On Leadership

People go into business for many different reasons including to make money and to support their families. But for Thomas W. Dortch, there’s one more reason, to “provide opportunities.” Dortch has more than 400 employees working across his six companies. He is chairman and CEO of TWD Inc. and Chairman of The 100 Black Men of America. He was recently named the Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Ann Cramer Lifetime Achievement Award winner for his accomplishments in the area of social responsibility.

While most people try to avoid a crisis, Dave Poston is often in the middle of them. He is general counsel and CEO of Poston Communications—a crisis communications firm that helps businesses “prepare, respond and recover” when they are faced with challenging situations. He says the hope is that leaders can turn a crisis into an opportunity to be better on the back end.

Keith Parker is president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, an organization known for taking your donated “gently used” items, and selling them in its 68 stores (more than Target’s Georgia footprint). But the idea of upcycling extends beyond products to its people, including its top executive who has transferred his leadership skills from the transit sector to the non-profit world.

At Gas South, everybody may not know your name, but you can bet the CEO does. Kevin Greiner leads nearly 400 people as the president and CEO of Gas South. He says knowing his employees is an important part of the business. Gas South has grown in recent years. In 2020, it purchased Infinite Energy, expanding its service area to six states with more than 425,000 natural gas customers.

For Stewart “Stew” Chisam, CEO of Hi-Rez Studios, video gaming is about achieving “Victory Together.” That’s not just the company’s new brand identity, it’s a reminder of its mission. Chisam says Hi-Rez, the publisher of video game hits including SMITE and Paladins, aims to unite competitors to form a strong gaming community.

Shan Cooper’s leadership style is deeply rooted in her upbringing. The long-time Atlanta business leader and executive director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress says she learned from her parents—local church leaders— how to serve, listen, reach out and face challenges head on. One of her secrets for success--getting up every day “choosing” to be happy and content. 

Eugene Jones deals with one of life’s essentials--housing. As president and CEO of Atlanta Housing—the agency that manages the region’s public housing initiatives--he says success requires more than providing shelter. Offering wrap-around services such as job training and college scholarships ensures residents can move from subsidized housing to homeownership.

Josh Clark is head of school at the Schenck School which focuses on educating students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Although an educator by trade, Clark says he learned a tremendous amount about leadership during Covid-19. One of his strategies for success was focusing on the school’s mission, those things that “can never change” regardless of the pandemic or any other outside challenges.  

Jeff Pollock is managing principal at Pollock Commercial. He started his commercial real estate firm in 2009 during the Great Recession. But during another crisis period, Covid-19, he says he’s learned lessons about leading with a positive mindset and the importance of being supportive of clients and employees. He also shares how Atlanta is well-positioned to continue to attract businesses to the region."

Aisha “Pinky” Cole is the founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan ATL, a restaurant concept that regularly draws crowds (vegan and meat-eaters alike) that wrap around the block. Cole’s entrepreneurial roots run deep. And her background in television and food service also proves to be key ingredients to her company’s success. Since launching in 2018, Slutty Vegan has opened two locations and has plans for three more in the not too distant future.