Juanita Powell Baranco Named New Chair of the Buckhead Coalition

Businesswoman Ready to Lead Influential Organization in Challenging Times

Atlanta, GA – The Buckhead Coalition, an influential nonprofit corporation that advocates on behalf of the Buckhead community, has named businesswoman Juanita Powell Baranco as its new Chair for 2022, succeeding Dave Stockert. Eric Tanenblatt, Global Chair of Public Policy and Regulation of Dentons, will serve as Chair-elect.

“I am honored to be the new chair of the Buckhead Coalition. Our community, our city, and our region have many challenges and many opportunities. I look forward to working with our elected officials, business and civic leaders, and the Coalition’s team to bring us together and improve the quality of life for all our residents and businesses,” said Baranco.

The Buckhead Coalition was founded in 1988 to advocate on behalf of the Buckhead community within the City of Atlanta through the public and private sectors and to connect Buckhead to other areas of the city and the region. Today, the Buckhead Coalition consists of 120 members.

Baranco is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Baran Company LLC, consisting of Mercedes Benz of Buckhead and Mercedes Benz of Covington, Louisiana. Ms. Baranco has been active in the public and private sectors for decades and has been honored nationally for her leadership in business and public service.

President and CEO of the Buckhead Coalition, Jim Durrett, noted that he is delighted about Baranco’s appointment. “Juanita is a recognized executive and trailblazer. She will be an effective leader to help make Buckhead a vibrant, welcoming and safe intown community.”

Baranco said that her priorities include “partnering with Mayor Andre Dickens and the City Council to ensure a smooth transition of governing; working with the Atlanta Police Department and civic leaders to make Buckhead safer and more secure; promoting economic development, infrastructure, transportation, and effective local policies; and helping to bring our city together.”

Some of the Buckhead Coalition’s accomplishments during the past year include:

• The Buckhead Security Plan was implemented with substantial financial support from both the Buckhead CID and Buckhead Coalition members.
• The Coalition played a key role in partnering with APD Chief Rodney Bryant in the creation of a new police precinct on West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.
• The Coalition collaborated with Atlanta City Council and the public to improve and enhance various public safety, zoning, and public policy issues.

Outgoing Chair, Dave Stockert said: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside the engaged members and excellent staff of the Buckhead Coalition. While I will be staying involved and helping to unite our great city, I couldn’t be more pleased than to be passing the baton to Juanita.”