Senate Resolution 598
By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Harbison of the 15th, Echols of the
49th, Davenport of the 17th and others
A RESOLUTION
Congratulating and commending Kathy Colbenson upon receiving the 2026 Reverend Robert
Ross Johnson Humanitarian of the Year Award; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Buckhead presents the Reverend Robert Ross Johnson
Humanitarian of the Year Award annually to a non-member who exemplifies the Rotary
motto of “service above self”; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her vision and unyielding commitment to advocating for
children, families, and the underserved, Kathy Colbenson has been named the 26th Reverend
Robert Ross Johnson Humanitarian of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Kathy Colbenson has long been recognized as one of the state’s most respected
and dedicated non-profit leaders; and
WHEREAS, since arriving at CHRIS 180 in 1987, Kathy Colbenson has been instrumental
in developing innovative, trauma-informed approaches and programs that strengthen families
and troubled youth in the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, under her more than 36 years of leadership, CHRIS 180 expanded to include
eight group homes, a permanent supportive housing program, and a counseling center; and
WHEREAS, she furthered the impact of the organization, growing the annual budget from
$400,000 to over $35 million, thereby enabling CHRIS 180 to positively impact the lives of
more than 350,000 people; and
WHEREAS, Kathy Colbenson is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable
reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this
extraordinary Georgian be appropriately recognized.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize and commend Kathy Colbenson for her unwavering commitment to justice, mercy,
and hope; congratulate her upon receiving the 2026 Reverend Robert Ross Johnson
Humanitarian of the Year Award; and extend best wishes for her continued health, happiness,
and success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Kathy Colbenson.