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    The 10 most powerful Atlantans in 2011

    By Rick Limpert | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Thu, Jul 14, 2011
    This story comes from the Yahoo! Contributor Network, where individuals publish their unique perspectives on some of the world’s most popular websites.
    Do you have a story to tell? Become a Yahoo! contributor

    COMMENTARY | The largest city in the South has given America some powerful people over the years. American icons like Martin Luther King Jr., Ted Turner, and Evander Holyfield all emerged from Atlanta to become international figures. Politicians and diplomats like Andrew Young, John Lewis, Dean Rusk, and Sam Nunn all called Atlanta home. In 2011, we have a new group of powerful Atlantans that are really making things happen as the world we live in changes quickly around us.

    Kasim Reed - Mayor of Atlanta

    The new mayor is making things happen and in a good way. His no-nonsense approach is turning heads in a city where mayors used to be rather predictable. Reed is an Atlanta native, and he really knows how the city works. His appearances on some of the big Sunday morning talk shows show that after his mayoral stint he'll be on to bigger and better things, probably in Washington.

    Arthur Blank - Owner of the Atlanta Falcons

    There is possibly no more beloved person in Atlanta, especially to sports fans, than the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Blank. When you are the owner of an NFL team, you carry a lot of power and prestige, but Blank is loved because he loves Atlanta. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is all about positive change to Atlanta and the surrounding communities.

    Margaret R. DeFrancisco - President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery Corporation

    DeFrancisco runs one of the most successful state lotteries in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world. The Georgia Lottery takes a backseat to nobody. The Georgia Lottery provides funding for many state educational programs, including the Pre-K program.

    Herman Cain - Talk show host, candidate for president

    Herman Cain has been a popular figure in Atlanta for years with his radio talk show and as a smart businessman. He could end up being one of the most powerful Atlantans ever, as he is running for president of the United States. Cain is a popular conservative candidate who supports the Fair Tax and a strong military.

    Tyler Perry - Entertainer

    Tyler Perry has quietly become the face of the entertainment industry in Atlanta. The native Atlantan not only stars in and produces movies and television shows; he also opened his new 200,000-foot production studio on Atlanta's Southside. He supports many Atlanta causes and does all he can to give back to the community.

    Muhtar Kent - Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company

    Atlanta is Coca-Cola, and Kent has done a great job with the brand. Kent led the recent celebration of Coke's 125th year. He also was active in talking with Gov. Nathan Deal about the immigration bill that Deal ultimately signed. Kent has also made local Atlanta charities a priority as long as he is in charge.

    Frank Blake - Chairman and CEO, The Home Depot

    The Home Depot is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and Blake has had the task of bringing the home improvement giant back from disastrous years in 2008 and 2009. Home Depot's bottom lines look strong for 2011. He also serves on the board of the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Committee for Progress.

    Ralph de la Vega - President and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets

    Georgia is a leading technology state, and part of that is due to the fact that AT&T's Mobility and Customer Markets unit is based in Buckhead. Wireless communications has become a huge segment of the tech industry. De la Vega heads the whole Mobility unit.

    Richard Anderson - CEO, Delta Air Lines Inc.

    With the Delta/Northwest Airlines merger, Anderson now heads up the world's largest airline. Delta is one of the largest employers in Metro Atlanta, so Anderson's words and decisions impact many people.

    Errol Davis - Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools

    The new superintendent of the Atlanta Public School System has the almost impossible task of leading the recovery from the standardized test cheating scandal. Davis is a longtime administrator and educator with a great reputation. He has the power he needs to get respect back for the APS and make sure they don't lose accreditation.

    Rick Limpert covers sports, technology, and events in Atlanta. He likes the fact that Atlanta is still a growing and diverse city.

    For more stories in your area, check out Yahoo! Local Atlanta.

     

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