Today, the inaugural meeting for One Cumberland’s Board of Directors was held, officially launching Cumberland’s first community 501(c)(3) organization (onecumberland.org). One Cumberland, founded by the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), will help bolster the work of the Cumberland CID by enhancing and broadening its reach, funding, and impact.

“Creating and maintaining a livable, vibrant community doesn’t happen by itself,” said One Cumberland Board Chair Rob Garcia. “Cumberland’s story is evolving. Now one of Cobb’s most diverse areas, Cumberland is home to over 30,000 residents and 3,300 businesses. One Cumberland will embrace this growth and engage our diversity to further establish Cumberland as a place where people want to live, work, and visit.

“The is an exciting day for our community,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director for the Cumberland CID. “Since 1988, the Cumberland CID has invested over $160 million into key infrastructure projects and enhancements that have led to the success of the region. One Cumberland will build upon this success by being the engine that continues to boost quality of life and elevate all the assets that make Cumberland unique.” 

The mission of One Cumberland is to protect and conserve the natural resources of Cumberland and establish the District as a vibrant, diverse community through the enrichment of cultural amenities, quality of life, improved access, and environmental stewardship. The Cumberland CID will staff and manage the day-to-day administration and operations for One Cumberland’s programs and projects. 

Created by Constitutional Amendment, CIDs have the unique ability to partner with county, state, and federal agencies to plan, fund, and deliver infrastructure and transportation projects. Aligning One Cumberland with the Cumberland CID will allow for greater flexibility for community involvement and funding opportunities. One Cumberland will have the ability to accept donations from public and private foundations, private companies, and individuals as well as conduct capital campaigns for projects that enhance the Cumberland community.

“I envision One Cumberland will build and strengthen the bonds between people and neighborhoods in our community,” said Board Member Jon Ingram. “This can be done through numerous ways, whether it’s bringing together local artists for a public art project, hosting networking events, activating our many trails, or working together to preserve our natural resources, One Cumberland will enrich our lives and community spirit.”

Governed by a 9-member board of some the Cumberland District's top private sector leaders, their mission is to improve and sustain the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Cumberland. Below is a list of the One Cumberland Board Members.  

•  Rob Garcia, Board Chair 

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Regional President

•  Melissa Cantrell, Vice Chair

CDH Partners, President and CEO

•  Barry Teague, Treasurer

Walton Communities, Executive Chairman

•  Secret Holland

Gas South, LLC, VP of Human Resources and Community Affairs 

•  Jon Ingram

Woodruff Arts Center, Director of Corporate Relations

•  Chad Koenig

Cushman Wakefield, Managing Director 

•  Chris McCoy

Brookfield Properties, General Manager

• Michele Swann

Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall, General Manager and CEO 

• Holly Quinlan

Cobb Travel and Tourism, President & CEO