SR598: SR598 Colbenson, Kathy; congratulate

This resolution is a ceremonial honor from the Georgia Senate. It recognizes Kathy Colbenson, who has led the nonprofit CHRIS 180 since 1987, for being named the 26th recipient of the Rotary Club of Buckhead's Reverend Robert Ross Johnson Humanitarian of the Year Award, given annually to a non-member who exemplifies the Rotary motto of service above self. The resolution describes her more than 36 years leading CHRIS 180, during which the organization grew to include eight group homes, a permanent supportive housing program, and a counseling center, with its annual budget rising from $400,000 to over $35 million and its work reaching more than 350,000 people. The Senate commends her for her commitment to justice, mercy, and hope, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send her a copy of the resolution.

• Congratulates and commends Kathy Colbenson for receiving the 2026 Reverend Robert Ross Johnson Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Rotary Club of Buckhead.
• Recites her history as a nonprofit leader at CHRIS 180 since 1987, including its growth in programs and budget.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Kathy Colbenson.
• Carries no changes to Georgia law, funding, or regulations; it is a symbolic honor only.

This resolution directly names and honors Kathy Colbenson, a nonprofit executive, and references the organization CHRIS 180 and the Rotary Club of Buckhead. It does not impose duties or effects on any other Georgians.

The resolution has no legal or regulatory effect; it is a formal, public statement of recognition from the Georgia Senate honoring one individual's decades of nonprofit leadership and a specific community award.

• The whereas clauses describe the Rotary Club of Buckhead's award and Colbenson's 36-plus years leading CHRIS 180, including growth from $400,000 to over $35 million in budget.
• The resolved clause formally congratulates and commends Kathy Colbenson and extends best wishes.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to her.

1. 2026-01-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-22Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)Primary sponsor
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)

• legislative honors
• nonprofit leadership
• Rotary Club of Buckhead
• CHRIS 180