James_March-April_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 4
P U B L I S H E R ’ S M ES SAG E
OUR “MOS T I N F LU E N T I A L L I S T,”
GRIF F LYNCH, U.S. R E P. BR I AN JAC K . . . A N D MO R E
et’s hope many Georgians
know who their governor is.
But do you know who’s on
the taxpayer-supported University
System Board of Regents? And what
about the top captains of industry
who influence politics? Who are
powerful Georgians in and out of
government who help establish our
state’s political priorities? Who are
the leading influencers, ranging from
judges and educators to those in the
media, who shape Georgia’s culture
and impact our daily lives?
Since all too many Georgians
don’t have the answers, James is
here for you. As an annual public service we compile a roster of well-connected individuals in their fields of
endeavor for this “Most Influential”
issue. You’ll see familiar names as
well as new ones in brief bios and
extensive chart listings. Some people
have also been dropped from last
year. To paraphrase the late Frank
Sinatra, some were “riding high” last
year and “shot down” this year (especially at the ballot box). Others either
retired, moved away or passed away.
Our “influential list” is obviously
incomplete and difficult to compile.
We understand that unfortunately
left out are some important people
around our big state who wield
significant overt or covert influence.
(Can some be “semi-influential”?) You
could also expand the list to include
thousands! Anyhow, we can always
count on our readers to point out
omissions and submit their names
for future consideration.
L
4
JAMES MARCH /A P R I L 2 02 6
As for our “Georgian of the
Year,” it was an easy call to choose a
well-deserving public servant whose
job affects many Georgians: Ports
Authority CEO and Executive Director Griff Lynch. The feature is also a
reminder that our coastal and inland
ports continue to be a smart investment for our state.
politics, business and education
Every year James publishes a
special salute to three “Exceptional
State Lawmakers of the Year” for outstanding public service. Be sure to
read who the one Democrat and two
Republicans are: state Reps. Carolyn
Hugley and Soo Hong, along with
Senate President Pro Tempore Larry
Walker III.
Our own Matt Towery addresses
unanswered questions about Georgia’s 2020 presidential election balloting— especially in Fulton County.
Also, check out our feature on U.S.
Rep. Brian Jack— Georgia’s newest
congressman— whose policy views
carry great respect in the White
House and on Capitol Hill.
Every James issue also focuses
on aspects of Georgia’s impressive
business climate. That’s why staff
writer Baker Owens chronicles the
growing economic impact of metro
Atlanta’s self-funding Community Improvement Districts (CIDs). Continuing with the business theme, Georgia
World Congress Center Authority
CEO Kevin Duvall reminds readers
that, among other things, the economic benefits of the Authority’s campus
extend far beyond Atlanta. Visitors
and exhibitors attending conventions,
conferences and major events spend
money not only on hotels and dining,
but also on transportation, suppliers,
local vendors, service workers, etc.
throughout Georgia. Then check out
our “CEO Spotlight” that shines on the
humanitarian work of MUST Ministries under the capable direction of
Dwight “Ike” Reighard.
Education is always a relevant
topic, so in this issue we highlight
two institutions experiencing impressive educational growth and
success— Columbus Technical College and Southern Crescent Technical College. And contributing writer
and educator Tana Page reports
on rising and shocking assaults on
Georgia’s teachers— a very under-reported crisis that must be addressed.
We’re naturally pleased to present other timely and diverse articles,
and it’s especially gratifying that
we’ve published more contributing
writers over the past couple of years.
the Sippin’ Local Readers’ Poll
Our popular Sippin’ Local poll of
readers’ favorite Georgia breweries,
distilleries and wineries will appear
in the May-June magazine. The poll
opens on March 9th, so visit our website jamesmagazinega.com and click
on the VOTE HERE tab to cast your
ballot. The top 10 in each category
will later be listed and the No. 1 business in each category will be highlighted in the Sippin’ Local feature.
PHIL KENT CEO & PUB L I S H E R
