United Way of Greater Atlanta welcomes its class of 2026 board members 

Meet the nine newest faces around the board table

United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Board of Directors is pleased to welcome new leadership to help guide our organization into another year of community impact. This year’s new board members are committed to bridging opportunity gaps, fostering community connections, and telling Greater Atlanta’s story as we change the narrative for children across our region. 

They will each volunteer their time and expertise as members of our Board of Directors during their three-year terms. 

Please join us in welcoming these leaders! 

Elizabeth “Lisa” Brattin

Institute of Nuclear Power Operations

Lisa Brattin joins United Way of Greater Atlanta’s board in the hopes of bringing hope and support to our local community. She currently serves as Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations.

“Every child deserves a great start in life — housing, food, clothing, safety, and education. Every adult deserves a helping hand when they need it — housing, food, clothing, safety, and meaningful work. Every elderly person deserves support in their golden years —housing, food, clothing, safety, and medical care,” she said. “I would like to assist in achieving any and all of those for people who need them.”

Leroy Chapman

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Leroy Chapman serves as editor in chief of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and brings 15 years of newsroom experience at the organization. He looks forward to partnering with United Way of Greater Atlanta to convene communities and find solutions related to housing assistance, technology, and workforce training.

“A newspaper mentor of mine once said that the way a newspaper expresses affection for its community is to tell it the truth. United Way does this, too,” said Leroy. “The data it collects provides a truth that measures need and provides clarity around solution building. I want to help the United Way tell the story of Atlanta through its lens.”

Sandy Gordon

Amazon

Sandy Gordon, Vice President of Global Operations Employee Experience & Relations at Amazon, says her reasons for joining United Way of Greater Atlanta’s board of directors are deeply personal.

“I’m a product of Atlanta, raised by first-generation college graduates who believed in public education and the programs that open doors. This city made my path possible, and I’ve never forgotten it,” she said.

“I look around Atlanta today and see how much opportunity still goes unrealized. Not for lack of effort or investment, but because programs that share a mission too often work in parallel rather than together. Atlanta has a history of sectors moving together to expand economic mobility. I believe the city can lead that way again, and United Way sits at the center of the coordination that would make it possible.”

Adrienne Hughes

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 

Adrienne Hughes serves as Head of Client Experience at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Beyond the workplace, she serves her community through numerous boards and initiatives focused on women and children, people of color, and young people in both Chicago and Atlanta. 

“As both an executive and mother of three, I have seen how access to opportunity, strong communities, and caring relationships can impact the trajectory of someone’s life,” Adrienne said. “I am honored to serve alongside United Way because I believe we are called to be good stewards of our gifts, resources, and influence to help families and individuals thrive.” 

Kevin Kay

Truist Bank

With more than two decades of banking experience, including 12 years at Truist, Kevin works as the Branch Banking Executive, overseeing branch banking teams across the Southeast and Texas. 

“As someone who was born and raised in this community, I’m serving because I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. United Way brings people together to create meaningful change, and I’m honored to contribute my time and leadership to that mission,” he said. 

Ty Lord

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton

Ty serves as a Partner at Kilpatrick Townsend and has earned several national recognitions in her work in trademark and advertising counseling and litigation. For her, United Way of Greater Atlanta is deeply personal. 

“I grew up in Atlanta neighborhoods where United Way funding made a real difference — in the programs that kept kids safe after school, in the resources that gave families stability, and in the opportunities that helped young people like me envision a future beyond our circumstances,” Ty said. “I want to ensure that the same kinds of investments that lifted me up continue to reach the communities that need them most.” 

Candace McCowan

WSB-TV 

A Greater Atlanta native, Candace is a news anchor for WSB Tonight on the weekends and reporter for Channel 2 Action News. She is looking forward to using her experience in the newsroom to amplify United Way’s board development. 

“At WSB we get to share the stories of our community every day. United Way of Greater Atlanta is a great opportunity to shine a light on the great work that is taking place in our community and also give people an outlet to pour back into others whose stories have impacted them,” Candace said. 

Lori Anne Roberson

SCP Health

Lori Anne Roberson is Senior Vice President of Human Resources at SCP Health, serves as a guest lecturer and executive team coach for up-and-coming professionals in Kennesaw State University’s MBA program, and holds several leadership positions in Cobb County. 

“Throughout my career, I have been passionate about developing people, strengthening organizations, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Serving on the United Way Board allows me to extend that commitment beyond the workplace and into the community,” she said. 

Blythe Robinson

Sheltering Arms for Kids

As president and CEO of Sheltering Arms for the past 13 years, Blythe has led one of United Way of Greater Atlanta’s longest-standing partners, providing high-quality, affordable early learning to 2,100 children each year. 

“I believe that strong communities are built on collective action, intentional investment and deep-rooted connection. This is what the United Way does,” she said. “I am deeply invested in the future of our region and joining this board allows me to pair my personal passion with my professional experience to help build a community where every resident has access to opportunity and can thrive.” 

These incredible leaders join our full United Way Board of Directors committed to providing strategic leadership, governance, and stewardship for United Way of Greater Atlanta. This year and beyond, our board makes it possible for more children and families across Greater Atlanta to unlock their fullest potential, regardless of their background. 

2026-27 United Way Board of Directors

*Denotes new members this term 

Board Chair
Brian Sappington
Danone
Vice Chair
Kathy Waller
Atlanta Committee for Progress
Human Capital Chair
Stephanie Asbury
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Community Investment Chair
Mary Benton
Alston & Bird LLP
Development Committee Chair
Maranie Brown
BlackRock
Immed Past President/Governance Chair
Peter Carter
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Finance & Property Executive Chair
Sarah Clamp
EY
Audit Chair
Angela Dotson
Aprio
Marketing & Communications Chair
Tucker McNeil
Cox Automotive, Inc.
Reneathia Baker, MD
Kaiser Permanente
Lisa Brattin*
Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO)
Thomas (Tom) Brems
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Rodney Bullard
The Same House
Leroy Chapman*
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Neon Chapman
UPS
Christi Schenzel Clark
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Brittany Collins
Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation
Brian Connerat
Wells Fargo
Roxann Cooke
JPMorgan Chase
Jessica Corley
King & Spalding
Ruth Davila
Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Jennifer Dawson
Genuine Parts Company
Tiffany Gilbert
Accenture
Kristie Gonzales
WXIA WATL 11Alive
Sandy Gordon*
Amazon
Margaret Graff
Ampere Wealth Management
Banks Halloran
Citi Commercial Bank
Adrienne Hughes*
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Eric Kacker
The Coca-Cola Company
Kevin Kay*
Truist Bank
Ty Lord
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
Nataly Marks
KPMG LLP
Gregory McClendon
TEKSystems Global Services
Candace McCowan*
WSB-TV
Elizabeth "Dalia" Racine
Douglas County District Attorney's Office
James Richardson, MD
Peach State Health/Centene
Lori Anne Roberson*
SCP Health
Blythe Robinson*
Sheltering Arms for Kids
Lynn Staner
Deloitte
Tameeka Law Walker, MD
Georgia Perinatal Consultants
Janelle Williams
Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative

Thank you !

United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Board of Directors is pleased to welcome new leadership to help guide our organization into another year of community impact. This year’s new board members are committed to bridging opportunity gaps, fostering community connections, and telling Greater Atlanta’s story as we change the narrative for children across our region. 

They will each volunteer their time and expertise as members of our Board of Directors during their three-year terms. 

Please join us in welcoming these leaders! 

Elizabeth “Lisa” Brattin

Institute of Nuclear Power Operations

Lisa Brattin joins United Way of Greater Atlanta’s board in the hopes of bringing hope and support to our local community. She currently serves as Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations.

“Every child deserves a great start in life — housing, food, clothing, safety, and education. Every adult deserves a helping hand when they need it — housing, food, clothing, safety, and meaningful work. Every elderly person deserves support in their golden years —housing, food, clothing, safety, and medical care,” she said. “I would like to assist in achieving any and all of those for people who need them.”

Leroy Chapman

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Leroy Chapman serves as editor in chief of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and brings 15 years of newsroom experience at the organization. He looks forward to partnering with United Way of Greater Atlanta to convene communities and find solutions related to housing assistance, technology, and workforce training.

“A newspaper mentor of mine once said that the way a newspaper expresses affection for its community is to tell it the truth. United Way does this, too,” said Leroy. “The data it collects provides a truth that measures need and provides clarity around solution building. I want to help the United Way tell the story of Atlanta through its lens.”

Sandy Gordon

Amazon

Sandy Gordon, Vice President of Global Operations Employee Experience & Relations at Amazon, says her reasons for joining United Way of Greater Atlanta’s board of directors are deeply personal.

“I’m a product of Atlanta, raised by first-generation college graduates who believed in public education and the programs that open doors. This city made my path possible, and I’ve never forgotten it,” she said.

“I look around Atlanta today and see how much opportunity still goes unrealized. Not for lack of effort or investment, but because programs that share a mission too often work in parallel rather than together. Atlanta has a history of sectors moving together to expand economic mobility. I believe the city can lead that way again, and United Way sits at the center of the coordination that would make it possible.”

Adrienne Hughes

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 

Adrienne Hughes serves as Head of Client Experience at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Beyond the workplace, she serves her community through numerous boards and initiatives focused on women and children, people of color, and young people in both Chicago and Atlanta. 

“As both an executive and mother of three, I have seen how access to opportunity, strong communities, and caring relationships can impact the trajectory of someone’s life,” Adrienne said. “I am honored to serve alongside United Way because I believe we are called to be good stewards of our gifts, resources, and influence to help families and individuals thrive.” 

Kevin Kay

Truist Bank

With more than two decades of banking experience, including 12 years at Truist, Kevin works as the Branch Banking Executive, overseeing branch banking teams across the Southeast and Texas. 

“As someone who was born and raised in this community, I’m serving because I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. United Way brings people together to create meaningful change, and I’m honored to contribute my time and leadership to that mission,” he said. 

Ty Lord

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton

Ty serves as a Partner at Kilpatrick Townsend and has earned several national recognitions in her work in trademark and advertising counseling and litigation. For her, United Way of Greater Atlanta is deeply personal. 

“I grew up in Atlanta neighborhoods where United Way funding made a real difference — in the programs that kept kids safe after school, in the resources that gave families stability, and in the opportunities that helped young people like me envision a future beyond our circumstances,” Ty said. “I want to ensure that the same kinds of investments that lifted me up continue to reach the communities that need them most.” 

Candace McCowan

WSB-TV 

A Greater Atlanta native, Candace is a news anchor for WSB Tonight on the weekends and reporter for Channel 2 Action News. She is looking forward to using her experience in the newsroom to amplify United Way’s board development. 

“At WSB we get to share the stories of our community every day. United Way of Greater Atlanta is a great opportunity to shine a light on the great work that is taking place in our community and also give people an outlet to pour back into others whose stories have impacted them,” Candace said. 

Lori Anne Roberson

SCP Health

Lori Anne Roberson is Senior Vice President of Human Resources at SCP Health, serves as a guest lecturer and executive team coach for up-and-coming professionals in Kennesaw State University’s MBA program, and holds several leadership positions in Cobb County. 

“Throughout my career, I have been passionate about developing people, strengthening organizations, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Serving on the United Way Board allows me to extend that commitment beyond the workplace and into the community,” she said. 

Blythe Robinson

Sheltering Arms for Kids

As president and CEO of Sheltering Arms for the past 13 years, Blythe has led one of United Way of Greater Atlanta’s longest-standing partners, providing high-quality, affordable early learning to 2,100 children each year. 

“I believe that strong communities are built on collective action, intentional investment and deep-rooted connection. This is what the United Way does,” she said. “I am deeply invested in the future of our region and joining this board allows me to pair my personal passion with my professional experience to help build a community where every resident has access to opportunity and can thrive.” 

These incredible leaders join our full United Way Board of Directors committed to providing strategic leadership, governance, and stewardship for United Way of Greater Atlanta. This year and beyond, our board makes it possible for more children and families across Greater Atlanta to unlock their fullest potential, regardless of their background. 

2026-27 United Way Board of Directors

*Denotes new members this term 

Board Chair
Brian Sappington
Danone
Vice Chair
Kathy Waller
Atlanta Committee for Progress
Human Capital Chair
Stephanie Asbury
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Community Investment Chair
Mary Benton
Alston & Bird LLP
Development Committee Chair
Maranie Brown
BlackRock
Immed Past President/Governance Chair
Peter Carter
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Finance & Property Executive Chair
Sarah Clamp
EY
Audit Chair
Angela Dotson
Aprio
Marketing & Communications Chair
Tucker McNeil
Cox Automotive, Inc.
Reneathia Baker, MD
Kaiser Permanente
Lisa Brattin*
Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO)
Thomas (Tom) Brems
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Rodney Bullard
The Same House
Leroy Chapman*
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Neon Chapman
UPS
Christi Schenzel Clark
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Brittany Collins
Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation
Brian Connerat
Wells Fargo
Roxann Cooke
JPMorgan Chase
Jessica Corley
King & Spalding
Ruth Davila
Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Jennifer Dawson
Genuine Parts Company
Tiffany Gilbert
Accenture
Kristie Gonzales
WXIA WATL 11Alive
Sandy Gordon*
Amazon
Margaret Graff
Ampere Wealth Management
Banks Halloran
Citi Commercial Bank
Adrienne Hughes*
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Eric Kacker
The Coca-Cola Company
Kevin Kay*
Truist Bank
Ty Lord
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
Nataly Marks
KPMG LLP
Gregory McClendon
TEKSystems Global Services
Candace McCowan*
WSB-TV
Elizabeth "Dalia" Racine
Douglas County District Attorney's Office
James Richardson, MD
Peach State Health/Centene
Lori Anne Roberson*
SCP Health
Blythe Robinson*
Sheltering Arms for Kids
Lynn Staner
Deloitte
Tameeka Law Walker, MD
Georgia Perinatal Consultants
Janelle Williams
Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative
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