‐based learning tools and engagement activities with their families, communities, and schools. 

“At Inspiredu, we work every day to close the digital equity gap and address technological disparities in economically disadvantaged communities across Georgia. AT&T’s contribution allows us to significantly enhance our ability to serve more Georgia families and expand our Family Learning and Adult Digital Literacy Programs to reach more learners of all ages,” said Richard Hicks, CEO, Inspiredu. “With AT&T’s support, we are strengthening communities and creating more equitable opportunities for youth, families and veterans.” 

Inspiredu and the veterans participating in its Adult Digital Literacy Program will be recognized at the Atlanta Falcons game on November 3. 

For more than 100 years, AT&T has supported veterans, active military personnel and their families. AT&T is committed to helping veterans and active military members transition into the workforce through investments in programming and resources. 

“At AT&T, we are committed to closing the digital equity gap through our investments in infrastructure and initiatives that connect Georgians to more opportunities. We believe everyone should have an opportunity to participate in today’s digital world, and we are proud to work alongside Inspiredu to provide digital resources and programming that equip today’s learners and veterans with the necessary skills to excel in their education and careers,” said Venessa Harrison, President, AT&T Southeast Coastal States. “Together, we are connecting more Georgians to greater possibility.” 

The 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Atlanta highlights four new one MICHELIN Star restaurants and four new Bib Gourmands. The full selection was announced Oct. 28 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

O by Brush, Omakase Table, Spring and Staplehouse were each awarded one MICHELIN Star, bringing the city’s total to nine. In addition, Masterpiece, Superica, Table & Main and Whoopsie’s were each honored with the Bib Gourmand distinction, bringing the city’s total to 14. The full selection, including Recommended eateries, totals 57 restaurants representing 25 cuisine types.

“As we toast to year two of the MICHELIN Guide in Atlanta, the passion and talent of the local gastronomy community continues to impress the anonymous Inspectors,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “We are very proud to welcome four new MICHELIN Star restaurants to the MICHELIN Guide family for the first time. Congratulations to the city of Atlanta for another outstanding year for their restaurant and hospitality community.”

Here are the new one MICHELIN Star restaurants and Bib Gourmands, with Inspector notes from each (Inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):

One MICHELIN Star

O by Brush (Sushi-Japanese cuisine)

Brush Sushi is located in a fashionable shopping center with the likes of Rolex and Dior, but step inside this stylish space to discover O by Brush, a separate omakase counter helmed by Chef Jason Liang. The extensive procession will begin with several starters before moving into nigiri such as beautifully rich shima aji, warayaki sawara that is hay smoked over coals then sliced and filled with rice, and anago tempura temaki finished over binchotan coals. A tasting of dry-aged hirame and kanpachi is a delightful surprise, as is the tamago tasting, featuring the classic style alongside a tender, cake-like version. The wide-ranging sake selection, also available by the glass or carafe, is the perfect complement. 

Omakase Table (Sushi-Japanese cuisine)

Here at this serious counter-focused setting, Chef Leonard Yu and his small team presiding over a multicourse experience that leans traditional while offering a nice balance of variety and seasonality. A smattering of otsumami begin the evening on a strong note with shaved Waygu beef lightly poached in sukiyaki sauce with a quail egg. The chef’s signature dish, uni gohan with otoro, is decadent, while corn potage delivers an impressive depth of flavor. Meanwhile, nigiri showcases character without any flash: Kawahagi is topped with flash-frozen liver paste that melts on the tongue, while sharkskin sole with engawa is given a fantastic sear. Not to be outshined, vanilla ice cream is taken to new heights with the addition of aged shoyu. 

Spring (Contemporary cuisine)

Find your way to this small but well-appointed restaurant in Marietta where exposed brick and a vaulted ceiling done in dark wood create an endearing charm. Chef Brian So oversees a tightly edited, contemporary American menu with a strong focus on seasonality. Skillful but simple cooking is the dictum here, where ingredients speak for themselves, and plates are stunning without ever being showy. The house-made sourdough with garlic chive butter is delicious, but don’t fill up, as the pan-seared wild king salmon topped with Hollandaise sauce and trout roe is equally appealing. A maple-glazed cruller with sliced almonds in an amaretto crème anglaise is a bold and distinctive dessert, and the wine list is especially impressive. 

Staplehouse (Contemporary cuisine)

Open two nights a week for dinner (Friday-Saturday) and located in the Old Fourth Ward, Staplehouse promises a convivial evening of conversation and talented cooking. An open kitchen, exposed brick, and a high ceiling lend a rustic/industrial vibe to this charmingly attended-to place. Here, a contemporary tasting menu flips the script with a hearty, far-from-fussy offering. You won’t find foie gras or caviar here, but you will discover a cabbage course that sings with character and flavor. A thick slice of grilled sirloin steak with a crispy morel mushroom is sided by a wedge of grilled gem lettuce with tiny florets of sprouting cauliflower. Finally, a citrus tart with honeycomb candy is spot on.

Bib Gourmand

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors identified four new restaurants to award the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value.

Masterpiece (Chinese cuisine)

A long-standing favorite for mouth-numbing Sichuan specialties, Masterpiece is a bit out of the way in Duluth in an unassuming strip mall but it’s worth the drive. Inside, it’s appointed with light tile floors, while creamy yellow walls are lined with red “leather” booths but make no mistake: you’re here for the food not the feels. The hearty Sichuan food is served family style with care and focus shown in dishes like dong po pork, a square of meltingly tender pork belly in a dark brown sauce that is sweet and vibrant. Meanwhile, skinned eggplant sliced into thick matchsticks really showcases the kitchen’s skills. Lightly fried and dusted with chili powder and pepper ash powder for a fiery kick, these treats have a gorgeous crunch and a creamy center.

Superica (Tex-Mex cuisine)

There’s nearly a dozen of these popular spots around, but it’s this original at Krog Street Market that started it all. There is a contemporary industrial feel here, with high ceilings, a large bar, and an open kitchen. A buzzy vibe adds to the amiable ambience, but it’s the food that lures the crowds—Tex-Mex cooking that is as enjoyable as it is approachable. Start with the paper-thin tortillas and salsa that arrive almost immediately before moving on to shareable queso fundido that can be pumped up with vegetables, shrimp, or chorizo. Saucy, cheesy enchiladas served with rice and beans are a go-to order or opt for tacos al carbon with flour tortillas norteña, smoked onions, and flavorful protein selections. Ice-cold margaritas are the perfect accompaniment, naturally.

Table & Main (Southern cuisine)

Head to Roswell to find this gem, located inside a converted home, then step inside for Southern charm at its very best. It’s packed with a host of well-heeled guests, all chatting and celebrating. Chef Woolery “Woody” Back mans the stoves in a kitchen that focuses on seasonal, elevated Southern food. Cornbread or “pigs in quilts” make for ideal openers, but if you’re leaning into the seasons, opt for dishes like asparagus bisque, a piping hot bowl of spring-minded goodness. Fried chicken brims with flavor and is impossibly delicious, and it’s a good thing the portion is overly generous, as you’ll want to tuck into leftovers later. Mac and cheese or collard greens make for perfect partners on the plate. 

Whoopsie’s (American cuisine)

Make no mistake— Whoopsie’s is a fun, quirky spot where you’ll yearn to be a regular. If you do, you won’t be bored, as their menu is a constantly evolving mix of cold dishes, hot dishes that also work well as sides, and a daily changing protein (think prime rib one day and roasted chicken thighs with golden-brown skin another), plus a sandwich of the day. You won’t leave hungry, as the portions are generous, and the cooking is humble but well executed. Kick things off with the Southern snack tray, served on a plastic cafeteria tray with the various compartments filled with a collection of Southern classics like pimento cheese spread, chow chow, pickled veggies, and pork terrine. One dessert is offered daily. If it’s the pecan pie, it’s a fitting finale.

MICHELIN Special Awards

In addition to the Bib Gourmand and Stars, the Guide announced four Special Awards:

Award	Recipient	Establishment
Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award	Miles Macquarrie	Kimball House
Michelin Sommelier Award  (sponsored by Franciacorta)	Ashleigh McFadden	Nàdair
Michelin Outstanding Service Award	Daniel Crawford	Spring
Michelin Young Chef / Culinary Professional Award	Nolan Wynn	Banshee

The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One. 

Hotels

The restaurants join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Georgia and throughout the world.   

Each hotel in the selection has been chosen by MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service and personality — with options for all budgets — and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Georgia features the state’s most spectacular hotels, including design-forward boutiques like the Clermont (one MICHELIN Key) in Atlanta and the Perry Lane (one MICHELIN Key) in Savannah, standouts from our “Plus” collection like the intimate Stonehurst Place (one MICHELIN Key), and dependable luxury-boutique stalwarts like the Thompson.

The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Atlanta selection:

(High quality cooking, worth a stop)	9
Bib Gourmand (Good food at moderate price)	14
Recommended restaurants	34
Total number of restaurants in selection	57
Cuisine types reflected in Starred restaurants	3
Cuisine types reflected in Bib Gourmands	10
Cuisine types reflected in selection	25

Atlanta’s 2024 MICHELIN-Green-Starred restaurants

Restaurant	Distinction	Address
Bacchanalia		1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, 30318
The Chastain		4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, 30342

Atlanta’s 2024 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants

Restaurant	Distinction	Address
Atlas		88 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, 30305
Bacchanalia		1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, 30318
Hayakawa		1055 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, 30318
Lazy Betty		1530 Dekalb Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30307
Mujō		691 14th St. NW, Atlanta, 30318
O by Brush (new)		3009 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta 30305
Omakase Table (new)		788 W. Marietta St. NW, Atlanta 30318
Spring (new)		36 Mill St. Marietta, 30060
Staplehouse (new)		541 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta 30312

 

Atlanta’s 2024 Bib Gourmand restaurants

Restaurant	Address
Antico Pizza Napoletana	1093 Hemphill Ave., Atlanta, 30318
Arepa Mia	10 N. Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates, 30002
Banshee	1271 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta, 30316
Bomb Biscuit Co.	668 Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta 30312
The Busy Bee	810 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW, Atlanta, 30314
Estrellita	580 Woodward Ave. SE, Atlanta, 30312
Fishmonger	674 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30306
Fred’s Meat & Bread	99 Krog St. NE, Atlanta, 30307
Heirloom Market BBQ	2243 Akers Mill Rd. SE, Atlanta, 30339
Little Bear	71-A Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta, 30312
Masterpiece (new)	3940 Buford Hwy., Duluth, 30096
Superica (new)	55 Krog St., Atlanta, 30307
Table & Main (new)	1028 Canon St., Roswell, 30075
Whoopsie’s (new)	1 Moreland Ave. SE, Atlanta 30316

Atlanta’s 2024 Recommended restaurants

Restaurant	Address
The Alden	5070 Peachtree Blvd., Chamblee, 30341
BoccaLupo	753 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30307
Chai Pani	406 W. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, 30030
The Chastain	4320 Powers Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, 30342
The Deer and the Dove	155 Sycamore St., Decatur, 30030
Delbar	870 Inman Village Pkwy. NE, Atlanta, 30307
Food Terminal	5000 Buford Hwy., Atlanta, 30341
The General Muir	1540 Avenue Pl., Atlanta, 30329
Georgia Boy	1043 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30306
Gunshow	924 Garrett St., Atlanta, 30316
Han Il Kwan	5458 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta, 30340
Hen Mother Cookhouse (new)	11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 30005
Home Grown	968 Memorial Dr. SE, Atlanta, 30316
Kamayan ATL	5150 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta, 30340
Kimball House	303 E. Howard Ave., Decatur, 30030
LanZhou Ramen	5231 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta, 30340
Little Sparrow (new)	1198 Howell Mill Rd. NW, 30318
Lyla Lila	693 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308
Marcel	1170 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, 30318
Miller Union	999 Brady Ave. NW, Atlanta, 30318
Nàdair (new)	1123 Zonolite Rd. NE, #15, Atlanta 30306
Nam Phuong	4051 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, 30345
Poor Hendrix	2371 Hosea L. Williams Dr. SE, Atlanta, 30317
Snackboxe Bistro	1960 Day Dr. NW, Ste. 1000, Duluth 30096
Southern Belle	1043 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30306
Storico Fresco Alimentari	3167 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, 30305
Talat Market	112 Ormond St. SE, Atlanta, 30315
Ticonderoga Club	99 Krog St. NE, Atlanta, 30307
Tiny Lou’s	789 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30306
Tomo	3630 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, 30326
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours	1133 Huff Rd. NW, Atlanta, 30318
The White Bull	123 E. Court Sq., Decatur, 30030
Woo Nam Jeong (new)	5953 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta 30340
Xi’an Gourmet House	955 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, 30309

The MICHELIN Guide in North America

Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2007, statewide 2019); Miami/Orlando/Tampa, Florida (2022); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Colorado (2023); Atlanta (2023), Mexico (2024), Texas (2024) and Quebec (2024).

Goodwill of North Georgia – one of the largest retail operations & workforce training agencies in Georgia with a mission to put people to work – held its annual Battle of the BIZ! competition at this year’s Gala celebration, benefiting the agency’s GoodBIZ! program and essential training programs. This year’s gala raised over $541,000 to support Goodwill’s 14 Career Centers and provide essential funds for local entrepreneurs participating in the GoodBIZ! Entrepreneurship Program.

Since 2022, Battle of the BIZ! has become Goodwill of North Georgia’s annual fundraising event, now raising more than $1.2 Million to support Goodwill’s mission of putting people to work. Funds raised from the gala provide career training in high-demand fields, job placement services, and job retention support at zero cost to job seekers.

This year’s competition featured five dynamic businesses: Habeeb’s Gourmet Sauces, Cool Picker, Handle It Handbagz, W3C Web Solutions, and Able Academy. Each entrepreneur presented their business models to a panel of judges, competing for the grand prize of $10,000. Kay Muhammed, the founder of Habeeb’s Gourmet Sauces, was announced as the 2024 Battle of the BIZ! grand prize winner, taking home the top prize.

Kirk Halpern, a longtime advocate and leader within the organization and the metro Atlanta community, was honored with Goodwill of North Georgia’s inaugural Community Leadership Award during the evening. Halpern served on the Goodwill of North Georgia Board of Directors from 2013 until 2024 and was instrumental in advancing Goodwill’s mission. His leadership included expanding board diversity, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for diversified fundraising efforts. Halpern’s impact will be felt for years to come, particularly through his support of the GoodBIZ! program, which has helped aspiring entrepreneurs realize their dreams.

“We are honored to recognize Kirk Halpern with our first-ever Community Leadership Award,” said Keith Parker, President and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia. “His unwavering dedication and support have been pivotal in helping us fulfill our mission of empowering individuals through the power of work. Kirk’s contributions will have a lasting impact on our organization and the broader North Georgia community.”

The 2024 GoodBIZ! program continues to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow their businesses. The program includes eight weeks of workshops designed to support entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least three years, culminating in the pitch competition, where participants compete for funds to scale their businesses.

Monica Pearson hosted the evening, which was supported by sponsors, including Capital Group, Chick-fil-A, Keystone Management, and Brunner as 2024 Graduate Sponsors and MastersFirst, Farmers & Fishermen Purveyors, Enterprise Holdings, Marriott Marquis Atlanta, and Kaiser Permanente as Advocate Sponsors.

 

The Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees is proud to announce the participants for the organization’s Class of 2025. Each year, Leadership Georgia seeks out emerging leaders and selects sixty-three participants from a pool of several hundred applicants to participate in the yearlong leadership program.

Jessica Ainsworth | Carrollton Doug Aldridge | Chattahoochee  Hills John Barbour | Atlanta  Lee Beckmann | Savannah  Scott Berta | Newnan  Mike Binns | Atlanta  Eddie Bradford Jr | Sandy Springs Matt Bradley | Roswell  Rhonda Briggins | Atlanta  Mary Beth Brownlee | Valdosta  Orson Burton Jr | Albany  Bo Butler | Lookout Mountain  Ned Butler | Monroe Kat Cannella | Columbus Dialo Cartwright | Saint Simons Island  Krystal Carver | Ocilla Nathan Cashwell | Moultrie Natalie Challen | Gainesville Brittany Collins | Atlanta  LaDonna Collins | Rome Suzanne Davenport | Blue Ridge Matt Donaldson | Twin City Yoon Ettinger | Atlanta Larissa Fenn | Odum  Clayton Franklin | Cornelia  Logan Gillis | Axson  Anne Greene | Atlanta  Charlie Griffis | Marshallville  Anne Harris | Brookhaven  Jansen Head | Woodstock  Bert Hines | Bainbridge  Wade Ivy | Atlanta  John Jett | Atlanta  James Johnson III | Covington  Amy Jones | Savannah  SirMichael Jones | Fortson Erin Keller | Macon Brian Kitching | Atlanta  Kara Lively | Atlanta  Brooks Mathis | Rome  Al McRae | Tyrone  Jay Melder | Savannah  Crystal Middleton | Augusta  Jeff Miles | Rabun Gap  Chrissy Miner | Macon  Matt Mize | Greensboro  Nathan Moore | Athens  Jim Overstreet Jr | Augusta  Anne Parker | Columbus Harrison Parker | Macon  Blake Poole | Buchanan Sara Ray | Powder Springs  Zerik Samples | Rincon  Kevin Scott | Marietta  Angela Sheppard | Gainesville  Kim Sheridan | Atlanta Josh Stephens | Thomson  Wesley Stone | Carrollton  Anna Strickland | Comer  Julius Thomas | Atlanta  Jessica Wallace | Columbus  Courtney Williams | Thomasville  Katie Wynn | Augusta

The purpose of Leadership Georgia is to prepare strong and effective leaders for the future development of this state. Those who participate are emerging leaders from every nook and cranny of Georgia…the small town, the open country, the big city. Over the course of the program year, the class participants experience five hard-hitting programs that deal with crucial issues facing the towns, cities, suburbs, and rural communities of Georgia. Together, the class participants of Leadership Georgia seek mutual understanding of the challenges of the state and the solutions developed and implemented to drive change and success for all Georgians. The 2025 Leadership Georgia Class will be led by President Camila Knowles of Atlanta. “Intentional – Informed – Inspired,” is the 2025 program theme.

 

 

 

Trilogy Investment Co. (TIC), a leading real estate investment and development firm specializing in build-to-rent (BTR), for-sale, and lot development, is proud to announce the appointment of Angie McDaniel as Vice President and Controller. With over 28 years of experience in the construction and accounting industries, McDaniel brings knowledge and leadership to TIC’s financial operations. 

“We are thrilled to have Angie join the Trilogy family,” said Michael Nolan, CFO of TIC. “Her vast experience and leadership in the construction and real estate sectors will enhance our ability to execute financial strategies and scale operations.”

McDaniel will oversee TIC’s financial management, providing strategic direction and ensuring the seamless execution of the company’s financial objectives. With over 20 years of experience as a Controller, McDaniel has excelled in managing complex financial operations across various sectors, including commercial, mixed-use retail, residential building, land development, medical offices and hospital retrofit projects. 

McDaniel has successfully led financial operations for key marketing projects in Atlanta, Charleston, Savannah, Greenville, Chattanooga, and Orlando. Her in-depth understanding of construction processes and her financial acumen have been instrumental in driving project success. 

“I’m excited to join Trilogy and be part of this innovative team,” said McDaniel. “I’ve always had a passion for working in construction and finance, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to help Trilogy continue to grow and achieve new milestones.” 

McDaniel’s exceptional ability to build strong relationships with bankers and lenders has been a key asset in her career. Her dedication to her work and her team is evident in her hands-on approach to managing financial operations and building collaborative, results-driven environments. 

McDaniel holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Oklahoma. 

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As I travel across Georgia throughout the year and currently for our fall district meetings, one issue that consistently rises to the top in many conversations is public safety. Public safety is a fundamental part of what makes Georgia’s cities great places to live. It is crucial to communities because it serves as the foundation for stability, growth, and well-being. When people feel safe, they are more likely to invest in their homes, businesses, and the community.   

GMA is working to support cities in their efforts to enhance public safety by advocating for good policies and offering a variety of programs that will continue to build leadership, improve safety standards, and mitigate risk. 

Our firefighters are often the first to respond in moments of crisis, from house fires to medical emergencies, and they are essential to the safety and well-being of every community in Georgia. That’s why GMA is proud to provide management services for the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs (GAFC), which plays a vital role in equipping fire departments with the leadership, training, and support they need to protect our cities. The GAFC is dedicated to advancing the professionalism of fire departments and ensuring that fire chiefs across the state have the resources to effectively manage and lead their teams. The work of our fire chiefs extends beyond just putting out fires—they are leaders in emergency response, disaster preparedness, and community safety. 

A recent initiative for our cities is the Excellence in Policing (EIP) Certification program. This program is a cooperative effort between GMA, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) and Local Government Risk Management Services (LGRMS). The City of Auburn was the first to receive the certification in July.  Nine more cities are in progress, with the most recent additions being the cities of Eastman and Eatonton. 

Police departments that participate in this program will not only enhance their operational effectiveness but also earn the trust and respect of their communities and receive a discount on their GIRMA premiums. The EIP program will provide law enforcement agencies with statewide recognition for achieving high standards, ensuring that critical high-risk policies are in place and proactively managed.  

Another program in the works is the Police Leadership Institute, a collaborative effort between GMA, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute. This program will bring police chiefs and elected officials together to build stronger partnerships and develop the leadership skills necessary to address modern public safety challenges.  

GMA has been partnering with cities for over 90 years to help communities thrive. Whether its fire professionals managing emergency responses, police officers working to build and maintain safer neighborhoods, or local leaders demonstrating their commitment to the highest standards in public safety, we know this work touches every aspect of city life. At GMA, we are proud to support the public safety efforts of every city in Georgia, and we will continue working alongside local leaders to make sure our communities are safe for all.  At GMA, we are #CitiesUnited!