As Hope Atlanta continues advancing innovative, community-driven solutions that help neighbors move from survival to self-sufficiency, the organization has welcomed Amanda Free,  Javier E. Montalvo and Parvez Patel to its Board of Directors.

Their appointments come as Hope Atlanta builds on more than 125 years of service to the Atlanta community, delivering proven strategies that help thousands of individuals and families each year move from crisis to stability through housing support, homelessness prevention, and comprehensive services.

“Hope Atlanta’s work has always been rooted in partnership and community leadership,” said Julio Carrillo, CEO of Hope Atlanta. “Parvez, Amanda, and Javier each bring deep professional expertise and a strong commitment to Atlanta. Their leadership will help strengthen our ability to deliver innovative solutions that support neighbors on the journey from survival to self-sufficiency.”

Parvez Patel

Vice President, Omni-Channel eCommerce & Digital, Genuine Parts Company

Parvez Patel serves as Vice President of Omni-Channel eCommerce & Digital for Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), where he is part of the leadership team driving digital transformation across the company's Automotive Parts Group. His primary focus is leading NAPA Auto Parts' omni-channel digital strategy and the strategic direction and performance of the century-old automotive retailer's eCommerce and digital business, which operates nearly 6,000 stores and more than 50 distribution centers in the U.S.

Parvez brings extensive experience in digital transformation, customer experience, and operational strategy, helping organizations evolve how they serve customers in an increasingly connected marketplace. His leadership focuses on aligning technology, operations, and customer engagement to drive innovation and long-term growth.

Amanda Free

President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia

Amanda Free serves as President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, where she leads the company’s strategy to advance affordability, access, and whole-person health for businesses, families, and communities across the state. With more than two decades of leadership experience across sales, operations, and healthcare consulting, she brings deep expertise in aligning strategy, operations, and partnerships to strengthen health outcomes and market performance.

Prior to her current role, Free served as Vice President of Local Operations for Anthem’s Commercial Health Benefits division, where she led operational sales support and market growth strategy, including individual and small group sales and account management. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Humana, including Market Vice President for Georgia and Louisiana for the Employer Group.

Javier E. Montalvo

Vice President, Human Resources, Southern Company Gas

Javier E. Montalvo serves as Vice President of Human Resources for Southern Company Gas, where he oversees HR delivery, labor relations, workforce compliance, talent management, HR operations, and talent inclusion. He is also a member of the Southern Company Gas Management Council, helping guide strategy for an organization employing more than 5,000 team members across four states.

Montalvo brings more than three decades of strategic human resources leadership experience across global organizations including CertainTeed, Hitachi Astemo, Superior Essex, and Georgia Power. Throughout his career, he has led transformational workforce strategies within complex and unionized environments, strengthening organizational culture, talent development, and operational performance.

He currently serves on the Board of SHRM Atlanta and has supported civic and nonprofit organizations including United Way, the Northeast Georgia Workforce Development Board, and the Anti-Defamation League.