Dan T. Cathy, Chairman of Chick-fil-A, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial success and philanthropic commitment. His journey, deeply rooted in Georgia, mirrors the company’s growth from a humble family-owned restaurant to an internationally recognized brand. From a young age, Dan Cathy was immersed in the family business, working at the The Dwarf House (originally named the Dwarf Grill) and birthplace of the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, singing for customers with his siblings, and even appearing in radio ads. Dan eventually succeeded his father as chairman and CEO, leading Chick-fil-A to new heights of unprecedented growth, and recognition as an industry leader in customer service.
A proud graduate of Georgia Southern University and awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of West Georgia, Cathy’s connection to the University System of Georgia (USG) is evident in his support for higher education. Chick-fil-A, Inc. made a record-breaking investment in Team Member education in 2024, awarding over $26 million in scholarships. While this is the largest annual scholarship amount in the company’s 50-year history, USG institutions have collectively received $13.5 million in scholarships since 1973 totaling over 8,000 scholarships. Cathy’s contributions exemplify his dedication to workforce development and accessible education.
Additionally, Dan Cathy serves as Founder and Chief Visionary at Trilith, a pioneering master-planned community in Fayette County, GA. Trilith features global-leading businesses and North America’s largest purpose-built studio, all surrounded by a community of thought leaders, creators and storytellers in the film, sports and entertainment industries.
Cathy’s influence extends far beyond the business world. His active roles in organizations such as the Georgia Aquarium, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Eagle Ranch demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the state of Georgia. Recognized for his exemplary leadership, Cathy is a recipient of the Zig Ziglar Servant Leadership Award and has been honored by both the Urban League and the Council for Quality Growth in Atlanta. In 2022, he was bestowed with the state’s highest honor, the Georgia Trustee Award, in recognition of his selfless leadership.
Dan and his wife, Rhonda, are the parents of two sons who are both actively involved in the family business. Andrew serves as CEO of Chick-fil-A, while Ross holds the position of vice president at DTC Enterprises. Dan and Rhonda are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to business, education, and community, Dan T. Cathy joins his father, S. Truett Cathy, as a recipient of the University System of Georgia Foundation’s prestigious Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award. This historic moment marks the first time a father and son have been honored with this esteemed recognition.
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)