Atlanta Braves president Mike Plant with Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, center.
Submitted information and photos:
The Cobb Chamber celebrated its many accomplishments of 2024 at the 83rd Annual Dinner celebration, presented by Wellstar, on Jan. 25 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Over 1,200 business and community leaders attended the black-tie optional dinner affair, including military leaders, economic development partners and elected officials. Chris Dimino of 680 The Fan served as the event’s master of ceremonies.
The evening included a robust program, including outgoing Chairman, Mike Plant of the Atlanta Braves, passing the leadership to 2025 Chairman Chris Britton of Brasfield & Gorrie. In his address, Plant celebrated the collective efforts of the Chamber and how it served as a champion for businesses and the community over the past year.
He highlighted:
A record year at The Battery Atlanta, with 78% of tourism coming from outside of Cobb.
18 project wins for SelectCobb, which included 7 recruitments and 11 retentions, bringing more than 46,000 high quality jobs.
Growth of the Chamber’s Government Relations department and advocacy efforts.
During the evening, Plant presented several awards to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of the Chamber’s programming and the quality of life in Cobb.
The 2025Len Gilbert Award was given to Luci Hogue of Scotland Wright Associates and Andrew Cox of Wellstar Health System. This award is presented to an outstanding board member who, through his or her leadership, commitment and dedication, achieved new heights for a Chamber initiative, program or event.
As 2024 Chair of Cobb Young Professionals, Hogue helped the Chamber launch a new leadership offering for this year – CYP Cultivate, a seven-month leadership and mentoring program designed to empower young professionals to grow as impactful leaders, accelerate their careers, and forge meaningful connections within the community. Hogue has served on the Membership Campaign, on the Cobb Young Professionals Steering Committee, on the Cobb Youth Leadership Steering Committee, and she is a graduate of Leadership Cobb.
For many years, Cox has been a trusted voice for the Chamber, serving as an advisor on the Board of Directors and to Chamber staff, helping shape the Chamber’s workplace culture. Last year, Cox helped to launch a new program – the Chief of Staff Roundtable. Through this program, Chief of Staffs can connect to build a more effective network of trusted advisors. In addition, Cox has been a mentor to young professionals, a Chairman’s Circle Member and is a graduate of Leadership Cobb.
The 2025Chairman’s Award was presented to Chris Britton of Brasfield & Gorrie, a dedicated partner to the Chamber andan active member of the Board of Directors since 2015. The award is presented to an individual for outstanding leadership, dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Cobb Chamber. Britton is a long-term investor in the Cobb Chamber, serving on the Board of Directors Executive Committee and the SelectCobb Board of Directors. He has chaired two of the most successful campaigns in the Chamber’s history, each time producing over $1 Million Dollars in memberships and sales production. Britton has served on the Government Affairs Committee and the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and is a graduate and active alumni member of Leadership Cobb and Honorary Commanders.
The 2025Mack Henderson Public Service Award was presented to Dr. Jackie McMorris, County Manager for Cobb County Government. This award recognizes an individual who embodies the philanthropic legacy of Mack Henderson through outstanding commitment and dedication to building a better quality of life for the citizens of Cobb County.Throughout her tenure with Cobb County Government, Dr. McMorris has demonstrated a profound commitment to collaboration and progress. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping numerous key initiatives in partnership with the Chamber, the Braves, and other valued stakeholders. From the development of Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta to ensuring the safety of the community during the 2021 World Series and championship parade, Dr. McMorris contributions have left an indelible mark on Cobb County.
The 2025 Senator Johnny H. Isakson Leadership Award,was presented to Michele Swann, former General Manager and CEO of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority. Only awarded under extraordinary circumstances, this award honors an individual whose extraordinary leadership, vision and trailblazing efforts have significantly impacted the Cobb community. In 2020, this award was renamed in honor of Senator Johnny H. Isakson to recognize those in our community who, like Senator Isakson, carry forward the torch of visionary leadership.
Since joining the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority in 1995, Swann has overseen the growth and success of some of Cobb County’s most iconic assets, including the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Galleria Specialty Shops, and the ArtsBridge Foundation. Her leadership has elevated these facilities into economic and cultural powerhouses, driving $169 million in economic impact in 2023 alone. Her tenure has also been marked by successful partnerships, including the seamless integration of the Cobb Galleria campus with the Atlanta Braves development.
Plant’s final award of the evening, the 2025 Dr. Robert A. Lipson Award,was presented to Candice Saunders, President & CEO of Wellstar. The award is presented to someone who is a visionary, a friend, a mentor, and a leader. Under her leadership, Wellstar has built community partnerships, introduced innovative care models, and adopted advanced technologies to improve health outcomes and the patient experience, solidifying its role as a leading healthcare provider in Georgia. Saunders has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as a Top 25 Women Leader and one of the Top 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives. She has been named Atlanta’s Most People-Focused CEO, and one of Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians for the 9th year in a row.
The Marietta Daily Journal presented its prestigious 2024Cobb County Citizen of the Year Award to Ron Newcomb, former President ofChattahoochee Technical College. The Marietta Daily Journal has presented this award since 1963 at the Cobb Chamber Annual Dinner.
The 83rd Annual Dinner was presented by Wellstar. The invocation was offered by Deane Bonner, former President of the Cobb County NAACP. Mike Jones Entertainment provided music at the After Party, hosted by Live! at the Battery Atlanta, and JJA Project Management provided audiovisual and event production services.Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper at the Cobb Chamber cocktail reception.
Ron Newcomb, former president of Chattahoochee Tech, accepting the Cobb County Citizen of the Year Award.
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