Senate Resolution 620
By: Senators Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Albers of the 56th, Rhett of the 33rd, Howard of the
35th, Setzler of the 37th and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending Leadership Cobb and the Leadership Cobb Class of 2026; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, Leadership Cobb was founded in 1983 by a nucleus of leaders in order to train
a new group of leaders to guide Cobb County's future; and
WHEREAS, Leadership Cobb owes a special debt of gratitude to its founders, Harris Hines,
Johnny Isakson, Phil Sanders, and Jay Whorton, and their vision for Cobb County, as well
as the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce for its continued support of the program; and
WHEREAS, Leadership Cobb, from hundreds of qualified applications, selected only 50
diverse and exceptionally qualified individuals for the Class of 2026 to provide a learning
environment that enhances personal and professional growth designed to benefit the
individual, their local community, and the entire Atlanta region; and
WHEREAS, the time commitment includes eight full-day sessions from September to May,
four evening sessions, two three-day retreats, as well as time to attend Spotlight on
Leadership programs, participation in community engagement, homework to prepare for
upcoming sessions, and a graduation ceremony, all of which require serious dedication, but
all of which help the participants become more engaged citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Leadership Cobb Class of 2026 is led by Leadership Cobb Alumni including
Chairs Joyette Holmes, and Eddie Wade, and Vice Chairs Tricia Newton and Andy Gaines,
with assistance from Kai Lawrence from the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, and
dozens of alumni who volunteer for committees to plan each program day and for 2026 Class
members, including community and business leaders Kimberly Allred, Kate Beasley, Priti
Bhatia, Mike Bonnette, Nicholas Booth, Tonya Byrd, Carl Carlson, Lauren Cedor, Chase
Clark, Vic Collins, Christina Cummings, Rodney Drinkard, David Esterline, Richard
Freeman, Chuck Gardner, Jenn Garner, Jessica Guinn, Jules Harper, Gina V. Hawkins, Karen
Heard, Tim Henderson, Molly Holm, Amanda Hughes, Stephanie Idland, Simon Janman,
Keisha Jeffcoat, Kyle Johnstone, Shea Konigsmark, Rachel Langelotti, Kyoung Lee, Kafi
London, Toby Mabry, Christopher McKellar, Daniel McKinney, Tomeca Mosley, Ben
Needle, Scott Orr, Gina Owens, Tahnicia Phillips, Paul Powers, Brian Rutledge, Courtney
Santry, Alisha Thomas Searcy, Abby Smith, Andy Stearns, Zach Strickland, Darrell Sutton,
Jaret Usher, Ryan Varchetti, Dan Vasquenza, Heather Walker, Ashley West, Anthony White,
Megan Will, LaTonya Williams, Jordan Wilson, Laurie Ann Wong-Burns, Crystal Wyche,
and Darrell Young; and
WHEREAS, the Leadership Cobb Government Day Committee comprised of Leadership
Cobb Alumni, Sonya Allen, Benjamin Andrews, Teri Anulewicz, Maranie Brown, Nancy
Couch, Angie Davis, Ashley Jenkins, Brian Johnson, Jennifer McNeely, Michael Owens,
Amanda Seals, Jason Shepherd, Casey Tanner, and Greg Teague, and led by Co-Chairs Bert
Reeves and Jackie McMorris have put together a program where the Leadership Cobb Class
of 2026 will spend January 18, 2026, learning more about how their government works and
operates, better equipping them to be even more engaged citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Leadership Cobb Class of 2026's motto of “Lead the Way” will ensure that
the lessons the Class takes away from their Leadership Cobb experience will allow them to
approach the future to see clearly their role in creating a better Cobb County community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize and commend Leadership Cobb and the members of the Leadership Cobb Class
of 2026 for their dedication to community service and their commitment to improving
opportunities for local citizens.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Leadership Cobb
and the Leadership Cobb Class of 2026.