Join us as we honor outstanding leadership and service at the annual Community Champion Awards, recognizing those who are transforming lives across Metro Atlanta. This year’s honorees are Michael J. Russell, Google and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.

The 2026 event will once again bring together community and business leaders for an inspiring evening featuring a social hour, dinner and program, and the exciting Give From the Heart live and silent auctions, all in support of Christian City’s mission to care for children and families in need.

During the 2025 celebration, Christian City honored Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Goodwill of North Georgia, and Georgia Power. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, the event raised more than $558,000 (after expenses) to benefit Christian City’s five Children & Family programs.

Arshaad Norwood grew up at Christian City and was a special guest at the event. Watch his inspiring story here.

INDIVIDUAL — Michael Russell

MICHAEL RUSSELL has served as chief executive officer of H. J. Russell & Company in Atlanta, Georgia, since 2003. H. J. Russell & Company, founded over 60 years ago, is a vertically integrated service provider specializing in construction and program management services. The company has extensive experience in building and renovating projects in diverse market segments including mission critical data center, public assembly, multi-family residential, sports facilities, student housing and healthcare. Mr. Russell is the vice chairman of Concessions International, an innovator in the airport food and beverage concessions industry. The Russell Companies, which consists of H. J. Russell & Company and Concessions International, employs more than 2,000 individuals with operations in 10 major cities including Atlanta, location of its headquarters; Dallas; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Denver; and the US Virgin Islands. Russell’s civic involvement includes serving as Chairman of the board of The Atlanta Committee for Progress, and as a board member of the Georgia Research Alliance and National Association of Corporate Directors. He is on the executive committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club, AEC Unites, and 100 Black Men of Atlanta. Mr. Russell received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia and his MBA from Georgia State University.

NONPROFIT — YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta serves the region through inclusive, community-centered programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Guided by its mission to strengthen spirit, mind, and body, and its vision of building communities where everyone belongs,the Y offers a comprehensive range of services—from early childhood education through its Head Start and Early Head Start programs, to teen leadership development, youth sports and aquatics, wellness initiatives for adults and seniors and hunger-relief outreach. A hallmark of the YMCA’s commitment to youth development and community engagement is its partnership with the Atlanta Hawks. This collaboration expands access to youth sports, particularly basketball—and provides vital support for the YMCA’s programs across Metro Atlanta. As part of this partnership, the YMCA proudly serves as the Official Jersey Patch Partner of the Atlanta Hawks, with the organization’s iconic Y wordmark featured on all Hawks uniforms. Since its founding in 1858, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has continuously evolved to meet the needs of its communities, now creating millions of meaningful experiences each year and engaging hundreds of thousands of individuals. Its dedication to accessibility is reflected in robust financial assistance programs, ensuring that children and families of all backgrounds can participate and thrive.

CORPORATE — GOOGLE

Google has made a strong commitment to giving back to the Atlanta community through investments in technology, education and economic development. With a major office in Midtown and a data center in Douglas County, the company contributes to the region’s growth while supporting local organizations and residents. Through Google.org, the company has pledged millions of dollars to empower local nonprofits and expand access to digital skills, including a $1 million grant to the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta for Artificial Intelligence training and another $1 million to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to help residents gain high-growth job skills. Google also partners with diverse community groups such as 100 Black Men of Atlanta, the Southern Center for Human Rights and the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. Economically, Google helped generate an estimated $17.7 billion in activity across Georgia in 2024 and collaborated with the City of Atlanta on the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace to uplift Black, Latino and women-owned businesses. Its expansion of Google Fiber continues to address digital equity across metro Atlanta. In education, Google works closely with local Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Technical College System of Georgia to provide no-cost Career Certificates and advance tech education. Partnerships with organizations like Learn4Life, the Atlanta University Center and Clayton State University further demonstrate Google’s dedication to equipping students and educators with AI and STEM skills, ensuring a more inclusive and tech-driven future for Atlanta. Google’s generosity to Christian City’s programs has focused on creating economic opportunity for disadvantaged youth.