The Cobb Chamber’s South Cobb Area Council, which represents South Cobb’s three distinct districts of Austell, Mableton, and Powder Springs, has selected four community advocates as 2026 Citizens of the Year: Daniel Lamb for Austell, David McCoy for Powder Springs, and Luther & Angela Washington for Mableton.

The Citizen of the Year Awards are given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model. These outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she have made their community a better place to live. Awards are given based on local area nominations. The 2026 South Cobb Citizen of the Year awards were presented at the South Cobb Area Council luncheon at the Riverside EpiCenter.

2026 Austell Citizen of the Year

Daniel Lamb, Austell CoWork

Daniel Lamb is a driving force behind Austell’s growth, revitalization and community spirit. As co-founder of Austell CoWork, he helped create a collaborative space where entrepreneurs, small business owners, remote workers and creatives can connect, innovate and grow. The coworking hub has become a catalyst for downtown Austell’s resurgence and a symbol of the city’s entrepreneurial momentum.

Lamb’s impact extends far beyond business. A resident, entrepreneur, artist and dedicated volunteer, he is deeply invested in Austell’s future. He regularly contributes his time and expertise to community initiatives and civic efforts, demonstrating a commitment to making the city stronger for residents and businesses alike.

As president of the Austell Business Association, Lamb works to support local businesses and foster a thriving economic environment. He also helped launch the Austell Arts Alliance with his wife, Sara, and has supported initiatives such as Create Austell and the city’s Agriculture Plan. Through his leadership, creativity and unwavering community involvement, Lamb exemplifies the spirit of service and civic engagement that continues to shape Austell’s future.

2026 Powder Springs Citizen of the Year

David McCoy, Matthew 25:40 Car Care Ministry

For more than two decades, David McCoy has dedicated his life to serving others through faith, leadership and hands-on community support. A retired U.S. Air Force mechanic whose military career earned the Meritorious Service Medal and numerous commendations, McCoy founded the Matthew 25:40 Car Care Ministry in 2002 to provide free and low-cost vehicle repairs for individuals and families facing financial hardship.

Under his leadership, the ministry has repaired thousands of vehicles, helping people maintain employment, access medical care and support their families. His efforts earned statewide and national recognition, including being named a Georgia Game Changer by WSB-TV in 2017 and receiving the Harry Denman Award for Evangelism from the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Beyond the ministry, McCoy has served in leadership roles at multiple churches, mentored youth and remained active in missions and community outreach. Even after the ministry lost its longtime facility in 2024, he led efforts to rebuild and relaunch the program. Through unwavering service, resilience and compassion, McCoy has made a lasting impact on Powder Springs and countless lives throughout the community.

2026 Mableton Citizens of the Year

Luther & Angela Washington, Family Life Restoration Center

For nearly two decades, Luther and Angela Washington have dedicated their lives to serving families in Mableton and South Cobb through the Family Life Restoration Center (FLRC), an organization they founded in 2006. What began as a vision to transform a vacant, deteriorated property on Mableton Parkway has grown into a vital community resource that provides food, clothing, emergency assistance and support to thousands of residents facing hardship.

As a husband-and-wife leadership team, Luther and Angela have built FLRC into a trusted source of hope and stability. Under their guidance, the organization has expanded services to address food insecurity, homelessness, family stabilization and crisis response. In 2024, they introduced a Client Choice Food Pantry model, allowing families to select the food and household items they need while preserving dignity and independence.

The Washingtons have also responded to urgent community needs by opening cooling and warming centers during extreme weather events. Their work has earned numerous honors, including a 2026 City of Mableton Mayoral Proclamation recognizing 20 years of service. Through visionary leadership, compassion and an unwavering commitment to their neighbors, Luther and Angela Washington have made a lasting impact on the Mableton community.

For more information about Area Councils, contact Katie Guice at [email protected] or 770-859-2334. Thank you to Series Presenting Sponsor, Kaiser Permanente, Program Sponsors, Georgia Power and Six Flags Over Georgia, Networking Sponsor, CROFT & Associates, and Citizen of the Year Award Sponsor, Capital City Bank.