The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is proud to announce the addition of three distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors, deepening the organization’s strategic capacity in operations, marketing, and community engagement.

Joining the Center’s board are:

• Nikki Tinsley Harland, Chief Operating Officer of Paradies Lagardère

• Verónica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of

Commerce

• Ivan Shammas, Founder and CEO of Hispanic Plug

“These new members add to the skills and expertise of our already outstanding Board of Directors,” said Jill Savitt, the Center’s President and CEO. “As the Center prepares to reopen its expanded space and reimagined galleries, our Board of Directors provides leadership that supports the Center’s mission and impact.”

Currently under construction, the Center is undergoing a transformative 24,000-square-foot expansion that includes two new wings. These will feature immersive new galleries, classrooms, flexible meeting spaces, and a café—all designed to extend the institution’s educational reach and cultural influence. The Center is set to reopen in Fall 2025.

As part of this expansion, the Center is honoring visionary leadership through the naming of its two new wings. The Shirley Clarke Franklin Pavilion, named for the Center’s founding force and former Mayor of Atlanta, will anchor the east wing and serve as a central space for educational programming and community engagement. On the west side, the Arthur M. Blank Inspiration Hall will house three new galleries, including a Special Exhibitions Gallery, a gallery dedicated to the Reconstruction Era, and the Change Agents Headquarters—an interactive, family-friendly gallery experience designed to inspire the next generation of changemakers.2 Board Chair Egbert Perry, Chairman and CEO of The Integral Group, LLC, and Vice Chair AJ Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress, continue to guide the Center’s strategic vision.

Board members serve two three-year terms.

Board Member Biographies

Nikki Tinsley Harland is an accomplished executive with a career spanning leadership roles at Old Navy, the Atlanta Braves, Turner Broadcasting, and Babies “R” Us. She holds a BA in Psychology from Spelman College and an MBA in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University.

Harland is deeply involved in civic life, serving on the boards of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. She was recently honored as a Georgia TITAN 100 (2025) and received the Airport Experience News Outstanding Woman In Leadership- Operations (2024) award.

Verónica Maldonado-Torres has led the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce through a period of major expansion since 2021. Recognized by Georgia Trend as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians of 2024, she also serves on the boards of the American Heart Association and The Assembly CID in DeKalb County. Her leadership has brought greater visibility and resources to Hispanic businesses across Georgia, especially in underserved regions.

Ivan Shammas is a trailblazer in multicultural media and marketing. As Founder and CEO of Hispanic Plug, he brings more than 25 years of experience in revenue management, operations, and communications. Shammas previously led Univision Atlanta and North Carolina and now supports several nonprofit boards, including The Same House and Cristo Rey Atlanta.