About The Center

The Carter Center Board of Councilors  


Promoting Democracy, Human Rights, and Peacemaking

The Board of Councilors is a leadership advisory group that serves to advance understanding of and support for The Carter Center and its activities among private-sector opinion leaders in Atlanta and Georgia. Members attend quarterly meetings and act as informed advocates of The Carter Center in the circles in which they have influence.

Board of Councilors Meeting
The Board of Councilors was founded in 1987 at the initiative of President Carter and Ivan Allen III. Ivan Allen III served as founding chairman, with Robert M. Holder Jr. as vice chairman.

Since its creation, the board has been chaired by some of Atlanta's most distinguished civic leaders:

• Ivan Allen III 1987-1992
• Robert M. Holder Jr. 1992-1996
• A. W. "Bill" Dahlberg 1997-1998
• James S. Balloun 1999-2000
• James R. Lientz Jr. 2001-2002
• Paula Lawton Bevington 2003-2004
• Frank Belatti 2005
• Ingrid Saunders Jones 2006
• Phil Hickey 2007
• Charles Brewer 2008
   

There are more than 185 councilors, with representatives from among the top leadership of Atlanta and Georgia businesses. The governor of Georgia, the mayor of Atlanta, and the president of Emory University are ex officio members.

Membership is granted for three years, and the group is divided into three classes so there is a gradual rotation of members. A small number of senior members who have demonstrated sustained support for The Carter Center and its mission have been elevated to the status of life members.