Meet MAC’s New Board President: Alex Brown
How did you first get involved with MAC?
I got an email from Cheryl Naja, Director of Pro Bono and Community Service at Alston & Bird LLP, asking if anyone was interested in joining the MAC board. I then spoke with former Board Member and current MAC volunteer Karen Richardson who introduced me to Dorothy, Charlotte and others at MAC. The rest was history.
What kept you involved with MAC?
The incredible commitment from the staff, volunteers and my fellow board members to helping MAC’s clients. Their dedication is inspiring and made it easy for me to challenge myself to put forth the same kind of effort.
What has been your greatest accomplishment during your time at MAC?
Working with the MAC staff and board to organize and run the 1st Annual Midtown Race for MAC in 2014. None of us had ever put on a 5k before, but we worked together and it was a success. We are now entering the 4th year of the race, which is Saturday May 13th in Piedmont Park, and I am very proud of all the hard work that has gone into getting the race where it is today. With the help of MAC’s partners and sponsors, we have raised over $70,000 in three years and expect to keep the momentum going in 2017.
How has being involved with MAC influenced you?
MAC helps keep me grounded. I have learned that asking my friends, colleagues and family for money for a good cause is nothing to be embarrassed about. I am incredibly proud and humbled to be a part of the work MAC does assisting clients who both need and deserve a little help to avoid financial disaster.
As the new board president, what is your vision for MAC’s future?
As Midtown and Downtown Atlanta continue to develop and get more expensive, MAC will play a vital role in helping Atlantans who may otherwise be left behind. As board President, I plan to work with local businesses, charitable organizations and the government to ensure that MAC has the proper resources to help bridge that gap.
Alex Brown is a Senior Associate at Alston & Bird and has been serving on MAC’s Board of Directors for 5 years.