JAMES L. RHODEN, JR. VISIONARY PHILANTHROPIST AWARD
Jim Rhoden has been one of Cobb County’s most impactful Visionary Philanthropists for many years. With his belief in, and dedication to, the importance of “paying your civic rent,” Jim has worked tirelessly to establish and build support for Cobb Community Foundation, and he, his family, and his company, Futren Hospitality, have also been major donors and committed volunteers for a broad range of Cobb’s non-profit organizations.
THE AWARD
This award was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation in conjunction with its 10thanniversary in December 2003, to honor founder, Jim Rhoden. The award is voted on annually by the Board to recognize and honor a Cobb business and community leader who makes significant contributions to our community through their gifts of time, talent and treasure.
ELIGIBILITY AND NOMINATION CRITERIA
Nominees should be broadly recognized in Cobb County for their commitment to improving the quality of life for Cobb residents and meeting critical needs of the community as demonstrated by their leadership and/or service work for one or more of Cobb’s non-profit organizations, churches, temples, academic institutions, or community service organizations. Visionary leadership and influence in the business community are also key factors.
Current CCF board members are not eligible to be nominated during the years of their board service. Past board members are eligible for nomination.
2021 JAMES L. RHODEN VISIONARY PHILANTHROPIST
Skip Harper
Skip Harper was awarded the James L. Rhoden, Jr. Award for Visionary Philanthropy on Monday, December 13th at the Cobb Chamber’s Marquee Monday.
The James L. Rhoden, Jr. Award for Visionary Philanthropy was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation in conjunction with its 10th anniversary in December 2003, to honor founder, Jim Rhoden. The award is voted on annually by the Board to recognize and honor a Cobb business and community leader who makes significant contributions to our community through gifts of time, talent and treasure.
Nominees should be broadly recognized in Cobb County for their commitment to improving the quality of life for Cobb residents and meeting critical needs of the community as demonstrated by their leadership and/or service work. Visionary leadership and influence in the business community are also key factors.
Past recipients include Howard Koepka, Bob Kiser, David and Brittney Bottoms, Governor Roy Barnes, Ron Francis, Doug Hertz, Jerry Nix, and Earl Smith to name just a few.
CCF’s incoming Board President Kim Gresh presented the award and had this to say, “This year’s award recipient is incredibly humble and prefers to put the spotlight on others, but the work done over the past 12 months shines a light of its own. Skip Harper has served in various leadership roles at Marietta First United Methodist Church, Rotary Club of North Cobb, Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society, and other local non-profits. He joined the Board of The Extension in 2015, has served as Treasurer and Vice-Chair, and is currently serving a three-year term as The Extension’s Chairperson and serving on the Capital Campaign Committee.” Read more…
PAST RECIPIENTS
- 2020 Howard Koepka
- 2019 Bob Kiser
- 2018 David and Brittney Bottoms
- 2017 Governor Roy Barnes
- 2016 Valerie Voyles
- 2015 Ron Francis
- 2013 Doug Hertz
- 2012 Bob Prillaman
- 2011 Doug Chaffins
- 2010 Fred Bentley, Sr.
- 2009 Sam Olens
- 2008 Jerry Nix
- 2007 Earl Smith
- 2006 Larry Freeman
- 2005 Bob Moultrie
- 2004 Bob Elsberry
- 2003 Jim Rhoden