Celebrating Leadership, Community & Connection

On August 20, Leadership DeKalb gathered at the Druid Hills Golf Club for a memorable evening of celebration, connection, and community. The sold-out Annual Dinner brought together alumni representing 27 different Leadership DeKalb classes, community leaders, and friends of Leadership DeKalb for one of our favorite events of the year.

The evening started with Vice Chair Adria Welcher '21 welcoming the crowd and introducing a video message from Chair Dorian DeBarr '18 that highlighted Leadership DeKalb's accomplishments over the last year and the vision for the upcoming year. After Adria Welcher recognized our outgoing and incoming board members, Annual Dinner Co-Chairs Lauren Kiefer '23 and Shavone Smith '18 announced the raffle prizes that were generously donated by our alumni. Next, former Executive Director Sara Fountain '92 shared the wonderful history of how and why Leadership DeKalb started back in 1986.

We were honored to welcome former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin as our keynote speaker. After a lovely introduction by DeKalb County Board of Commissioners' Presiding Officer Chakira Johnson '20, Ms. Franklin shared her insight and perspective on leadership, community, and the importance of investing in the future of DeKalb.

The evening also honored the outstanding contributions of Leadership DeKalb alumni. Board Secretary and Alumni Engagement Chair J. Nichole Simms ’20 delivered a heartfelt introduction and presented the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award to Zachary L. Williams ’15. As Leadership DeKalb’s highest honor, this award recognizes alumni whose leadership, service, and commitment leave a lasting imprint on our community.

A member of the Class of 2015, Mr. Williams has been a driving force behind key strategic initiatives, strengthened county operations, and meaningful improvements for DeKalb residents. His commitment to collaboration and public service exemplifies the values Leadership DeKalb proudly celebrates.

An extra special thank-you to Amity Farrar ’19, Fundraising Chair, for sharing the importance of continued alumni support in sustaining Leadership DeKalb for future generations. Amity highlighted our newly launched Membership Dues program as one meaningful way alumni can remain invested in the organization and help support its mission.

The evening ended with the presentation of the “Best Class Ever! Award" to the Class of 2023 for their continued involvement and ongoing support of Leadership DeKalb.

Want to relive the evening? To view all of the event photos, please click here. A special thank-you to Brian Bates Photography for capturing the evening!

We are incredibly grateful to our Legacy Sponsor, Silver Sponsors, Host Sponsor, and Class Table Sponsors for their generous support of this year’s Annual Dinner. Your investment in Leadership DeKalb helps us continue to develop and connect leaders who are committed to making a difference in our community!

Legacy Sponsor

Thank you to the DeKalb County Government, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson '20, and the DeKalb County Commissioners District 1 Robert Patrick, District 2 Michelle Long Spears '21, District 3 Nicole Massiah '20, Presiding Officer & District 4 Chakira Johnson '20, District 5 Mereda Davis Johnson, District 6 Ted Terry '19, and Deputy Presiding Officer & District 7 Dr. LaDena Bolton '24 for their year-round support that enables Leadership DeKalb to connect, inspire, and activate the leaders of DeKalb County.

Silver Sponsors

Host Sponsor

Class Table Sponsors

A special thank you to our raffle donors and congratulations to our 2026 Annual Dinner raffle winners:



• DeKalb Cultural Package - Donated by Susannah Scott '13, Shara Sanders '17 & Jeffrey Jackson of Fetch Staffing Solutions
• Winner - Candace Bazemore ’17
• Autographed Austin Riley Braves Bat - Donated by Jen Schuck '20 at Emory Decatur Hospital
• Winner - Jason Gaines ’14
• Hamilton Tickets & Gift Card - Donated by Susannah Scott '13 & Jeffrey Jackson of Fetch Staffing Solutions
• Winner - Sandra Kruger ’26
• Atlanta Dream Tickets - Donated by J. Nichole Simms '20
• Winner - Theresa Austin Gibbons ’25
• Wellness & Refresh Package - Donated by Jen Schuck '20 at Emory Decatur Hospital
• Winner - Jason Conn ’01
• Atlanta Falcons Tickets - Donated by Dorian DeBarr '18
• Winner - Natalia Cales ’26

Thank You to Our Annual Dinner Committee:

• Lauren Kiefer '23– Co-Chair
• Shavone Smith '18– Co-Chair
• Victoria Anglin ‘25
• Asia Baysah ‘26
• Sachi Cole '25
• Randy Faigin ‘16
• Veneetia Johnson ‘25
• Dr. Danielle Stewart '26

And a heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, donated raffle items, supported the raffle, sponsored the event, and helped make the evening possible. We are grateful to our entire Leadership DeKalb community for coming together to make the 2026 Annual Dinner such a memorable celebration! We can't wait for next year!

Thank you for being an important part of the Leadership DeKalb community! Together, we’re building connections, developing leaders, and shaping a stronger future for DeKalb County. Stay connected with Leadership DeKalb and our alumni community by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.