Harry West Visionary Leadership Award

Posted in: Leadership & Engagement

The Harry West Visionary Leadership 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. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, August 31, 2021.

Nominate Now!

 About the Harry West Visionary Leadership Award

Each summer, the Atlanta Regional Commission accepts nominations for individuals who exemplify outstanding community service, inspired leadership and commitment to the Atlanta region.

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

Past Harry West Recipients

  • 2014: Ann Wilson Cramer, Senior Consultant, Coxe Curry & Associates
  • 2015: Bill Bolling, Executive Director, Atlanta Community Food Bank
  • 2016: Craig Lesser, Managing Partner, Pendleton Group; Georgia’s Commissioner of Economic Development (2004-2007)
  • 2017: Alicia Philipp, President, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta
  • 2018: Gov. Nathan Deal
  • 2019: Clara Axam, President & CEO, Clarification & Mediation, Inc.
  • 2020: Charlotte Nash, Gwinnett County Chair
Ann Cramer, 2014 Harry West Award Recipient.
Bill Boiling, 2015 Harry West Award Recipient.
Craig Lesser, 2016 Harry West Award Recipient.
Alicia Philipp, 2017 Harry West Award Recipient.
Governor Nathan Deal, 2018 Harry West Award Recipient.
Clara Axam, 2019 Harry West Award Winner
Charlotte Nash - 2020 Harry West Award Winner

2021 Harry West Award Application

Individual nominees may work in any sector – public, private or non-profit - and must:

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

ARC Annual Partners

ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more