Celebrating Leadership at the GeorgiaCMO ORBIE Awards Reception
The Panelists at the GeorgiaCMO ORBIE Awards Leadership Reception at Summit 8 West on July 29, 2025
I had the privilege of moderating a remarkable panel of business leaders at the Inspire Leadership Network’s ORBIE Awards Leadership Reception, an event that brought together some of Georgia’s most dynamic marketing executives and C-suite changemakers.
Set against the backdrop of this year’s GeorgiaCMO ORBIE Awards—the premier recognition for excellence in marketing leadership—our conversation spotlighted the power of vision, values, and velocity in today’s fast-moving business landscape. And I couldn’t have asked for a more impressive trio of panelists:
Jo Ann Herold, Executive in Residence at Georgia State University and a brand icon in the Southeast with leadership roles at The Honey Baked Ham Company, Interface, and Arby’s.
Ron McMurtrie, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at Honeywell, who brings global insight into digital transformation and customer experience.
Mike Plant, President & CEO of Development for the Atlanta Braves, whose leadership helped transform The Battery Atlanta into one of the most innovative mixed-use developments in the country.
Together, they offered insights on navigating disruption, building trusted brands, leading with purpose, and staying customer-obsessed in an era of constant change. There were stories about bold pivots, lessons from the field, and even a few laughs—because great leadership, after all, is as much about resilience as it is about results.
About the ORBIE Awards
Named for the concentric rings that orbit its crystal globe, the ORBIE® Award represents the highest standard of leadership, innovation, and impact in the marketing, technology, and security industries. Since 1998, the ORBIE has honored more than 800 award recipients and over 5,000 finalists through a rigorous, peer-led selection process. These leaders don’t just drive results—they create lasting value and inspire the next generation.
2025 GeorgiaCMO ORBIE Nominees
This year’s GeorgiaCMO ORBIE Awards celebrate the best of the best in marketing—leaders who are transforming Georgia’s most influential organizations across business, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofits.
More Than an Award—A Movement
What struck me most about this year’s Leadership Reception was the energy in the room. These weren’t just marketing leaders—they were culture carriers, storytellers, and catalysts for change. As someone who has spent a career at the intersection of strategy and storytelling, it was inspiring to see how the marketing function has evolved—from brand-building to boardroom decision-making.
Special thanks to Inspire Leadership Network, the team behind GeorgiaCMO, and all the incredible nominees who are redefining what it means to lead in today’s ever-changing world.
If the ORBIE Awards are a glimpse of the future of marketing leadership, then the future looks bold, collaborative, and purpose-driven—just the way it should be.
