2007 Most Influential Georgians
Our annual listing of the state's power brokers.
There is an old Korean proverb that takes a stab at power, influence and the distinction between the two: “Power lasts 10 years; influence not more than a hundred.”
Our ninth edition of the 100 Most Influential Georgians puts the spotlight on individuals whose influence has been tested over time (U.S. Congressman John Lewis comes immediately to mind), as well as some who have only recently ascended to positions of great power.
This year’s group includes many of the usual suspects – the heavy hitters, elder statesmen, magnates and other household names who make the list year after year – as well as some you may not know. But it also features more new faces than we’ve seen on the 100 Most Influential list in recent years.
All of them, however – the veterans, the rookies, the obvious and the unfamiliar – are playing major roles in shaping the world we live in, and the way we feel and think.
The list, compiled by Georgia Trend’s editorial staff, includes 42 Georgians not selected in 2006. That constitutes significant change compared to previous years (34 new names last year, 37 in 2005, 30 in 2004, 32 in 2003 and 31 in 2002), and reflects the shifting nature of power and influence in the state.
The 2007 roster includes 12 women, compared to nine last year, and 19 people of color (17 in 2006.) It includes a general, a sports broadcasting legend, a talk-show host, lawmakers, business leaders, philanthropists and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
No matter how you break it down, it adds up to one hundred honorees.
Profiles were written by Linda M. Erbele, Ray Glier, Jerry Grillo, Karen Kennedy, Bobby Nesbitt, Patty Rasmussen, Katheryn Hayes Tucker and Christy White.
2007 Most Influential Georgians Hall of Fame
2007 Most Influential Georgians A-L
