Meet Kennedy Atkins, AF-Atlanta’s New Co-Leader!

Kennedy Atkins is a native of Birmingham, Ala., and graduate of Samford University who joined the Georgia Public Policy Foundation as Development Associate in 2019 and was named Donor Relations Manager in 2020. He is currently a candidate for a Master’s in Geospatial Services at Northeastern University. 

He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in French. His internships included stints at the Alabama Policy Institute (a sister think tank to the Georgia Public Policy Foundation), with Alabama State Rep. Jack Williams, and with DirectPath, which helps employees manage their health care benefits, before his December 2018 graduation.

1. What do you enjoy about your career path so far, and why?

My favorite part about my career path is all of the people that I have meet in the liberty movement. All of the people that I have met have been willing to share ideas and offer advice. It’s safe to say that I’ve grown as an individual thanks to the people that I have met in the liberty movement.

I’ve also enjoyed seeing the Georgia Public Policy Foundation grow. We have an awesome team there, and it’s a blessing to get to learn from everyone there everyday. I never expected to be a fundraiser when I first graduated from college, but it is something that I love now. Shout out to Talent Market for helping me in my job search!

2. Why did you decide to work with America’s Future?

America’s Future offers the chance to talk to people about ideas with the understanding that we aren’t always going to agree on topics. That idea was refreshing to me because there is a lack of civil conversations in the US right now, and these conversations can lead to a greater understanding of our fellow American.

3. What are you most excited about in the role?

I’m most excited about bringing folks together to hear from interesting speakers on various topics. There are so many problems in Atlanta today so it is interesting to hear new solutions to how Atlanta could fix these problems. I’m also excited about giving young folks a place to relax and meet new friends. Everyone has something that they need help with, and I’m hoping that our chapter will be a place where someone could find that help.

4. What helpful skills do you have that people could ask you for advice on?

Fundraising! It is something that I do everyday, and I’d love to see other organizations grow. 

Mapping -. As a part of my Master’s program, I’m able to create beautiful maps that can transform boring data into something useful.

5. Book recommendations?

The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre – True spy stories are always the best.

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card – This is one of my all time favorites. It has a solid mix of game theory and futuristic warfare.

Master fo the Game: Henry Kissinger and the Art of Middle East Diplomacy by Martin Indyk – Much of the successes and problems that the US has in the Middle East can be traced back to Kissinger’s diplomacy in the Middle East. It is a fascinating read for those interested in US foreign policy in the Middle East.

Damascus Station by David McCloskey – It’s a fictional spy novel based on the knowledge of a former

6. Coffee order?

A three shot American is my go to.

7. Favorite places to travel?

My favorite place to travel to is France. I studied French during my undergraduate years so I luckily had the chance to visit France twice. It’s a wonderful place with tons to do. In the US, my favorite place to travel to is Charleston, SC. I love the beaches there, and there are so many good food options, including my favorite French bakery!