Georgia Trend magazine has released its annual top-of-the-heap leadership list. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential leaders in the state. Johnson joins a veritable who’s who in Georgia, including Governor Brian Kemp, James Quincey, CEO of the Coca-Cola Company, Dan Amos, CEO of Aflac, and many other corporate, government, and civic leaders.
The magazine staff chose Johnson because of his leadership following the devastation of Hurricane Helene when he sought assistance from federal and state agencies for citizens and businesses to start the recovery process.
The magazine also released its list of Notable Georgians from 2025, which includes:
- Bennish Brown, President and CEO of Destination Augusta
- Thomas Clark, Executive Director of the CSRA Alliance for Fort Eisenhower
- Allan Soto, Founder and CEO of Vinea Capital
- Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Augusta Technical College
- Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority
Dr. Whirl is not a newcomer to the notable list; this is his third time being recognized. He is the only college president in the United States selected to serve a three-year term on the U.S. Inaugural 21st Century Energy Workforce Advisory Board, which provides guidance to the Secretary of Energy. He also serves on other regional and national boards, task forces, and councils for organizations.
Wray, Clark, and Brown have also been recognized previously.
