The YMCA of Metro Atlanta hosted its 63rd annual Good Friday Breakfast on Friday, April 3, at the Cobb Galleria Centre, bringing together more than 800 YMCA members, volunteers and staff to celebrate the Y’s mission of building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The celebration, sponsored by Gas South and Chick-fil-A, featured the presentation of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta Bransby Christian Leadership Award and musical performances by the North Gwinnett High School Marching Band. Named in honor of Joe Bransby, the award is the Y’s highest honor and recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service to the community.

This year’s award was presented to Shan Cooper, founder and CEO of Journey Forward Strategies, an Atlanta-based leadership and organizational firm serving Fortune 500 companies, private enterprises and nonprofits. Cooper brings more than 30 years of experience shaping organizations, developing leaders and strengthening the Atlanta region. A longtime supporter of the YMCA, she is also a proud alumna of Head Start, one of the Y’s early learning programs that promotes school readiness for children from low-income families. 

For Cooper, the program was instrumental in shaping her early academics and setting her on a long-term path to success. The YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Head Start program serves more than 3,200 children across the state, providing a critical bridge to stability, high-quality education and long-term opportunity, while connecting families to essential community resources. Cooper remains deeply committed to expanding access to these opportunities, driven by a passion to help more children and families succeed.

“Shan’s career spans influential roles in business, civic life and education, and she carries those accomplishments with humility and purpose,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “Shan was selected for the integrity, compassion and servant leadership that define her work. She’s a leader, mentor, trusted partner and a shining example of what community building is all about.”

Cooper currently serves as a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company and previously held senior leadership roles at WestRock, Lockheed Martin and the Atlanta Committee for Progress. Cooper also serves several corporate, nonprofit and academic boards. Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including induction into the Junior Achievement Atlanta Business Hall of Fame.

The Good Friday Breakfast is a longstanding tradition that reflects the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s dedication to fostering community and shared purpose. This event provides attendees with an opportunity to connect and recognize the impactful work being done by the YMCA across the region.