Omar Ali, Chairman and President, is a gubernatorial appointee, entrepreneur, and real estate developer with over 26 years of experience in construction, business development, and community revitalization. As President of Ali Development LLC, he has made significant investments in Atlanta’s Southside, transforming underutilized and historic properties into thriving destinations for small businesses, entrepreneurship, housing and economic growth. His international experience includes contributing to the construction of U.S. Embassies across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Mr. Ali serves on the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Board and the Georgia State Board of General and Residential Construction. His vision is to position South Atlanta as a destination for investment, innovation, and sustainable economic development while creating lasting opportunities for residents and businesses.

Ben Cohen is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social advocate best known as the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., one of the world's most recognizable ice cream brands. Founded in 1978 with Jerry Greenfield, the company grew from a small Vermont ice cream shop into an internationally recognized business built on the principle that profitability and social responsibility can coexist. Mr. Cohen has dedicated much of his career to advancing economic justice, grassroots philanthropy, community empowerment, and socially responsible business practices. He helped establish the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which has awarded more than $70 million to support community organizations and social change initiatives.

Alfred “Al” McRae Jr. is President of Bank of America Atlanta and a Managing Director and Diverse Segments Business Development Executive for Bank of America Private Bank. A seasoned financial services executive, he leads the bank’s regional efforts to drive economic growth, expand access to capital, and strengthen communities through strategic investment and partnerships. His leadership emphasizes small business development, affordable housing, wealth creation, and economic mobility.

Nicholas “Nick” Buford is a government affairs and public policy executive currently serving as Southeast Regional Public Policy Lead at Amazon. He brings extensive experience in government relations, economic development, public-private partnerships, and strategic policy initiatives. Previously, Mr. Buford served in several leadership positions within Georgia state government, including Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Legislative Liaison and Policy Advisor in Governor Brian Kemp’s administration, as well as Executive Director of the OneGeorgia Authority at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Senator Sonya Halpern is a Georgia State Senator, business executive, and community leader representing Georgia’s 39th Senate District, which includes portions of Atlanta and South Fulton County. Elected in 2020, she serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Chair of the Fulton County Senate Delegation, and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs. With an extensive background in business development, marketing, public policy, and nonprofit leadership, Senator Halpern has championed initiatives focused on economic development, education, workforce opportunities, and community revitalization.

Kofi Rashid is an international strategic advisor with 30 years of experience spanning government, philanthropy, and global business. For more than 16 years, he has served as a Senior Advisor to the Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest private foundations. He helps build partnerships and mobilize philanthropic resources for global health and development across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

From 2016 to 2024, Kofi advised the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria across Southeast Asia. His clients have also included the Rockefeller Foundation and the private office of Melinda French Gates.