Board of Directors

William K Whitner is a Partner with Paul Hastings, an international law firm with offices across the globe.  Working from the firm’s Atlanta office, he serves as the Global Co-Chair of the Complex Litigation and Arbitration Practice Group, as well as Global Co-Chair of the firm’s Diversity Counsel.  Routinely handling “bet the company” cases for global and national companies in federal, state and arbitration tribunals at the trial and appellate levels, his practice focuses on business litigation with a particular emphasis on complex corporate matters.  Says Whitner, “To succeed at anything is to wake up every morning embracing the notion that today is a new challenge and opportunity to do better than yesterday at everything.”  Countless accolades include being identified in Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in Georgia and named Best Lawyers’ 2014 “Atlanta Lawyer of the Year” and Best Lawyers’ 2018 “Georgia Lawyer of the Year”; identified by Georgia Super Lawyers as one of the “Top 100 Attorneys in Georgia”; named a Legal Eagle by Franchise Times; recognized as a leading litigation lawyer in Euromoney’s Benchmark: America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys; and recognized as one of Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite.

Michelle Falconer founded Real Estate Investments and Elite Home Management Services, in 2002. In 2015, Michelle opened a consulting firm and a development company. In 2017, Michelle brought all 4 companies under one umbrella and founded Bailey & Hunter. Headquartered in Atlanta Georgia, Bailey and Hunter has additional offices in West Palm Beach and Tampa, FL.

As the visionary and strategic director of Bailey & Hunter Michelle draws on her 20 years of experience in small business by directing her team in the management of several large government and publicly traded client accounts. Both Real Estate Investments and Elite Home Management Services proudly do business with many local agencies such as Atlanta Housing Authority, Fulton County Housing Authority and 25 other agencies. With deep roots in the City of Atlanta, Michelle is a self-published author. Her book teaches entrepreneurÕs about the 3 principals to help them improve profits.

Originally from Denver, CO. Michelle moved to Atlanta in 1994 to attend Clark Atlanta University. At Clark University she earned her BachelorÕs Degree in Mass Communications and minored in Business Science. In addition to her entrepreneurial spirit, Michelle also dedicates her time and resources to many philanthropic initiatives.

Michelle is a dedicated wife to Dr. Walter Z. Falconer and they are proud parents of four beautiful children, sons Hunter and Bryson and daughters Ryan and Devin. Michelle and her family enjoy traveling. Exploring the globe professionally and personally, Michelle has traveled to more than 26 countries.

Bob Ellis is the Vice Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Commissioner for District 2, which encompasses Milton, Mountain Park and large parts of Alpharetta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs.
Elected to office in November of 2014, Bob began his term the following January and serves as Executive Sponsor for Fulton County’s Strategic Priority “All People Trust Government is Efficient, Effective and Fiscally Sound.”
In addition to his duties as Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Bob is Chairman of the County’s Audit Committee, is a board member of the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority, the Atlanta-Fulton County Water Resources Commission and also serves on the Advisory Board of WellStar North Fulton Hospital.
On a professional level, Bob is a National Product Leader for CNA Financial Corporation, a leading property and casualty insurance company. During his twenty-five plus year career in the insurance industry, he has held a variety of underwriting, management and leadership roles. Bob has deep expertise in providing risk management services and insurance protection to companies and senior management.
As the leader of Fulton’s strategic priority to ensure government is efficient and effective, Bob has been a champion for transparency, rebuilding and strengthening Fulton County infrastructure, improving personnel and purchasing procedures, strengthening County management, and championing a culture of excellent customer service. Bob has also been a leader in seeking to reform Fulton County’s property tax system, has been a strong voice for improving the County’s delivery of Behavioral Health and Public Health services and advanced actionable steps to end the county’s opioid epidemic and fight sex trafficking.
Bob is a native of Commerce, GA, graduated with highest honors from the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business and is a long-time resident of North Fulton County. Bob and his wife Jennifer have three children and reside in Milton.
Bob is an active long-term member of Northbrook United Methodist Church in Roswell, GA where he has served in numerous leadership roles and teaches Sunday school

Mohamed Balla is the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Atlanta. He joined the City in 2011 and assumed the role of CFO in July 2021. As CFO, Balla provides financial guidance to the Mayor and City Council and manages a team of 160 finance, accounting, and business professionals. He is responsible for overseeing the preparation, evaluation, and monitoring of the City’s $2.75 billion operating budget and financing the City’s $11.5 billion capital improvement program. Additionally, Balla serves as a Trustee on the City’s Pension Investment Board, managing investments for the General, Police, and Fire Pension Funds.

Prior to serving as CFO for the City of Atlanta, Mohamed was the Deputy Commissioner and CFO for the Department of Watershed Management (DWM), where he led the department’s financial functions. Before that, he was a key member of the City’s pension reform team, responsible for restructuring the City’s $3 billion pension plan. He also served as the City’s Cash and Investment Manager, overseeing the City’s $2.0 billion cash portfolio.

CFO Balla has a background in investment banking, corporate finance, and public finance, with over 20 years of experience. He has a strong background in financial modeling and analysis, leveraged lending, and public finance. He has worked at Citigroup Corporate and Investment Bank and Wachovia Securities as an investment banking professional. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Morehouse College and an M.B.A. from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Mr. Balla is a member of Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2023. He currently resides in Southwest Atlanta with his wife, Teresa, and their two daughters, Eden and Ava.

Cannon Kent-Grant embodies an unyielding passion for music composition and the talented individuals who bring it to life. As the National Director of Promotion at Atlantic Records, she orchestrates promotional schedules for renowned artists such as Janelle Monaè, Cardi B, Jack Harlow, and Gucci Mane, to name but a few. Her innovative promotional strategies and unwavering dedication to the arts have been the cornerstone of her nearly two-decade tenure with
Warner Music Group, where her influence continues to shape the industry's landscape. With an enduring zeal for nurturing emerging talent and expanding their influence, Cannon
forges connections between artists and their audience through meticulously curated experiences, digital marketing strategies, promotional campaigns seeking to propel new talent to the forefront
of the industry.

Her unwavering commitment to the music community is further exemplified through her role as a Governor on The Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter Board, where she champions the
advancement of the industry and the artisans within it. Notably, Cannon has been elected as the Atlanta Chapter Secretary for the 2024 term, a testament to the trust placed in her vision for the
future of music in Atlanta. Beyond her remarkable contributions to the music sphere, Cannon has dedicated five years to service on the board of Hosea Feed the Homeless, culminating in the honor of chairing the organization in her final year. Her altruistic endeavors reflect her broader commitment to the well-being of the community and her unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact.

Michael Green is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, real estate professional and community development leader with more than 15 years of experience in real estate development, tax credit finance, brokerage, construction and property management with a proven track record of structuring and executing public-private partnerships.
Specializing in the development of mixed-use, mixed-income communities, Michael is the founder and CEO of Atlanta-based Pansophy Capital, where he raises and allocates private capital to create, acquire and develop unique business and real estate opportunities; leading successful investments in real estate, real estate technologies and retail concessions.
As the former Treasurer of the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA), Michael structured municipal bond transactions to develop and renovate sports and entertainment assets owned or managed by the Authority. Notable accomplishments during his tenure included the financing of the $200M renovation of Atlanta’s State Farm Arena (formerly Phillips Arena), the $30M Zoo Atlanta parking deck and facility expansion and the $30M disposition of Turner Field.
Michael’s passion for entrepreneurship began as a student at a youth entrepreneurship program at the Wharton School of Business. Paying forward these experiences, he currently serves as a board member for the Kid Entrepreneurs Need Opportunities Foundation, the First Tee of Atlanta, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, as well as Chairman of the Community Projects Committee of AFCRA and the S.M.P. Community Fund Inc.
An active leader in the community, Michael mentors young entrepreneurs, funds programing to teach integral leadership through the game of golf, advocates for safe, alternative transportation options for residents of Atlanta and provides funding for community-based non-profits creating meaningful recreational and educational experiences for children from the stadium-impacted communities and across the City of Atlanta.

Mo Ivory serves as Fulton County Commissioner for District 4, representing Atlanta’s core neighborhoods. Her district includes Downtown, Midtown, areas northwest of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, neighborhoods northeast and southeast of Downtown below I-20 to the Clayton County line (including the Porsche Headquarters), Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Hapeville, areas surrounding Tyler Perry Studios, and portions of East Point and College Park.

Commissioner Ivory is deeply committed to progress and serving as a resource for her community. With a multifaceted career as an attorney, law professor, media personality, entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate, she has empowered and supported others for decades.

Mo’s ability to connect with people and address community needs stems from her expertise in law, politics, and media. She has hosted prominent radio shows on Atlanta’s V-103 FM and WAOK 1380 AM and has provided political and legal commentary on CNN, HLN, MSNBC, TVOne, and Fox 5 Atlanta’s Georgia Gang.

Her passion for service extends through a wide array of leadership and volunteer roles. She has served as Board Chair for the Rialto Center for the Arts Advisory Board, Board Member for T23 Cares, Inc., and a member of the GSU College of Law Admissions Committee. Her involvement also includes organizations such as the United Way of Greater Atlanta, National Urban League, NAACP, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and Hosea Feed the Hungry. Additionally, she has held roles with the Mary Parker Foundation, Atlanta Dogwood Festival, and the Atlanta License Review Board, appointed by former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

Mo is an active member of the Georgia Bar Association, Spelman College Alumnae Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Links, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

For over 20 years, Commissioner Ivory has worked on initiatives to improve education, criminal justice reform, healthcare, small business development, and voting rights across Georgia. She spearheaded “Mo’s Voting Party,” an innovative Get Out the Vote campaign that transported more than 50,000 people to early voting locations with the support of celebrity entertainers. This effort garnered national attention for its impact on voter turnout.

Before her current role at Georgia State University College of Law as a Professor of Practice and Director of the Center for Entertainment, Sports, and IP Law, Mo taught entertainment law at Howard University School of Law. She also practiced law at King & Spalding, served as in-house counsel for Scientific-Atlanta, and provided legal expertise for Turner Broadcasting, SunTrust Bank, and Cisco Systems.

Mo holds a degree in Political Science from Spelman College and a law degree from Temple University School of Law.

Mo is proud of her diverse heritage – which includes her mother, a native of the Dominican Republic and her grandmother, who immigrated from Mexico and lived to be 110 years old, passing away a few years ago as the oldest Mexican national on record in the United States. Mo is the first Afro-Latina member of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

In 2016, she received one of her highest honors: being featured in the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., where her quote reflecting on her time at Spelman College is displayed in the museum’s sports gallery.

Her dedication and leadership have earned numerous accolades, including the Drum Major for Justice Benevolence Award from the SCLC Women Inc., the Power Player Award from the Black-Latino Council of America, and recognition as one of Atlanta Business League’s Top 100 Black Women of Influence. Mo has also hosted countless community and corporate events for organizations like The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, and UNCF.

Mo’s work exemplifies her commitment to progress, service, and empowering others to thrive.

Ronald W. Sims II, CFA is the Regional Manager for the FDIC’s Division of Insurance and Research – Atlanta Regional Office. His office covers over 650 insured institutions with headquarters throughout the southeast. Currently in his 20th year with the corporation, he has previously served as the Senior Financial Analyst in Atlanta after starting his career in the Chicago Regional office.

Ronald is considered a subject matter expert on all bank related analysis within the Atlanta Region. His expertise covers mostly community sized institutions as well as the retrieval and examination of bank financial information. During his tenure with the FDIC, he has authored several articles for public consumption on topics related to trends in noncore funding, interest rate risk, asset quality, and other emerging issues.

In an effort to provide timely information on banking and economic risks that may be evolving in his region, Ronald routinely participates in speaking engagements to internal and external clients of his division and the corporation. His contributions to the mission of the FDIC have led to numerous awards over the past 20 years. Additionally, he has spent several years working in both corporate and investment banking operations and has also spent time as an adjunct professor of finance at various colleges and universities in Chicago and Atlanta.

After graduating with a BS in Economics from Florida A&M University, Ronald went on to obtain his MBA in Finance from Mercer University's Stetson School of Business in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2002, he completed the requirements to receive the Charter of Financial Analyst designation (CFA); The CFA is one of the most respected designations in finance and is widely considered to be the gold standard in the field of investment analysis.
Ronald grew up in the Southwest Atlanta neighborhood of Ben Hill and is married to the former Ms. Carol Kennedy. Both he and his wife are graduates of Atlanta Public High Schools and have two kids, Ronald III (8) and Harper Elizabeth (17). He is a passionate Atlanta sports fan, avid golfer, and frequent traveler.

Robb Pitts is the Chairman of Fulton County Board of Commissioners, elected in 2017.  He previously served on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners from November 2002 to December 2014. During his tenure, he advocated for diversification in revenue sources to relieve the tax burden on property owners. Robb previously served as a member of the Atlanta City Council for two decades, chairing the Finance and Community Development Committees for most of those years. He was elected to serve as the Council’s President from 1997 – 2001. Robb encouraged efficiency in city operations and procurement procedures, earning a reputation as the “taxpayers’ watchdog” by scrutinizing spending and diligently reviewing the annual budgeting process. During his tenure as President of the Atlanta City Council, he was a strong supporter of initiatives leading to tax relief for the elderly, including the reduction of sanitation fees and a increase in homestead exemptions for qualified seniors. A businessman and former college professor, Robb earned undergraduate, graduate and post- graduate degrees in education, business, languages and Latin American Studies at Ohio University, La Academia Hispano americana, Kent State University and La Universidad Inter americana. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Emory University and is a former member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors. A registered broker with Mass Mutual Perimeter, he is also the owner and President of R.L.P. Corporation, an international business consulting firm. Robb was an Assistant Professor at Clark Atlanta University, a visiting professor and guest lecturer at Oberlin College, and an instructor at Kent State University. Active in a variety of community programs and an avid patron of the arts, Robb has served on the boards of organizations such as the Georgia Municipal Association, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Atlanta Economic Development Corporation, the Urban Residential Finance Authority, the Latin American Association, the Atlanta Ballet, the Arts Festival of Atlanta, and the Center for the Puppetry Arts. He is also a lifetime member of the NAACP. Robb is fluent in Spanish and has an extensive background in international affairs. In 2003, he
sponsored legislation leading to the creation of the Fulton County Office of International Affairs. He played a key role in presenting Atlanta’s Olympic bid to the International Olympic Committee. He has participated in numerous international cultural exchange programs, including the Friendship Force and the Sister Cities program. He has also worked closely with Georgia’s Consular Corps. A native of Haddock, Georgia, Robb and his wife Fran have a daughter.

Attorney E. Carl Touchstone is the owner of the Law Office of E. Carl Touchstone, P.C., located in Midtown – Atlanta. It is a full service law firm, with a focus on criminal defense, civil litigation, and personal injury cases. Carl was born and raised in Griffin, Georgia and is a graduate of Griffin High School. He then attended Howard
University, in Washington, DC and graduated from the Howard University School of Business, with a BBA in Finance. He then received his Juris Doctor degree from the Howard University School of Law and has been a member of the State Bar of Georgia since 1995. Carl began his law career working for a small litigation firm, on the south side of
Atlanta. In 2001, Carl accepted the appointment as the City Solicitor, for the City of Griffin, Georgia. This was a part-time position, and he remained in that capacity until 2010. Also in 2001, Carl opened the Law Office of E. Carl Touchstone, P.C. While maintaining his own practice, Carl was named as Vice President/General Counsel for the start-up skin care company, Dr. Gram, Inc., which was based on San Diego, CA. In that capacity, he advised the company on contract matters involving production, packaging, and compliance issues, from 2008 until 2012.
Carl has been a resident of the historic Old Fourth Ward community in the City of Atlanta, since 2001. He was appointed to serve on the City of Atlanta Civil Service Board in 2019 and has also been appointed as the Hearing Officer for the City of Atlanta Office of Contract Compliance.