Nonprofit that supports Atlanta Beltline names new chair, board members
The nonprofit that helps raise money for the Atlanta Beltline has named a new chair and five new members of its board of directors.
The Atlanta Beltline Partnership said Beth Chandler, chief legal officer of Rollins Inc., has been appointed as chair, according to a Thursday news release. She succeeds Kathy Farrell — the top executive over commercial real estate at Truist — who completed a two-year tenure as chair. Farrell will remain on the nonprofit’s board.
The partnership is separate from the city agency that plans, builds and operates the Beltline.
The Beltline has seen fast growth in recent years, both in its 22-mile network of trails and parks and with development surrounding the loop.
About 85% of the main trail loop is either built or under construction, the partnership said in the release.
The partnership also raises money to help health programs and antidisplacement efforts. Top priorities are expanding the Legacy Resident Retention Program and raising funds for the Bike Park at Westside Park and Enota Park, the organization said.
“Atlanta Beltline Partnership has never been better positioned to connect communities and improve lives,” Chandler said in the release. “Through our Advancing the Vision campaign, we’re focusing on critical projects that will ensure the Beltline remains accessible to longtime residents while creating new recreational opportunities for all Atlantans.”
Five executives joining the partnership board are:
- Channing Henderson, an associate vice president of asset preservation with development firm The Integral Group. Henderson is an appointee of Trees Atlanta.
- Brenda Hofmann, senior vice president and chief of internal audit at Coca-Cola.
- Jim Irwin, president of New City Properties, an active developer along the Beltline whose projects include 725 Ponce and Fourth Ward.
- Conner Poe, a government relations executive with Norfolk Southern.
- Jini Davis Thornton, CEO of Envision Business Management Group and Thank Me Later.
Rob Brawner, executive director of the partnership, said the organization is “honored to welcome these outstanding leaders” to the organization’s board.
“Their diverse expertise and deep commitment to Atlanta’s communities will be invaluable as we continue to advance our vision of a more equitable, connected Atlanta,” he said. “The Beltline has seen unprecedented community engagement, with record participation in our run club, bike tours and volunteer programs. These initiatives, combined with ongoing fundraising efforts, continue to strengthen the Beltline’s role as a catalyst for inclusive growth and community connection.”
As part of the changes, three board members are cycling off the board. They are Portman Holdings Chairman and CEO Ambrish Baisiwala, Coca-Cola Vice President of Global Licensing and Retail Michelle Moorehead and Play Anywhere Chief Strategy Officer Pete Scott.
About the Author
J. Scott Trubey is the senior editor over business, climate and environment coverage at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He previously served as a business reporter for the AJC covering banking, real estate and economic development. He joined the AJC in 2010.
