Haley Smith selected for Leadership Georgia Class of 2026
GHD is pleased to share that Haley Smith, Community Engagement Leader based in Atlanta, has been selected to participate in the Leadership Georgia Class of 2026, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected statewide leadership programs.
Leadership Georgia is a highly competitive, year‑long program that brings together a diverse group of emerging leaders from across the state to explore complex issues shaping Georgia’s future. Founded in 1971, the program is designed to strengthen leadership capacity across business, government, and community sectors through immersive, place‑based learning experiences held throughout Georgia.
Each year, the Leadership Georgia Selection Committee reviews hundreds of nominations and applications. It selects 60 participants based on demonstrated leadership, community impact, and the ability to contribute to a class that reflects Georgia’s geographic, professional and demographic diversity.
At GHD, Haley serves as Community Engagement Leader, where she plays a key role in advancing Metro Atlanta community impact initiatives and strengthening relationships with civic, nonprofit, and industry partners. Her work supports GHD’s broader commitment to creating connected, resilient communities by aligning technical expertise with meaningful local engagement. Haley also contributes to GHD’s social impact efforts, including initiatives connected to the GHD Foundation and community‑focused programming across the Atlanta region.
As a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2026, Haley will join leaders from across the state in a series of five multi‑day programs running from January through December. These sessions focus on critical statewide topics, including economic development, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, education, housing and community resilience.
Community Engagement Leader based in Atlanta
I’m honored to be selected for the Leadership Georgia Class of 2026. This program provides a unique opportunity to learn alongside leaders from across the state, deepen my understanding of the issues impacting Georgia’s communities and bring those insights back to my work at GHD. I’m excited to explore how we can continue contributing to resilient, inclusive communities through collaboration and shared learning.”
Haley was officially announced as part of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2026 in October 2025 and is listed among the organization’s current class members.
Her selection reflects GHD’s continued commitment to developing leaders who are engaged in their communities and committed to making a positive, lasting impact.
“Haley’s selection to the Leadership Georgia program is a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and her commitment to strengthening communities across the Atlanta region,” said Garrett Skinner, Metro Atlanta Market Leader, “She brings curiosity, purpose, and a strong sense of connection to her work, and we’re excited to see how this experience further enhances the impact she’s making at GHD.”
To learn more about Leadership Georgia and the Class of 2026, visit: https://leadershipgeorgia.com/current-class/
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About GHD
GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.