Coalition Convenes City & State Leaders in a Dialogue to Drive Regional Economic Development

Katharine Kelley introduced as new CEO of Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead CID

Atlanta, GA – January 14, 2026 – The Buckhead Coalition, a member-driven organization of business and civic leaders committed to improving the quality of life in Buckhead, hosted its 36th Annual Luncheon & Meeting today. Nearly 200 city and state leaders attended the event, which featured organizations driving Georgia’s economic development, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia Ports Authority, and Georgia Power.

The Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead CID also welcomed their new CEO, Katharine Kelley, an experienced urban development and civic leader, along with the Coalition’s new 2026 members, which include prominent business and civic leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the Buckhead community.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new leadership role with two organizations dedicated to Buckhead’s growth and vitality.” said Katharine Kelley. “I look forward to collaborating with our Coalition members, the Buckhead CID board, elected officials, civic partners, and residents to shape Buckhead and the broader Atlanta region into the vibrant community we all envision.”

36^th Annual Luncheon & Meeting

Each January, the Buckhead Coalition hosts its annual meeting, a unique gathering of distinguished civic, elected, and business leaders from across the region. This year Coalition member Trey Kilpatrick, Senior Vice President of External Affairs of Georgia Power, led the keynote fireside chat with Ricky Smith, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Jamie McCurry, Chief Administrative Officer of the Georgia Ports Authority, discussing both facilities’ plans for driving economic growth in the metro Atlanta region and beyond.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also shared an important message with the audience, applauding the strong partnership with Buckhead civic and business leaders and the importance of the Buckhead community within the City of Atlanta.

Leaders of the Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead CID also honored Jim Durrett, outgoing CEO, for his four decades of civic service to Atlanta and the Buckhead community. To celebrate his contributions, the organizations jointly announced plans to commission a custom metal art piece in his honor crafted by Jim’s son, Ryan Durrett – a talented, local metal fabricator and artist. The location of the art piece in Buckhead will be announced soon.

Coalition’s New Members

The Coalition’s new 2026 members all share deep roots in Buckhead as residents and influential business leaders whose organizations play a significant role in the community. Their involvement will play a crucial role in advancing the Coalition’s mission and areas of focus, which currently include public safety, city services, planning and zoning, transportation and infrastructure, and health, housing and homelessness. The list of 2026 new members includes:

• Peter Aman, Former Chief Strategy Officer, City of Atlanta
• Emily Balentine Barbour, Partner, Balentine, LLC
• Michael Hertz, President, United Distributors, Inc.
• Clyde Higgs, President & CEO, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.
• Doug McMahon, Managing Director, Tavistock Group/Nexus
• Joel Murphy, CEO, Murphy Capital & Advisory Group
• Mindy Selig, Co-CEO, Selig Enterprises

“We are thrilled to welcome such an esteemed group of new members to the Buckhead Coalition,” said Jonathan Rodbell, chairman of the Buckhead Coalition. “Our new members are a testament to the recognition of the Buckhead Coalition’s impact. We look forward to collaborating to continue making Buckhead the most vibrant and welcoming community in America.”

The Buckhead Coalition serves as a catalyst for collaboration with civic leaders and elected officials to ensure Buckhead is the best it can be. Together, our members have collective influence on important issues impacting the Buckhead community and the City of Atlanta.

About the Buckhead Coalition

The Buckhead Coalition is a member-led organization committed to advocating for the Buckhead community within the City of Atlanta and the broader metropolitan region. Comprised of 125 senior business executives and civic leaders, the Coalition works to improve the quality of life for Buckhead residents, businesses, and visitors. By convening leaders from the public and private sectors, it fosters collaboration and drives strategic partnerships that address the community’s most pressing issues. Learn more at: https://thebuckheadcoalition.com

 

Contact:

Allison Kopp, Vice President, Buckhead Coalition

Email: akopp@thebuckheadcoalition.org

Phone: 678-313-2966

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