Episode 6 | Frank Fernandez

The Atlanta Story

The Atlanta Story podcast features meaningful stories of Atlanta’s builders, creators, and entrepreneurs. In this episode Jon Birdsong sits down with Frank Fernandez, CEO of Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Going into its 70th year serving our city, the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta is powered by over 1000 donors to champion equity and secure prosperity for Atlantans. After Harvard and graduate school, Frank dedicated his life to the non-profit and philanthropic sectors. Before taking the helm at the Community Foundation, Frank worked with the Blank Family Foundation and led the Westside Neighborhood Prosperity Fund.

The Atlanta Story is put together by the folks at Atlanta Ventures -- and we can’t wait to share some of the personalities behind the brand. Atlanta Ventures invests in entrepreneurs through community, content, and capital -- most notably through our Studio with companies like Greenzie and Intown Golf Club. We believe the best entrepreneurs learn from other great artists in different fields.

In this episode, we discuss…

1. Harvard undergrad that went into Investment banking out of college, then 180 degrees into LBJ’s school of Public Policy. Describe what caused the change of heart? (1:47)
2. Did Frank have a specific moment when he decided to start philanthropy? (3:50)
3. How did Frank use his financial background to solve problems at Austin Peoples Funds and the Green Doors programs? (6:03)
4. Frank talks about surprises he had facing non-profit organizations. (7:54)
5. How Houston made traction regarding homelessness (9:50)
6. Patterns in the ways of solving homelessness (11:30)
7. What made Frank move to Atlanta to work in philanthropy? (14:55)
8. Differences between the non-profit scene and the Philanthropic scene (16:00)
9. Franks differences on Day 1, and the outcomes that happened 5 years later (18:35)
10. How did Frank build trust in Atlanta? (19:44)
11. What would Frank have done differently 7 years ago had he known what he did today? (23:35)
12. Frank talks about the community foundation for greater atlanta. (25:32)
13. the real world experience and focus Frank has? (29:45)
14. How do you apply that focus over the next 70 years? (32:04)
15. How much of the job growth in Greater Atlanta is technical training, and how do you bridge the gap? (36:24)
16. Frank discusses an example of the strategic 5 year plans they have and the disparates to look out for. (38:37)
17. Frank discusses nonprofits in the ecosystem (42:38)
18. How can the listeners start taking a step on some of the bridges that have been built? (43:22)

Resources discussed in this episode:

Austin peoples funds

Green Doors

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

How you can get involved:

Visit atlantaventures.com/studio if you’re interested in learning more about Atlanta Ventures and the Studio.

Where you can find us:

Website: www.atlstory.com

Twitter: @theatlantastory

Instagram: @theatlantastory

YouTube: Here

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