ATLANTA (January 30, 2024) —Atlanta magazine released its sixth annual special publication, The Atlanta 500, recognizing the 500 most influential business and civic leaders in Atlanta. The list also includes dozens of leaders whom the magazine has deemed as “Legends.” The Atlanta 500 recognizes the most influential Atlantans—including not only corporate CEOs, but also leading entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, artists, and those leading nonprofits and shaping public policy. 

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“CEOs of our city’s largest corporations or firms’ top producers were likely candidates, but we also looked to see if those achievers were plugged into the city—serving on nonprofit boards, spearheading programs for their communities, and creating opportunities for their employees,” said Scott Freeman, Editor in Chief of Atlanta magazine. “What makes our list unique is that it is not just about business, but also about creatives, teachers, health care providers, essential workers, and visionaries, all of the people who help make Atlanta the city we love.”

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The Atlanta 500 is comprised of eight categories: Business; Professionals; Real Estate & Design; Government & Infrastructure; Arts, Sports & Entertainment; Education & Healthcare; Restaurants & Hospitality; and Religion, Nonprofits & Advocacy. Atlanta magazine’s editors spent months consulting experts across different sectors while also taking into consideration nominations from the public.

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“One of our former longtime editors used to say Atlanta magazine has the ability to tell you something you’ve never known about people you know, while introducing you to people you may never have heard of but should know—it’s in this spirit that we introduce our readers to our sixth annual The Atlanta 500,” said Sean McGinnis, President and Publisher of Atlanta magazine.

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About Atlanta magazine:

First published in 1961 as the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce magazine, Atlanta magazine marks its sixty-third year as the city of Atlanta’s most prestigious publication—having been recognized with hundreds of awards for excellence in journalism and design, including the National Magazine Award, the industry’s highest honor. The magazine now has a growing list of ancillary publications within its portfolio in addition to a thriving custom publishing division. It operates a full-service digital marketing agency while managing a rapidly growing website, email, and social media platform. The magazine owns, operates, and manages a custom event division as well. Atlanta magazine is part of Hour Media Group, a multimedia company which publishes and produces 140 magazines and custom titles, 37 consumer websites, and 65 shows and events throughout the United States. For additional information, visit atlantamagazine.com.