DULUTH, Ga. | The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia (CFNEG) will celebrate four decades of philanthropy, leadership and community impact during its 2025 Good2Give Celebration, to be held August 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gas South Convention Center.
What began in 1985 as the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation with just $170,000 in assets has become one of the most impactful community foundations in the state. Now known as the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, CFNEG manages more than 300 donor-advised and nonprofit agency funds and, since its founding, has granted more than $160 million back into the community.
DePriest Waddy, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, says: “This year’s Good2Give Celebration is more than just a moment to honor our past. It marks the beginning of a new era — one where we are blessed with generosity, innovation and community engagement to reach new heights.”
That future includes the launch of a historic partnership with Arts Capital | Atlanta (AC|A) to grow a $100 million campaign to revitalize Georgia’s arts community. CFNEG has been entrusted to manage and steward this effort as part of its continued leadership in funding transformational impact across the region.
Laura Hennighausen, AC|A Campaign Chair, says: “When it comes to funding the arts, Georgia ranks last in the U.S. This campaign will help reverse that trend and protect Georgia’s cultural legacy for generations to come.”
The evening will also honor three distinguished leaders whose vision and dedication helped shape the foundation’s past and future:
- Ethel Andersen, retired partner, Andersen, Tate and Carr P.C.; Legacy Award recipient; CFNEG board member and former board president (2004–05);
- T. Michael (Mike) Tennant, retired partner, Alston and Bird LLP; Legacy Award recipient; CFNEG founding board member and former board president (1988–89); and
- Timothy (Tim) Minard, CEO, Eclipse Gaming Systems; Georgia’s 2024 Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year; and recently knighted by the Principality of Cappadocia.
Guests will also hear a live performance by Jose Garcia Piano and the Gwinnett Jazz Symphony, a live and silent auction featuring unique experiences such as a four-day Bentley experience, an African Safari excursion courtesy of Hippo Lakes, sporting events and emceeing by Mara Davis — a talent booker, producer and former Atlanta radio host.
Since the appointment of President and CEO DePriest Waddy in 2022, CFNEG has experienced tremendous growth, with assets rising from $69 million to approximately $110 million today — an increase of 60 percent. The foundation has also delivered consistent, tax-free returns averaging nearly 9 percent annually since 2017, helping fundholders maximize their charitable impact.
According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, CFNEG now ranks fourth in Georgia for total revenue among community foundations and is the second-largest in metro Atlanta.
Lake Lanier Association seeking feedback on shoreline
The Lake Lanier Association (LLA) is seeking feedback from interested parties regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Lake Sidney Lanier Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) from May through Labor Day.
The SMP is a set of guidelines developed to regulate the federally-managed Lake Lanier shoreline. Those guidelines govern most aspects of the use of the lake and the federal lands surrounding it, including public access, parks, boat ramps, recreation areas, wildlife management and the private use of the shoreline by homeowners with respect to docks, shoreline facilities and land management.
The LLA plans to use the results of this first-of-its-kind, anonymous survey to influence decisions being made by the Corps. Until now, those who are regulated by the SMP have had little input on its contents. After the survey closes, the LLA will advocate for a comprehensive list of recommended changes to the SMP.
Todd Baxter, LLA President, says: “Our SMP survey, the first one we have ever done, is available to you now. It’s really the only collective voice of people who live on and enjoy this beautiful lake.”
The survey is being conducted in partnership with the Corps of Engineers, a longtime partner of the LLA. To take the SMP survey, join the LLA by visiting their website at lakelanier.org.
Stripers hire Harrington as general manager
The Gwinnett Stripers and their ownership group, Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), today announced the hiring of Joe Harrington as the club’s new general manager. He replaces Erin O’Donnell, former general manager of Peachtree Corners, who remains with the Braves as the senior director, social impact and diversity.
Harrington brings over 20 years of management and sales experience in both professional and collegiate sports to the Stripers. He spent over six years as the general manager with the Kennesaw State Athletics Sponsorships through Van Wagner’s College Division from 2019-25.
In joining Gwinnett, Harrington makes a return to both Minor League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves system. From 2016-17 he served as the president of the Florida Fire Frogs, the Braves’ High-A affiliate in the Florida State League.
His career in Minor League Baseball includes two years as the general manager for the Aberdeen IronBirds (Class-A Short Season, Baltimore Orioles) from 2014-16 and five years in ticket sales and inside sales leadership roles with the Lakewood BlueClaws (Class-A, Philadelphia Phillies) from 2008-14.
Currently residing in Woodstock, Harrington is a 1999 graduate of Widener University (Chester, Penn.).
Gwinnett Tech police force wins state certification
Gwinnett Technical College reports that its Police Department has achieved full state certification through the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program, administered by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. This recognition is considered the gold standard in public safety excellence across the state.
To earn this distinction, the Gwinnett Tech Police Department underwent an evaluation process, demonstrating compliance with more than 100 professional standards. These standards encompass best practices in professionalism, transparency, ethical conduct, community engagement, and operational integrity.
The certification process involved a comprehensive review of the department’s policies, procedures, and operations. It ensures that the department is equipped to deliver consistent, high-quality law enforcement services tailored to the unique needs of a college community.
Achieving certification reflects Gwinnett Tech’s broader commitment to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. The college continues to invest in public safety initiatives that align with its mission to serve the community and uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and service.
