SR620: SR620 Leadership Cobb and the Leadership Cobb Class of 2026; commend

26 LC 129 0655 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 202 6; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, Leadership Cobb was founded in 1983 by a nucleus of leaders in order to train3 a new group of leaders to guide Cobb County's future; and4 WHEREAS, Leadership Cobb owes a special debt of gratitude to its founders, Harris Hines,5 Johnny Isakson, Phil Sanders, and Jay Whorton, and their vision for Cobb County, as well6 as the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce for its continued support of the program; and7 WHEREAS, Leadership Cobb, from hundreds of qualified applicatio ns, selected only 508 diverse and exceptionally qualified individuals for the Class of 2026 to provide a learning9 environment that enhances personal and professional growth desi gned to benefit the10 individual, their local community, and the entire Atlanta region; and11 WHEREAS, the time commitment includes eight full-day sessions from September to May,12 four evening sessions, two three-day retreats, as well as time to attend Spotlight on13 Leadership programs, participation in community engagement, hom ework to prepare for14 S. R. 620 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0655 upcoming sessions, and a graduation ceremony, all of which require serious dedication, but15 all of which help the participants become more engaged citizens; and16 WHEREAS, the Leadership Cobb Class of 2026 is led by Leadership Cobb Alumni including17 Chairs Joyette Holmes, and Eddie Wade, and Vice Chairs Tricia Newton and Andy Gaines,18 with assistance from Kai Lawrence from the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, and19 dozens of alumni who volunteer for committees to plan each program day and for 2026 Class20 members, including community and business leaders Kimberly Allred, Kate Beasley, Priti21 Bhatia, Mike Bonnette, Nicholas Booth, Tonya Byrd, Carl Carlson , Lauren Cedor, Chase22 Clark, Vic Collins, Christina Cummings, Rodney Drinkard, David Esterline, Richard23 Freeman, Chuck Gardner, Jenn Garner, Jessica Guinn, Jules Harper, Gina V. Hawkins, Karen24 Heard, Tim Henderson, Molly Holm, Amanda Hughes, Stephanie Idla nd, Simon Janman,25 Keisha Jeffcoat, Kyle Johnstone, Shea Konigsmark, Rachel Langel otti, Kyoung Lee, Kafi26 London, Toby Mabry, Christopher McKellar, Daniel McKinney, Tome ca Mosley, Ben27 Needle, Scott Orr, Gina Owens, Tahnicia Phillips, Paul Powers, Brian Rutledge, Courtney28 Santry, Alisha Thomas Searcy, Abby Smith, Andy Stearns, Zach Strickland, Darrell Sutton,29 Jaret Usher, Ryan Varchetti, Dan Vasquenza, Heather Walker, Ashley West, Anthony White,30 Megan Will, LaTonya Williams, Jordan Wilson, Laurie Ann Wong-Burns, Crystal Wyche,31 and Darrell Young; and32 WHEREAS, the Leadership Cobb Government Day Committee comprised of Leadership33 Cobb Alumni, Sonya Allen, Benjamin Andrews, Teri Anulewicz, Mar anie Brown, Nancy34 Couch, Angie Davis, Ashley Jenkins, Brian Johnson, Jennifer McN eely, Michael Owens,35 Amanda Seals, Jason Shepherd, Casey Tanner, and Greg Teague, and led by Co-Chairs Bert36 Reeves and Jackie McMorris have put together a program where the Leadership Cobb Class37 of 2026 will spend January 18, 2026, learning more about how their government works and38 operates, better equipping them to be even more engaged citizens; and39 S. R. 620 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0655 WHEREAS, the Leadership Cobb Class of 2026's motto of “Lead the Way” will ensure that40 the lessons the Class takes away from their Leadership Cobb experience will allow them to41 approach the future to see clearly their role in creating a better Cobb County community.42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body43 recognize and commend Leadership Cobb and the members of the Leadership Cobb Class44 of 2026 for their dedication to community service and their com mitment to improving45 opportunities for local citizens.46 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed47 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Leadership Cobb48 and the Leadership Cobb Class of 2026.49 S. R. 620 - 3 -