SERVING ATLANTA'S BRAVEST
ABOUT US
NEVER MISS A RESCUE
Every day, Atlanta’s firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs answer the call to protect our city. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation exists to answer the call for them.
As the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the men and women of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, the Foundation invests in the people, resources, and opportunities that help Atlanta’s Bravest thrive—both personally and professionally.
Through investments in health and wellness, education and professional development, financial well-being, fire station improvements, technology and equipment, and community engagement, we help ensure Atlanta’s fire and rescue responders have the support and resources they need to serve our city at their best.
Because when Atlanta’s Bravest are stronger, healthier, and fully equipped, Atlanta is stronger and safer.
That is our mission: to serve our city by elevating the personal and professional lives of Atlanta’s Bravest.
And it is the future we are working toward: a stronger and safer Atlanta, powered by thriving, fully-equipped fire and rescue responders.
HER STORY, OUR LEGACY
Mayor Shirley Franklin
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation was established following the passage of Atlanta City Council Resolution 02R1254, a pivotal initiative introduced by Councilman C.T. Martin to create a dedicated foundation supporting the City of Atlanta’s fire and public safety services through philanthropic investment, sponsorship development, and community partnership.
On July 1, 2002, the Atlanta City Council unanimously adopted the resolution, reflecting a collective
commitment to strengthening public safety and supporting the men and women who serve the City of Atlanta. Shortly thereafter, the resolution was officially signed into action on July 9, 2002, by Shirley Franklin, marking the formal establishment of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation.
FOUNDATION PRESIDENT AND CEO
TAOS WYNN
Guided by the belief that, “Everyone Matters, Everyone Deserves Respect, and Everyone Can Make a Difference,” Strategist, Community Organizer, and Executive Leader, Taos Wynn serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation. A Georgia native and the youngest of two sons from a military family, Taos brings a diverse perspective and proven track record of success to the executive leadership team of the organization and the more than 1,200 men and women of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.
A graduate of Emory University, Wynn possesses a rich background in legislative policy and nonprofit leadership, which has empowered communities and advanced various causes in service to others. As a change agent, Wynn has participated in international missions trips, spearheaded numerous community initiatives, and founded organizations focused on community outreach and engagement in the City of Atlanta. For his exemplary leadership and contributions, Taos has received multiple accolades including recognition as a Titan 100 Executive, the National Point of Light Award, and the esteemed City of Atlanta Phoenix Award, among other honors.
Taos is a passionate advocate for the causes he believes in, utilizing his voice as an orator and published writer to champion both progress and equity. He is deeply committed to the betterment of the city of Atlanta, state of Georgia and humanity at large - an ethos he now brings to the fire rescue and public safety sector through the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation. Taos Wynn proudly resides in Atlanta with his wife and daughters.
2026 Board Of Directors
Marc Azar, CPA Partner, Smith + Howard Advisory
Sid Barron, Vice President Manufacturer Relations, Asbury Automotive Group
Brian Betts, President and CFO, Operation Hope
Andrea Boone, Council Member and Public Safety Chair, City of Atlanta
Scott Brown, Senior Executive Director, Community Affairs, Georgia-Pacific
Frank DeBorde, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Shirley Franklin, 58th Mayor, City of Atlanta
Clyde Higgs, CEO, Atlanta Beltline
James Holmes, Senior Vice President, North Atlanta Market President, Truist Bank
Rich Kenah, CEO, Atlanta Track Club
Robert Laporta, Director - Assistant General Counsel, Delta Air Lines
Erin Harris, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Southern Company Gas
Cedric Matheny, Principal and Vice President, T. Dallas Smith & Company
Keith Parker, President and CEO, Goodwill of North Georgia
Anna Roach, Executive Director and CEO, Atlanta Regional Commission
Rukiya Thomas, Foundation President and US Culture & Social Impact Executive, AtkinsRéalis
Christian Taylor, Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield
Reginal Roby, External Affairs Manager, Georgia Power Company
Dr. Victoria Seals, President, Atlanta Technical College
Carol Waddy, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Affairs, Chick-fil-A
Kristin Wong, Director, Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact
2026 Young Professionals Advisory Council
Nicole Barnes
Charles Bourgeois
Claudia Colichon
Andrew Clark
Azalia Cyphers
Vonshe Evette
Marcus Fitts
Shenice Jones
Grace Lee
D.J. Lewis
Neal Van Marter
D.J. Myers
Fortune Onwuzuruike
Jay Roman
Rashad Stallings
Christin Taylor
Alex Villanueva
Patrice Williams
Sponsor
Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation is pleased to provide corporate supporters tiered sponsorship opportunities for consideration. In each case, funding will provide direct benefit to firefighters, allowing the Foundation to support their professional and personal needs. From improvements at the fire stations to tuition support for continuing education, Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation donors enable the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department to recruit top talent to Atlanta and, more importantly, keep them here.