Dan T. Cathy has been Chairman of Chick-fil-A, Inc., one of America’s largest family-owned businesses, since 2013. As the son of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, Dan's career with the company began at a young age. As a boy, he sang for customers and performed in radio ads for the chain’s original “Dwarf House” restaurant in Hapeville, GA. He eventually took the helm as Chairman and CEO, where he led the company to be named the top fast-food restaurant for customer service by Newsweek in 2019.
Dan is a proud alumnus of the University System of Georgia (USG), holding a bachelor's degree in business from Georgia Southern University, and he has also been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of West Georgia. He remains deeply active in his home state through his service on the boards of the Georgia Aquarium, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Atlanta Committee for Progress, Eagle Ranch, and Heritage Preparatory School.
We are particularly proud of Dan’s investment in the higher education of Chick-fil-A employees. In 2024, Chick-fil-A has awarded over $26 million in scholarships for its workers. His commitment to workforce development, both through his business and by enabling students to attend college at reduced or no cost, has made an immeasurable impact.
"Our long-standing commitment to investing in the future dreams and aspirations of restaurant team members remains at the forefront of Chick-fi l-A's eff orts to have a positive impact on the lives of others,"
As the recipient of this year’s Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award, Dan T. Cathy marks the first time in the history of the awards that a father and son have both received the same honor. Dan’s father, S. Truett Cathy, was inducted in 2010.
Larry Benson | University of Georgia
Joseph W. Evans | Gordon State College
Thomas Holder | Georgia Institute of Technology
Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon | University of North Georgia
Joseph and Patricia Samprone | Georgia College and State University State University
Douglas and Robin Shore | Kennesaw State University
Dr. Jacquelyn W. Stephens | Savannah State University
Dr. Sara Z. Evans | Kennesaw State University
Dr. Todd Fernandez | Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Natalie J. Johnnson | Dalton State College
Dr. John A. Knox | University of Georgia
Dr. Sabrina Wengier | Middle Georgia State University
Dr. Yi Jin | Kennesaw State University
Philip A. Wilheit, Sr. was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal as a member of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia in January 2011, and he served for 11 years. He was elected as Board of Regent Chair in 2014. Wilheit also joined the board of the University System of Georgia Foundation in 2011, served 5 terms, and served as chair of the USG Foundation in 2017 and 2018, and President of the USG Foundation’s real estate portfolio manager, USG Real Estate Manager, LLC from 2019 to 2022.
He not only dedicated his time, talent, and service to the Board of Regents, the state of Georgia and higher education but also provided insight, auctioneering prowess, and philanthropy in generous support of the University System of Georgia Foundation, working to increase need-based scholarship aid to deserving students who would not otherwise be able to attend a public college or university in our state.
As a business leader, Mr. Wilheit joined Tom Wilheit Packaging Materials Company as a Vice President in 1966, upon graduating from The University of the South -“Sewanee”, with a Bachelor’s in English. When Wilheit Packaging was sold in 2021, he moved to his current role as Chairman of Wilheit Packaging, A Supply One Company. Mr. Wilheit is also Chairman of Gainesville Bank and Trust and Chairman of GBTB Bankshares.
As a community member, Mr. Wilheit has served faithfully at both the local and state level, from Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville Rotary Club, Greater Hall Chamber, Northeast Georgia Health Services Board, Lake Lanier Islands Authority, Brenau University Board of Trustees, Eagle Ranch Board of Advisors to the Georgia State Board of Education, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Fanning Leadership Center Board, Leadership Georgia Board. He also served as Statewide Chairman of Deal for Georgia, Deal Transition Team, Governor Perdue’s Education Transition Team, and he was appointed by Governor Perdue to Commission for a New Georgia and Georgia Economic Development Board.
Mr. Wilheit has been married to the former Mary Hart Keys of Greenville, S.C. for over 55 years. They have two children, Hart Payne (Jeff) and Philip Jr. (Addie) and four grandchildren.
(from left to right)
Dr. Jill Stefaniak (University of Georgia), Dr. Robert Bledsoe (Augusta University), Dr. Diana Gregory (Kennesaw State University), Dr. Steve Stuglin (Georgia Highlands College), Dr. Joanna Schwartz (Georgia College and State University), Dr. Beulah Narendrapurapu (Georgia Southern University)
(from left to right)
Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. (Middle Georgia State College), Major General Thomas Carden, Jr. (Georgia Southwestern State University), Rick and Sandy Bostelman (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), Dr. Joseph Hobbs (Augusta University), Tyler Walsh (Georgia Gwinnett College), David Johnson (University of West Georgia)