Organized and founded by civic volunteers in 1968 with the mission to recognize the service, leadership and achievements of Atlanta young professionals, Outstanding Atlanta (OA) announces Shirley Anne Smith, executive director, Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF) as president to oversee the board members of the Class of 2021. OA recognizes Smith as its first female Latina president in its 54-year history. Due to the pandemic, the operations of OA were paused in 2021. The year ahead plans to be in full programmatic rigor including community service initiatives and nominations for future OA leaders to be inducted into the Class of 2022. President Smith – with her expertise in nonprofit executive management -is leading the way.
“I’m honored to participate in this dynamic organization and to be surrounded with Atlanta’s top leaders and civic patrons,” says Smith. “Especially after the past 21 months that we’ve all endured, it is a privilege to lead this group and to collectively put the best efforts in place to support our world-class city.”
The Outstanding Atlanta Class of 2021 includes the following members: Antwan Aiken
Maranie Brown; Angela Chambliss; Brittany Collin; Pierre Gaither; Carl Hill; Sandy-Asari Hogan; Christopher Perlera; Christie Sithiphone; and Julius Thomas
About Outstanding Atlanta
Today, OA has become one of Atlanta’s premier organizations with respect to recognizing and connecting top Atlanta business and community leaders. In 2011 Outstanding Atlanta, Inc. was awarded tax-exempt status (organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and restated its mission as follows: (A) to recognize, unite and develop young leaders in Atlanta through various programs and leadership training seminars, (B) to give back to the Atlanta community through volunteer service including, but not limited to, youth development and (C) to help both young and more established leaders network in an attempt to build synergy amongst such individuals and find innovative ways to continue to improve the city of Atlanta.
Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF) is the only nonprofit funding agency that supports the critical and otherwise unmet needs of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD). The Foundation provides a platform for citizens, individuals, and businesses to give in support of AFRD’s mission to keep Atlanta safe. The Foundation is also an opportunity to become engaged in the communities where the 36 AFRD stations live and serve. As the city’s budget is primarily committed to covering firefighter salaries and benefits, the Foundation provides the gap funding necessary to maintain a world-class fire and rescue institution. Support for the Foundation means being a responder for the first responders.
