We are incredibly proud to announce William “Dink” NeSmith as the recipient of the 2026 J.W.

Fanning Award. 🏆 For decades, Dink has poured into Georgia; its people, its communities and its future. His leadership and service have reached across our state, leaving the kind of lasting impact the J.W. Fanning Award was created to recognize. Simply put, Georgia is better because Dink NeSmith has invested so much of himself in it. If you know Dink, have worked alongside him or have a favorite Dink story, help us celebrate him in the comments. And if you’re just learning more about him today, join us in congratulating a Georgian whose leadership is worthy of recognition. And then, come celebrate with us! ✨ We’ll honor Dink on Saturday, November 14, at the 2026 Leadership Georgia Alumni Awards Gala at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta. This signature black-tie evening brings together leaders from across Georgia to celebrate service, leadership and the people making a lasting difference in communities throughout our state. This is one you’ll want to be in the room for. 🎟️ Tickets are available now at the link in our bio, and proceeds from the gala help support Leadership Georgia’s 2027 programs, so celebrating the legacy of leaders like Dink also helps invest in the leaders who come next.