Larry Gellerstedt
2019 Recipient
Cousins Executive Chairman
The theme of 2019's Tribute is “Strength Through Diversity.”
In January 2019, Larry Gellerstedt became Executive Chairman of Cousins with a focus on strategy, key client relationships, board governance and civic engagement. In July 2017, Larry was named Chairman of the Board and CEO of Cousins Properties. From June 2009 to July 2017, Larry served as the Company’s President and CEO, and prior to this period, he held the position of President and COO. Larry joined Cousins in 2005 following the acquisition of his firm, The Gellerstedt Group.
Larry began his career at Beers Construction Company (Beers) in 1978, where he rose through the ranks to became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He also has held positions as President and Chief Operating Officer of The Integral Group, recognized nationally for its visionary urban mixed-use development, and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Business Products, a NYSE-listed manufacturer of packaging and printed office products.
Spanning a career of more than 35 years, Larry has received numerous accolades including Atlanta American Jewish Committee National Human Relations of the Year Award, Atlanta Business Chronicle Most Admired CEO, Georgia Trend magazine’s Georgia’s Most Admired CEO and 100 Most Influential Georgians. Well known for his engineering of the successful merger between the Egleston and Scottish Rite children’s hospitals to form Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, he currently serves as a Director of Georgia Power Company, Brown & Brown Insurance, and United Distributors; and Vice Chairman of the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation. He served as Past Chair of Atlanta Committee for Progress, Georgia Research Alliance, Jesse Parker Williams Foundation, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The Commerce Club, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Metro Atlanta YMCA, Midtown Alliance, and Woodruff Arts Center.
“Larry epitomizes the Four Pillars of excellence that the Council has recognized in Atlanta’s leaders for the past 30 years,” said Council for Quality Growth President & CEO Michael Paris. “Larry’s dedication to business excellence and diversity, coupled with his contributions towards civic good, illustrate the positive influence and impact our leaders can make on the community and world around them.”
“It’s such an honor to recognize Larry for his continued emphasis on diversity in the workplace,” said Council for Quality Growth Chairman of the Board, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) Executive Director Ann Hanlon. “As a leader of a world-class organizations such as Cousins Properties, he sets the tone and example for others leaders to follow.”
