2025 Georgia Civic Excellence Awards
August 28, 2025
The Georgia Democracy Resilience Network honored nine outstanding leaders from across the political spectrum who are working tirelessly to bridge divides and strengthen civic life in Georgia.
"These awards are an important reminder that there is more that unites us than divides us. Although the awardees come from across the political spectrum, they share a common belief in respectful disagreement and civic engagement. I am grateful for their public service and for providing us with a shining example of what civility in politics should look like.” - Paige Alexander, CEO, The Carter Center
Champion Awardees
Governor Roy Barnes
Democracy Defense Project
Roy Barnes is an American attorney and politician who served as the 80th Governor of Georgia from 1999 to 2003 and is the most recent Democrat to hold that office. He began his political career in the Georgia State Senate and later served in the Georgia House of Representatives. As governor, Barnes focused on education and healthcare reform, urban development, and created the Georgia’s Child Advocate Office within Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Notably, he also led the successful effort to adopt a new state flag, reducing the prominence of the Confederate emblem. After leaving office, he returned to law and continued public service through initiatives such as co-chairing the Aspen Institute Commission on the No Child Left Behind Act.
Senator Saxby Chambliss
Democracy Defense Project
Saxby Chambliss is a former U.S. Senator from Georgia who served from 2003 to 2015 after four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, he became a leading voice on agriculture, intelligence, and national security—chairing the Senate Agriculture Committee and later serving as ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Known for his bipartisan approach, he played key roles in shaping farm bills, advancing immigration reform, and leading deficit reduction efforts. Since retiring, Chambliss has remained active in public life, including teaching political leadership and law at the University of Georgia, inspiring the next generation of leaders to serve with integrity and purpose.
John Fervier
Chair, State Election Board
John Fervier is the Chairman of the Georgia State Election Board, appointed by Governor Brian Kemp in January 2024. A longtime executive at Waffle House, he oversees risk management, security, workers’ compensation, and benefits after more than 35 years with the company. He brings decades of experience in risk management and governance, along with a strong commitment to fair and transparent elections. His work reflects a focus on integrity, nonpartisanship, and service to the people of Georgia.
Mayor Shirley Franklin
Democracy Defense Project
Shirley Franklin served as Mayor of Atlanta from 2002 to 2010, following senior roles under Mayors Maynard Jackson and Andrew Young. Her five-decade career includes leadership positions across various public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including key roles in the Democratic National Committee in 2008 and 2016. A dedicated civic leader, Franklin is known for her bipartisan, results-driven approach to public service. Alongside Governor Deal, Mayor Franklin is helping rebuild confidence in our nation’s electoral process with the Democracy Defense Project.
Dr. Bernice A. King
CEO, The King Center
Bernice King is an American lawyer, minister, and public speaker dedicated to advancing social justice, nonviolence and civic engagement. As CEO of The King Center in Atlanta, she leads initiatives that promote nonviolent action as a pathway to building inclusive democracies and strengthening communities worldwide. Dr. King is known for her leadership in fostering dialogue, promoting nonviolence, and preparing the next generation to strengthen democracy and build inclusive societies. She is recognized internationally for guiding this vision—connecting the enduring principles of nonviolence with today’s struggles for human rights and democratic freedoms.
Defender Awardees
Michael Owens
Mayor, Mableton, Georgia
Michael Owens is the inaugural Mayor of Mableton, Georgia. He was elected in April 2023. A decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he is a nationally recognized expert in cybersecurity and technology. He has a distinguished career in military, corporate, and public service, including past roles at Ernst & Young and Cisco Systems. His priorities for Mableton include infrastructure, economic development, and public safety.
Amanda Seals
Executive Vice President, Cobb County Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Seals is a seasoned professional in advocacy and government relations, currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Advocacy & Government Relations at the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. With over two decades of experience across local, state, and federal levels, she plays a pivotal role in shaping policy initiatives and representing the interests of the business community in Cobb. She is recognized for her community leadership, including being inducted as one of the Top 10 Women of Hope in 2022, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting single parent families.
Emily Shaw
Executive Director, Georgia Council of International Visitors
Emily Shaw is the Executive Director of the Georgia Council for International Visitors (GCIV), where she has spent more than 20 years building bridges between Georgia and the world. Under her leadership, GCIV has welcomed more than 8,000 international leaders through 1,000 exchange programs, creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural understanding. An Atlanta native and graduate of Georgia Tech with a dual degree in International Affairs and French, Emily brings both a global outlook and a deep commitment to her community. She is also a dedicated wife, mother of three, and active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Jason Shepherd
Professor of Political Science, Kennesaw State University
Jason M. Shepherd is an attorney specializing in health care regulation and serves as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Kennesaw State University. Shepherd previously served as Chairman of the Cobb County Republican Party and has been recognized for his contributions to the party's growth and development. His commitment to public service extends to numerous civic and organizations, such as his role in the Development Authority of Cobb County, which helps develop and promote economic development in the County. Shepherd’s insights on Georgia politics have been sought by media outlets, The New York Times, Politico, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
PRESS RELEASE
Georgia Democracy Resilience Network Announces Award Winners for Exemplary Leadership in Fostering a Healthier and Stronger Democracy
The Georgia Democracy Resilience Network will award nine leaders for their efforts to bridge divides in Georgia and maintain a healthy democratic republic.
ATLANTA – On Thursday, Aug. 28, the Georgia Democracy Resilience Network will host the 2nd Georgia Civic Excellence Awards Dinner to award nine leaders from Georgia politics and civic organizations. The awards will be presented to individuals from both sides of the aisle in recognition of “exemplary community leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering positive civic values.”
“We are proud to honor the work of these and so many Georgians who are committed to constructive public engagement and pursuing their differences respectfully.” said former State Senator Don Balfour, Senior Advisor to the Democracy Resilience Network.
In an invitation-only event held at The Carter Center on August 28 at 6 p.m. ET, two leaders will receive the Georgia Democracy Resilience Network 2025 Champion Award: CEO of the King Center for Non-Violence and Social Change, Dr. Bernice A. King and Chair of the State Election Board, John Fervier. Also receiving the Champions Award will be the Georgia Democracy Defense Project, represented at the ceremony by former Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss, former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.
Receiving Defenders awards are Jason Shepherd, Assistant Professor, Kennesaw State University; Mayor Michael Owens, City of Mableton; Amanda Seals, Executive Vice President, Cobb County Chamber of Commerce; and Emily Shaw, Executive Director, Georgia Council of International Visitors.
"These awards are an important reminder that there is more that unites us than divides us. Although the awardees come from across the political spectrum, they share a common belief in respectful disagreement and civic engagement. I am grateful for their public service and for providing us with a shining example of what civility in politics should look like.” said Paige Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of the Carter Center.
“These leaders may not appear to be natural political bedfellows. Yet they share a lifetime of public service and are dedicated to pursuing their goals within the norms and values of our political system.” said Dr. Rashad Richey, Senior Advisor to the Democracy Resilience Network.
Also happening at this event, a Georgia Award of Excellence in Election Administration will be made to Kelvin Williams, a poll worker from Gwinnett County, by Gwinnett County Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold. These awards are made in each county to honor representatives of the thousands of election workers in Georgia, the unsung heroes of our election process. Election workers are our neighbors and friends, each of whom has a story of service to the highest standards of election administration. The Georgia Democracy Resilience Network (GA DRN) and The Carter Center are partnering with county election boards to receive nominations on behalf of their county election teams.
The Georgia Democracy Resilience Network Is a cross-partisan initiative, led by former State Senator Don Balfour and Emmy-nominated political analyst for CBS News Atlanta Dr. Rashad Richey. The network is made up of civic, business, and religious leaders and citizens from both sides of the political aisle. Members will serve as community advocates for peaceful political engagement and work to foster confidence in electoral processes and address disinformation. The Georgia DRN is supported by The Carter Center.