skip to content

Harry West Visionary Leadership Award

The Harry West Visionary Leadership Award was established in 2014 to honor ARC's longest-serving executive director, who exemplified courageous and visionary leadership during his entire career in the public, private and university sectors. Each summer, the Atlanta Regional Commission accepts nominations for individuals who exemplify outstanding community service, inspired leadership and commitment to the Atlanta region.

Harry West

Harry West Award Application

Applications have not opened yet for 2025. Please check back in August 2025 for more details about the submission process.

Each year, ARC accepts nominations for our Harry West Award recipient. Individual nominees may work in any sector – public, private or non-profit – and must:

  • Demonstrate leadership in addressing important regional issues or opportunities.
  • Exhibit vision in communicating how change can occur in the Atlanta region.
  • Work collaboratively with others in addressing regional challenges.
  • Inspire actions that will create long-term benefits for the region and its citizens.
  • Live in Atlanta, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry or Rockdale counties.

The chosen nominee is recognized at ARC’s annual State of the Region event.

2024 Recipient: Edward J “Jack” Hardin

Edward J “Jack” Hardin holding the Harry West Award, Moulthrop bowl and standing next to Anna Roach, Mayor Andre Dickens and Ann Cramer
The Atlanta Regional Commission proudly awarded Edward J “Jack” Hardin the 2024 Harry West Visionary Leadership Award for his bold, visionary contributions to our community. Alongside his distinguished legal career, his philanthropic work has focused on two major issues: homelessness and health care access. In 2024, his leadership roles included:

  • Chair of the Fulton County Board of Health
  • Co-chair of the Regional Commission on Homelessness
  • President of the Georgia Legal Services Foundation
  • Board member of the Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation and Partners for Home, Incorporated.
  • Vice-Chair of the Board of Georgia Works, a workforce program for the chronically homeless.

Previous Harry West Recipients

Powered by ARC
33°n
CDAP
Community Planning Academy
ConnectA
Empowerline
Georgia Commute Options
Green Communities
LCI
LINK
MARC
Metro Atlanta Speaks
MNG Water Planning District
RLI
State of the Region
UASI
WorkSource GA
33°n
CDAP
Community Planning Academy
ConnectA
Empowerline
Georgia Commute Options
Green Communities
LCI
LINK
MARC
Metro Atlanta Speaks
MNG Water Planning District
RLI
State of the Region
UASI
WorkSource GA