The Atlanta Hawks hosted their inaugural Community Impact Summit at State Farm Arena, bringing together community leaders, nonprofit executives, government officials and education professionals to discuss collaborative solutions and strengthen their commitment to Atlanta.
The invite-only gathering, themed “Full-Court Impact: Building Bridges to the Community Through Basketball,” featured networking, panel discussions and case study presentations focused on addressing community needs and expanding opportunities for residents.
“Our mission has always been about ‘Building Bridges Through Basketball’, and this summit reflects how the Atlanta Hawks organization is committed to that vision,” said Steve Koonin, president and CEO of the Hawks. “The court serves as our common ground, but our responsibility extends to creating impact throughout our city.”
Koonin opened the summit alongside David Lee, executive vice president of External Affairs and executive director of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, and Nick Ressler, vice president of Strategic Planning and alternate governor, and chairman of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation. Alexis Roe, vice president of Community Impact for the Hawks and State Farm Arena, and Portia Benbow, director of Community Impact, emceed the event. Cultural commentator and NAACP Image Award-winning creator Lynae Vanee also shared perspectives on Atlanta’s community.
“Meaningful community change does not happen in a vacuum,” Roe said, emphasizing the importance of organizations and residents working together to align resources and create lasting change.
A highlight of the afternoon was a fireside chat featuring Hawks executive vice president and chief marketing officer Melissa Proctor and Larry Miller, chairman of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board at Nike and founder of JUMP. Their discussion explored how community programs and support systems can help individuals overcome adversity and transform their futures.
Sessions examined the disconnect between organizational priorities and community needs, the effects of food insecurity on education, employment and health, and the importance of investing in future generations.
Speakers included Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs President and CEO Jay Bailey, Georgia Center for Nonprofits President and CEO Karen Beavor, and representatives from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Regional Commission, State Farm, JPMorgan Chase and Atlanta Community Food Bank.
The summit underscored the Hawks’ commitment to building partnerships that drive meaningful community progress. Following the event, attendees watched Hawks defeat Oklahoma City Thunder 113–110 in the team’s second home preseason game.
