On October 16, 2025, the Council for Quality Growth held its 36^th annual Four Pillar Tribute in honor of Thomas M. “Tommy” Holder for his commitment and lasting contributions to metro Atlanta, Georgia. His chosen theme for the evening, Opportunity – Empowerment – Integrity, was inspired by the principles that have quietly shaped his career and civic life. The 2025 Four Pillar Tribute was presented by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern. Tommy received the Four Pillar Award among friends, family, and 1,400 other guests in the Georgia Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center.

Clyde Higgs, 2025 Chair of the Council for Quality Growth and President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., presented Tommy with the Four Pillar Award. “Tommy’s impact can be felt all across metro Atlanta — in the projects he’s built, the people he’s mentored, and the partnerships he’s helped strengthen,” said Higgs. “He’s played a major role in shaping the growth of our region and continues to set an example of leadership and integrity for all of us.”

From left to right: Reverend Sam Candler, Beth Lowry, Clyde Higgs, Tommy Holder, Doug Hertz,
Donna Hyland, Dr. Ángel Cabrera, and Michael Paris

In his acceptance remarks, Four Pillar Honoree Tommy Holder expressed deep humility and gratitude for being recognized among leaders he has long admired. He spoke about the privilege of contributing to Atlanta’s continued growth and the responsibility that comes with success, both as a builder and as a community leader.

Holder’s message centered on the Four Pillars of leadership – Quality, Responsibility, Vision, Integrity – four values that have guided his life and career. These pillars have also defined Holder Construction’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier builders. “I simply see myself as a contractor who wants to be known as an honest, dependable builder and a strong leader to an exceptional group of individuals at Holder Construction,” said Holder. 

He credited his success to the people around him, including his family, colleagues, and mentors, emphasizing that none of it was achieved alone. “If I’ve excelled at anything,” he shared, “it’s been surrounding myself with people so much smarter and more capable than I am.” Holder concluded by encouraging others to give back through service, reminding the audience that true fulfillment comes not only from professional achievement but also from investing in the community that makes it possible. “No matter how much you give,” he said, “you always receive more in return.” 

Michael E. Paris, President & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, added, “Tonight is a testament to the incredible impact Tommy Holder has had on Atlanta. His leadership has shaped skylines, strengthened communities, and inspired countless others to build with purpose. The success our region celebrates today is due in no small part to Tommy’s commitment to quality and excellence.”

The Four Pillar Tribute recognizes leadership and how the recipients display the ‘Four Pillars’ of leadership – Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity – through their work and in their everyday lives. A distinguished group of speakers paid tribute to Tommy Holder. On Quality, Beth Lowry, President & CEO of Holder Construction and Tommy’s successor, spoke to the values that have defined his leadership. “From the beginning, Tommy demonstrated that quality starts with character. He believed that what we build reflects who we are — that our word matters, that relationships are sacred, and that excellence is achieved through care, not chance,” she shared. 

On Responsibility, Donna Hyland, CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, reflected on how Tommy approaches every role with purpose, whether leading a major organization, mentoring young professionals, or supporting the community he loves. She noted his sense of responsibility extends beyond business—it's about improving lives and creating opportunities for others to succeed. “When you look at the many definitions of responsibility—thoughtful decision making, reliable, integrity, fulfills commitments, contributes positively to communities and the well-being of others, sets a positive example, and is mindful of the impact you have on the world—Tommy Holder represents all of those attributes,” she said. Hyland worked closely with Tommy during his recently concluded tenure as Board Chair at Children’s Healthcare, in which he oversaw the building of the new Arthur M. Blank Hospital.

On Vision, Dr. Ángel Cabrera, President of the Georgia Institute of Technology, highlighted Tommy’s exceptional foresight and problem-solving skills. “Tommy has always had the rare ability to see problems coming and chart the right course to turn them into opportunities. He is a true business mind and problem solver. Whether it is in business, or his philanthropic endeavors, Tommy has a gift for making the most out of any challenge before him,” Cabrera said, emphasizing how Tommy’s vision has guided both his professional leadership and his impact on the Atlanta community. Tommy is a Georgia Tech alum and currently serves as Chair of the Georgia Tech Foundation Board. 

On Integrity, the Very Reverend Sam Candler, Dean at the Cathedral of St. Philip, where Tommy has been a lifelong member, spoke about how Tommy’s faith and character have shaped his leadership and his life’s work. Candler reflected on how Tommy’s integrity is evident in every aspect of his life, from his relationships to his leadership in business and community. “Tommy Holder holds things together,” said Candler. “He holds his family together, his community together, and held his company together,” said Candler.

The evening’s program highlighted Tommy’s impact on the Atlanta community through carefully curated performances. The Four Pillar Tribute opened with a performance by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Marching Band, a nod to his alma mater, and later featured a musical tribute by Slater Nalley, 2025 American Idol finalist, Atlanta native, and Lovett School graduate. Slater Nalley performed four pieces selected for Tommy, featuring songs he performed on American Idol Season 23 and his debut single, “Foolish Pride,” which was just released today (October 17).

Doug Hertz, 2020 Four Pillar Tribute recipient and Chairman & CEO of United Distributors, served as the Tribute’s Master of Ceremonies. The evening also featured video remarks from Georgia’s 83^rdGovernor, Brian Kemp, and Atlanta’s 61^st Mayor, Andre Dickens, welcomed guests to the City of Atlanta. “The Four Pillar Tribute is reserved for those leaders who have moved the needle for this region, and I am so pleased to see Tommy join the ranks of some of Georgia’s most accomplished business executives and community champions,” said Mayor Dickens. Arthur Blank with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Deon Tucker with Georgia Power spoke on behalf of their companies, and video presentations were provided by presenting sponsors Delta Air Lines and Norfolk Southern.

The evening concluded with a special Tribute video for Tommy, titled “Opportunity – Empowerment – Integrity,” which told his story of leadership and impact on our Atlanta region. An esteemed group of Tribute Chairs were selected to pay tribute to Tommy and his lasting impact on our region and state, including:

The prestigious Four Pillar Tribute annually recognizes an outstanding individual who demonstrates the ‘Four Pillars’ of leadership – Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity – and exemplifies the Council’s mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth. The Council for Quality Growth is proud to add Tommy Holder to its list of Four Pillar Award recipients.