People

For almost a decade, Georgia Trend has been identifying the state's most outstanding resource - its emerging business, cultural, government and academic leaders.

Some of the names and faces that have appeared in our pages over the past two decades have left the limelight, but others still exert an influence in the business and political arenas.

Thirty years ago, Alana Shepherd just wanted better treatment for her son's spinal cord injury. Today the center she created is a beacon of hope for a better recovery, a better life and, perhaps, a cure.

When Leah Ward Sears is sworn in as the Georgia Supreme Court's new chief justice, she will assume a role she has been preparing for all her life.

BellSouth's Phil Jacobs presides over a rapidly-changing telecom arena in which competition is growing ever more fierce. Colleagues say he balances power with decency and magnanimity.

Some have the power, some get the glory. But, by and large, these are the people who determine what makes the news.

Once again it's time to recognize the cream of one of Georgia's most valuable crops: bright young people. Our eighth 40 Under 40 -- a listing of the state's rising superstars -- includes a mix of entrepreneurs, traditional businesspeople, civic leaders, public servants, academics and nonprofit workers from every corner of the state. Indeed, the number of nominations this year was far and above that of previous years, making the task of narrowing the list down to just 40 tougher than ever.

Five distinguished Georgians are recipients of the second annual Excellence In Public Service Awards, presented by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia in partnership with Georgia Trend. The awards recognize leadership at the state and local levels.