COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF ATLANTA HONORS ADAM CHAMBERLAIN, CEO OF MERCEDES-BENZ USA, AND ROARK AT ANNUAL CHOOSE SUCCESS AWARDS DINNER

Chamberlain Receives Anne Cox Chambers Champion for Kids Award; Roark Honored with Corporate Partner Award at Celebration Benefiting Metro Atlanta Students

ATLANTA (March 27, 2026) – Communities In Schools of Atlanta (CIS of Atlanta) honored Adam Chamberlain, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, with its most prestigious award, the Anne Cox Chambers Champion for Kids Award — presented by former head college football coach Nick Saban — at the organization’s annual “Choose Success” Awards Dinner and Celebration on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at The Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta. The evening also recognized Roark with the Corporate Partner Award, celebrated outstanding metro Atlanta students, and brought together nearly 300 of the region’s most influential leaders in business, philanthropy, civic engagement, and academia. It also highlighted the organization’s growing role in helping thousands of metro Atlanta students stay in school and graduate, an issue that continues to shape the region’s workforce and economic future. 

“When we are present for our students, they are far more likely to stay in school and graduate,” said Frank Brown, Esq., chief executive officer of Communities in Schools of Atlanta. “We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary support of Adam Chamberlain, Roark, and every partner and sponsor who believes that every student, regardless of their ZIP code, deserves a safe childhood, a quality education, and a bright future.”

Across metro Atlanta and nationally, educators and business leaders are placing renewed focus on solutions that address chronic absenteeism, student disengagement, and long-term workforce readiness. Communities In Schools of Atlanta’s relationship-based model — which embeds dedicated support staff within school walls to address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs — is increasingly being recognized as a proven approach to helping young people stay on track to graduation and future opportunity.

Celebrating the theme “Being Present Matters,” the sold-out event featured live entertainment, curated food and beverage experiences, and high-level networking opportunities — all in support of CIS of Atlanta’s mission to provide comprehensive wraparound services to vulnerable students across the metro Atlanta region.

Chamberlain received the Anne Cox Chambers Champion for Kids Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, dedicated advocacy, and longstanding commitment to the mission of Communities In Schools of Atlanta. The award was presented by Coach Nick Saban, the celebrated college football coach and passionate champion of youth education and development. Under Chamberlain’s leadership, Mercedes-Benz USA has been a steadfast champion for educational equity and youth empowerment in metro Atlanta.

“Communities In Schools of Atlanta exemplifies what it means to champion the next generation, and Mercedes-Benz USA is honored to support their efforts,” said Adam Chamberlain, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. “Through Driving Your Future, our company’s corporate social responsibility mission, we are dedicated to preparing students for long-term success and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. I am deeply honored to receive the

Anne Cox Chambers Champion for Kids Award, and I share this recognition with every partner helping create brighter pathways for young people across metro Atlanta.”

Roark received the Corporate Partner Award in recognition of its strong commitment to education and its continued investment in CIS of Atlanta’s work. Through its partnership, Roark has played a vital role in expanding access to critical resources and transforming the lives of students across metro Atlanta.

“We are honored to partner with Communities In Schools of Atlanta and grateful to the extraordinary staff who help students reach their full potential every day,” said Allison Hill, chief social impact officer at Roark. “Supporting young people aligns directly with Roark’s mission of Helping People and Companies Reach Their Potential. We believe lasting impact is created through sustained commitment and meaningful investment, which builds stronger communities long-term.”

The evening’s spotlight also shone on several outstanding students honored for their remarkable achievements and perseverance throughout the past school year. Their stories of resilience and triumph embody the transformative impact of CIS of Atlanta’s model, which places caring adults inside schools to provide day-to-day support to students at the greatest risk of dropping out.

This school year, CIS of Atlanta is providing more than 41,000 students in six school districts across metro Atlanta with access to services, emergency assistance, and resources that foster a positive school climate and help students stay on track to graduation. During the 2024-2025 school year, 99% of its students remained in school, while 97% graduated or were promoted to the next grade level.

2026 CHOOSE SUCCESS HONOREES

ANNE COX CHAMBERS CHAMPION FOR KIDS AWARD

• Adam Chamberlain, CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA

CORPORATE PARTNER AWARD

• Roark

CIS OF ATLANTA STUDENTS OF THE YEAR

• High School: Mya Harris, Tri-Cities High School

• Middle School: Demir Williams, Bunche Middle School

• Elementary School: Dequan Woodard, West Clayton Elementary School

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

• Khari Crooms

The Choose Success Awards Dinner serves as CIS of Atlanta’s primary annual fundraiser, providing critically needed support for the organization’s mission to surround vulnerable metro Atlanta students with the care and resources they need to overcome barriers, graduate from school, and reach their full potential in life.

For more information, visit cisatlanta.org.

QUICK FACTS: COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF ATLANTA

• For the 2025-2026 school year, CIS of Atlanta serves more than 41,000 students in six school districts across metro Atlanta, including Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County, DeKalb County, Clayton County, Griffin-Spalding County, and City Schools of Decatur.

• Since 1972, CIS of Atlanta’s evidence-based model has equipped struggling students with preventive measures and interventions to keep them on track, addressing barriers such as chronic absenteeism, behavioral challenges, limited parental involvement, and lack of access to basic necessities including shelter, clothing, and school supplies.

• Expanded alumni programming now supports CIS of Atlanta graduates as they navigate the transition from high school to college and career.

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About Communities In Schools of Atlanta

Communities In Schools of Atlanta is an award-winning dropout prevention organization established in Atlanta in 1972. What began in the basement of a modest home in the Grant Park community is now part of the nation’s largest dropout prevention network, with a proven track record of positively impacting graduation rates. CIS of Atlanta’s mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. By bringing caring adults into schools to address children’s unmet needs, CIS of Atlanta provides the critical link between educators and the community — so teachers are free to teach, and students have the opportunity to learn. CIS of Atlanta currently serves 62 schools across six school districts.

For more information, visit www.cisatlanta.org.