Buckhead Coalition Appoints Longtime Buckhead Resident & Civic Leader Tommy Holder as Chair
Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
The Buckhead Coalition, an organization of business and civic leaders dedicated to advancing economic development and quality of life in Buckhead, today announced that Tommy Holder will serve as its next Chair, effective January 2027. Holder, a longtime Buckhead resident and distinguished business and civic leader, succeeds Jonathan Rodbell, Co-Founder and Partner of Atlanta Property Group. With decades of leadership experience and a longstanding commitment to the Buckhead community, Holder will help guide the Coalition as it continues to advocate on behalf of Buckhead within the City of Atlanta.
“One of Buckhead’s greatest strengths has always been the people and partnerships that come together to move our community forward,” said Tommy Holder. “It’s an honor to serve as Chair of the Buckhead Coalition and build on the strong foundation already in place. Working alongside CEO Katharine Kelley, our members and community partners, I look forward to championing ideas, initiatives, and opportunities that keep Buckhead and the Metro Atlanta region thriving for years to come.”
As Chair, Holder will collaborate with CEO Katharine Kelley and the Coalition’s members to advance Buckhead’s strategic priorities. These include walkability and placemaking, infrastructure, public safety and homelessness, and traffic mitigation, while continuing to strengthen partnerships among elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to advance Buckhead’s economic vitality.
“Through his impactful leadership at Holder Construction and deep civic involvement, Tommy exemplifies the kind of leader whose influence extends well beyond the boardroom, shaping not only a thriving company, but a stronger, more vibrant community,” said Buckhead Coalition CEO, Katharine Kelley. “With tremendous opportunities ahead for Buckhead, I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside Tommy over the next two years and see the impact his leadership will have.”
Tommy Holder has devoted nearly 50 years to Holder Construction Company, joining the firm in 1976 and serving as President & CEO from 1989 to 2021 before transitioning to Chairman. Under his leadership, the company grew from $250 million in annual revenue to more than $8 billion, delivering projects for leading organizations including Apple, Google, Meta, Delta Air Lines, State Farm, and the Atlanta Falcons.
In addition to his business accomplishments, Holder is a widely respected civic leader. He recently served as Board Chair of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Georgia Tech Foundation, sits on the board of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and chairs the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Safest City Campaign, a $100 million initiative focused on public safety and community investment. His commitment to Atlanta’s civic life earned him the Council for Quality Growth’s 2025 Four Pillar Award, recognizing a lifetime of leadership and service.
“I am thrilled to pass the gavel to Tommy Holder,” said Buckhead Coalition Chair Jonathan Rodbell. “His leadership has earned the respect of business and civic leaders across Atlanta, and his commitment to Buckhead makes him exceptionally qualified to help lead the Coalition as we look toward the future.”
The Buckhead Coalition executive committee voted to appoint Tommy Holder as Chair-Elect on August 19, 2026. Jonathan Rodbell, who has served as Chair of the Buckhead Coalition from 2025 through 2026, will pass the gavel to Tommy Holder in January at the Coalition’s 2027 Annual Meeting. Learn more about the Buckhead Coalition’s leadership here: https://thebuckheadcoalition.com/about/coalition-leadership/


