Hyland Receives American Jewish Committee Award

Approximately 580 attendees filled the Whitley Hotel Ballroom on Oct. 30 to salute Donna Hyland, president and CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). Special mention was made that the Israel-Hamas war had reached day No. 390 at that point.

Dov Wilker, AJC Atlanta regional director, proclaimed that the timing is one of challenge and hope. “Today, the will of the Jewish people together lends hope … hope for us to use our voice and not forget the hostages and those who have lost so much … Druze, Muslims, Christians. Hope that next year will be a different story. Thanks for standing in solidarity with us.”

Belinda Morris, AJC Atlanta president, reported that $870,000 was raised that night.

Belinda Morris, AJC Atlanta president, kicked off the program acknowledging Hyland and CHOA on a personal note in raising her own children using the hospital when needed. She reported that $870,000 was raised that night in tribute to Hyland.

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She explained that “AJC is dedicated to providing a better life for all, not just Jewish people.”

The Rev Dr. Richard Kannwischer, senior pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation, describing his family trip to Israel and that “the followers of Jesus stand with Israel. Our congregation prays for the peace and security of Israel.”

Next, Keith Evans, president of the Westminster Schools, shared his trip to Israel with a cohort of inquisitive school leaders, visiting a kibbutz near Gaza. He said, “Some say ‘It’s complicated.’ I say, ‘it’s not complicated,” referring to having to choose right from wrong.

Sheri and Steve Labovitz, Honorary Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 25th anniversary chairs, emphasized the important role that the festival’s films play in creating dialogue, noting the event date in February 2025.

Santiago Marquez, CEO of the Latin American Association, was up next stating that they were among the first to make a pro-Israel statement post-Oct. 7, demanding release of the hostages.

Dov Wilker received a standing ovation for his impassioned remarks about challenge and unity.

Next, Wilker’s main comments were stirring and on point. He noted in facing challenges that there is a cross section of people who hate Jews, not just actions on college campuses. He remarked, “My kids, 9,12 are somewhat sheltered, but those in high school and college are not so lucky … it has psychological impact,” adding that featured guest Hyland also provides hope and strength through CHOA.

Jonathan Goldman, founder and managing partner of Genesis Capital, shared how serving six years on the CHOA board came about through Doug Hertz. About Hyland, he spoke of her core tenant of enhancing the wellbeing of people. “CHOA is the largest in the U.S. with 14,000 employees, including the Marcus Autism Center which treats 1.1 million patients a year. This all starts at the top with Donna.”

CHOA recently opened the North Druid Hills, 70-acre campus which included the Arthur Blank Children’s Hospital that came in ahead of schedule and under budget.

Hertz, who officially hired Hyland as CEO, touted “her strategic vision, leadership skills and personal values where every child deserves all we have each day.”

He summarized two “dicey” projects she undertook: the Marcus Autism Center, which was revolutionary in 2008 and has become the largest and most advanced in the U.S., if not the world; and the Hugh Spalding facility. Hertz, chairman and CEO of United Distributors, concluded with a hearty “Mazal Tov.”

CHOA’s Michelle Poplar, research nurse, and Jonathan Poplar, pediatric pulmonologist, pose with CHOA CIO Jeremy Meller.

The formal introduction was made by Bill Rogers, CEO of Truist Financial, last year’s award recipient. He spoke of how CHOA is emulated across the country.

Accepting the award, a humble Hyland, who has worked at CHOA for 38 years, took inspiration from Andrew Young, who said that  “an individual might not be able to change the world, but could change their own patch around them.”

She saluted the support from the Jewish community, not just Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, “but also Katz, Goldberg, Stephanie Blank (supporting sex trafficked children), Zalik, Yagoda, Hirsch, Hertz, and the list goes on.

“At the end of the day, we all want a united, safe world preserving family traditions, and children who can be what they want to be. Children may be one quarter of the population, but they are 100 percent of our future. We pray for the Jewish people to shine the light far and wide.”