Throughout the year, AJC Atlanta pays tribute to those who have made significant contributions to the Atlanta and Jewish communities.
Distinguished Advocate Award
2026 – Ted Blum
2025 – Dov Wilker
2024 – Illene Engel
2023 – Rabbi Peter Berg
2022 – Elise Eplan and A.J. Robinson
2021- Merle and David Horwitz
2020 – Melanie and Allan Nelkin
Selig Distinguished Service Award
This award was established in 1986, by American Jewish Committee Atlanta, in memory of Caroline Massell Selig and Simon S. Selig Jr. and is presented each spring at the Atlanta Chapter Awards Dinner. Recipients of this prestigious award reflect the Seligs’ dedications, commitment and generosity to the enhancement of the Atlanta community.
Past Recipients Include:
2018 – Lauren & Jim Grien
2017 - Beth & Gregg Paradies
2016 - Spring & Tom Asher
2015 - Eliot M. Arnovitz
2014 - Robert Arogeti
2013 - Sheri & Steve Labovitz
2012 - Mark Lichtenstein
2011 - Viki & Paul Freeman
2010 - Elaine, Miles, & Kent Alexander
2009 - Cathy Selig
2008 - David Kuniansky
2007 - Carol Z. Cooper, Laura Dinerman, Sara Franco, and Judy Zaban
National Human Relations Award
The National Human Relations Award is presented annually to leaders and corporations in our community who, with their skills, influence, and dedication, distinguish themselves through their professional achievements and their commitment to good works.
Past Recipients Include:
2025 – John M. Haupert, Grady Health System
2024 – Donna Hyland, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
2023 – Bill Rogers, Truist Financial Corporation
2022 – Marty Flanagan, Invesco
2021 – Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, Morehouse School of Medicine & Dr. Jonathan S. Lewin, Emory Healthcare
2020 – Senator Johnny Isakson*
2019 – Carol B. Tome, United Parcel Service
2018 – David Abney, United Parcel Service
2017 - Larry Gellerstedt III, Cousins Properties
2016 - Jim Hannan, Georgia-Pacific
2015 - Paul Bowers, Georgia Power Company
2014 - Frank Blake, Home Depot
2013 - Richard Anderson, Delta Air Lines, Inc.
2012 - Muhtar Kent, The Coca-Cola Company
2011 - Jack Sawyer, Wilmington Trust
2010 - H.J. Russell & Company
2009 - Vicki Palmer, Coca-Cola Enterprises
2008 - Thomas D. Bell, Jr., Cousins Properties
2007 - Phil Kent, Turner Network
2006 - Phil Humann, SunTrust
2005 - John G. Rice, GE (General Electric)
2004 - Michael Eskew, UPS
2003 - Mayor Shirley Franklin
2002 - Ingrid Saunders-Jones, The Coca-Cola Company
2001 - Ben F. Johnson III, Alston & Bird
2000 - John A. Williams, Post Properties
Judge Learned Hand Award
The Judge Learned Hand Award is the highest honor American Jewish Committee bestows on members of the legal profession. Established in memory of a legendary figure, Judge Learned Hand, Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1924 to 1951. Widely admired as a dean among American jurists, Judge Hand was famous for the extensive range of decisions he rendered in more than two thousand cases.
Past Recipients Include:
2011 - Fmr. Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears
2009 - Richard Sinkfield 2008 - Ralph B. Levy
2007 - Chilton Varner
2006 - Neil Williams
2005 - Fmr. Gov. Roy Barnes
