Board of Councilors

The Board of Councilors was founded in 1987 at the initiative of President Carter and Ivan Allen III as a leadership advisory group that serves to advance understanding of and support for The Carter Center and its activities among private-sector opinion leaders in Atlanta and Georgia. Members attend quarterly meetings and act as informed advocates of The Carter Center in the circles in which they have influence.

There are more than 200 councilors, with representatives from among the top leadership of Atlanta and Georgia businesses. The governor of Georgia, the mayor of Atlanta, and the president of Emory University are ex-officio members.

Membership is granted for three years, and the group is divided into three classes so there is a gradual rotation of members. A small number of senior members who have demonstrated sustained support for The Carter Center have been named life members. 

Since its creation, the board has been chaired by some of Atlanta's most distinguished civic leaders. Ivan Allen III served as founding chairman, with Robert M. Holder Jr. as vice chairman. 

Press Releases

Sept. 12, 2024 | Carter Center Appoints New Members to Board of Councilors

Feb. 15, 2024 | Carter Center Appoints Clark Dean as Board of Councilors Chair and Jim Reed as Board of Councilors Vice-Chair

Chairs, Board of Councilors 

Clark H. Dean
2024

Laura Turner Seydel
2023

Mary S. Moore
2022

Shyam Reddy
2020-2021

Dan Cathy
2019

Reade Fahs
2018

Shan Cooper
2017

Liz Blake
2016

Martha Finn Brooks
2015

Dennis Lockhart
2014

Walter W. Driver Jr.
2013

H. Inman Allen
2012

Ann W. Cramer
2011

Kenneth G. Byers Jr.
2010

Claire Lewis Arnold
2009

Charles Brewer
2008

Phil Hickey
2007

Ingrid Saunders Jones
2006

Frank Belatti
2005

Paula Lawton Bevington
2003-2004

James R. Lientz Jr.
2001-2002

James S. Balloun
1999-2000

A. W. "Bill" Dahlberg
1997-1998

Robert M. Holder Jr.
1992-1996

Ivan Allen III
1987-1992