Celebrating Community Champions (Part 2)
Our communities are shaped and strengthened by the people who dedicate their time, talent, and energy to the collective good. We're excited to bring you the second edition of our community spotlight series, recognizing the leaders, professionals, volunteers, and philanthropists who make our communities stronger every day. Nominated by our team, this next group of change makers includes:
Jordan Rose, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Science ATL
David-Lee Mattison, Executive Director, Emmaus House
Brittany Church, Community Outreach Leader, Ryan LLC
April Stammel, Marketing & Community Engagement, South Downtown Atlanta
Jordan Rose
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Science ATL
Jordan is committed to promoting science literacy and a sense of belonging in science for all. He loves supporting science teachers and empowering youth to lead change. Together with Meisa Salaita and Sarah Peterson, Jordan co-founded Atlanta Science Festival in 2014 and its parent organization, Science ATL.
As a nonprofit leader, Jordan brings together schools, companies, and community organizations to improve equitable access to Atlanta’s myriad opportunities to learn and love science.
Submitted by Adi Bates, Purpose Possible Director of Marketing
David-Lee Mattison
Executive Director, Emmaus House
David-Lee walks the talk of leadership. His leadership brings results. On one hand, David-Lee is driven to achieve organizational excellence, efficiency, effectiveness and impact; at the same time, he always works to serve others with empathy, kindness and caring.
Submitted by Joe Iarocci, Former Interim ED, Emmaus House
Brittany Church
Community Outreach Leader, Ryan LLC
Brittany Church is a servant leader who inspires others to make a difference through volunteerism. As the 2026 Board President of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC), she helps strengthen partnerships between businesses and nonprofits while championing community engagement across Metro Atlanta.
Previously, Brittany served as Chapter President of The Homeless Period Project, where she advanced efforts to ensure women and girls have access to essential hygiene products. She is passionate about helping others discover causes they care about, roll up their sleeves, and serve with purpose. She also has a way of connecting with others and leveraging her sense of humor to bring a smile to their face. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and ability to bring people together make her a true community champion.
Submitted by Cheryl Kortemeier, Executive Director, CVC of Atlanta
April Stammel
Marketing & Community Engagement, South Downtown Atlanta
April has been moving forward a vision for South Downtown for the past 9 years. The fruits of her labor can now be enjoyed by everyone visiting the neighborhood's nearly 15 new business tenants and public gathering space, Founders Green. April's dedication to thoughtfully realizing this major redevelopment can be felt by anyone who has worked with her.
Submitted by Nina Dolgin, Program Manager of Art & Activation, Downtown Atlanta Inc.
