The Cobb Chamber has received a statewide award recognizing its efforts to bring people together across political divides.
The Georgia Democracy Resilience Network presented the Chamber with its 2026 Champion Award at the Georgia Civic Excellence Awards Dinner on Aug. 24 at The Carter Center in Atlanta. The Chamber announced the recognition Oct. 16.
President and CEO Sharon Mason accepted the award on the organization’s behalf. The network cited the Chamber’s civic leadership, community engagement and commitment to democratic norms and institutions.
“Through our Conversations in Democracy series, we’ve brought together leaders from across the political spectrum to model respectful, honest dialogue for our community,” Mason said in the Chamber’s statement.
The series has convened elected officials, former officeholders and business leaders to discuss political disagreement and public trust.
A Dec. 12, 2025, session featured former U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, former Cobb Republican Party Chair Jason Shepherd and Mableton Mayor Michael Owens. Former state Sen. Don Balfour and journalist Dr. Rashad Richey moderated the discussion, according to the Chamber’s recap.
Panelists discussed listening across differences, rebuilding trust and setting an example through their conduct in government, workplaces and online.
The other 2026 Champion Award recipients were DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and State Election Board member Sara Tindall Ghazal, according to the network’s announcement.
The Georgia Democracy Resilience Network is a cross-partisan initiative supported by The Carter Center. It brings together civic, business, faith and community leaders to encourage peaceful political engagement, trusted elections and confidence in democratic institutions.
Residents interested in the Chamber’s advocacy programs can contact Amanda Seals, executive vice president of advocacy and government relations, at [email protected] or 770-859-2322.
