May 2, 2025
Last night, more than 400 guests gathered to honor the Legacy of Impact of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA)’s beloved President & CEO David Jernigan. After 25 years of service to Atlanta youth—and five years at the helm of BGCMA—David stepped down effective May 1, following an ALS diagnosis.
Through a pandemic, a comprehensive campaign, and a bold new vision for growth, David helped shape what the BGCMA Movement is today. His steady leadership, relentless care for kids, and unwavering commitment to community have left a legacy that will be felt for generations.
“The past five years haven’t always been easy for this organization, but despite all the setbacks and obstacles we endured, BGCMA still stands as a beacon of hope and possibility for our community,” David wrote in his final email to colleagues and supporters. “Even when we were extremely short-staffed, tired, and ready to throw in the towel, our team continued to ignite the unlimited potential of kids and teens across Metro Atlanta. Even as nonprofits around us are folding under the uncertain federal landscape, this organization will remain strong and will continue to develop thousands of young leaders who are thriving in life and giving back to their communities and the world.”
A Timeline of Service and Leadership
- 2000–2002: David began his journey as a Teach For America fellow, teaching 3rd grade at M. Agnes Jones Elementary in the West End.
- 2002–2003: He became a Fisher Fellow with KIPP, laying the groundwork for what came next.
- 2003–2008: David served as the founding principal of KIPP WAYS Academy.
- 2008–2014: He took on the role of Executive Director of KIPP Atlanta Schools.
- 2014–2020: David served as Deputy Superintendent at Atlanta Public Schools.
- 2020–2025: As President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, David has impacted more than 7,000 kids and teens across 10 counties.
That’s 25 years of service to more than 100,000 youth and families—an extraordinary legacy of impact!
Former APS Superintendent Dr. Carstarphen, who worked closely with David during his time as Deputy Superintendent, said it best when interviewed for a recent Saporta Report story: “While I know David’s diagnosis and the path ahead is unimaginably hard and heartbreaking, I also know the legacy he leaves behind is one of inspiration, strength, and empowerment. David’s contributions are a gift. His legacy will inspire us always.”
The May 1 celebration at Truist Plaza’s Gardens Atrium Learning Center featured heartfelt tributes from a range of voices who have witnessed David’s influence firsthand, including:
- Solomon Seaborn, mentee and former student, KIPP WAYS Academy
- Kinnari Patel-Smyth, President, KIPP Foundation
- Dr. Meria Carstarphen, former Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools
- Luke Duos, mentee and former student, M. Agnes Jones Elementary School
- Jay Cranman, President and CEO, Hands On Atlanta
- Lorraine Orr, EVP and COO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Michael LaMont, Chief of Staff, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
David closed the program with reflections that moved the crowd to tears.
“It is often said that Atlanta is just a big small town, and as someone who grew up in a small town, that sentiment rings true for me,” David said. “I’ve always felt connected to this city since the day I arrived, but the last few months have helped me to recognize how truly blessed I am to have a village of folks in this city who are just really good people. Which is why I told my family when I learned of my diagnosis that I needed to stay here. I need the strength of my community to lean on during this season, and while Atlanta owes me nothing, I know that my village has my back as I navigate the road ahead.”
The City of Atlanta issued a formal proclamation, and Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, presented David with the BGCA Service to Youth Award. In a moving gesture of gratitude, BGCMA’s Board of Directors has generously contributed to a scholarship fund in David’s name, to be unveiled at the annual Youth of the Year Gala in November.
BGCMA also revealed a meaningful tribute funded by members of its Board and Trustees: the BGCMA Wall of Impact.
“The custom art installation, created by Vincent Blake Studios, was designed to honor individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the lives of Atlanta’s youth through BGCMA,” said Dr. Sherna Phillips, SVP of Marketing at BGCMA. “David Jernigan will be the very first person recognized on the Wall of Impact. David’s leadership and legacy were the inspiration behind this permanent installation, which will live in the common area of our Support Center. It will welcome every visitor who walks through our doors and stand as a powerful, lasting tribute to the values of community, service, and impact.”
To ensure a smooth transition, BGCMA Chief of Staff Michael LaMont—who also worked alongside David at APS—will serve as Interim President & CEO until a permanent successor is named. In his tribute, LaMont shared:
“You showed up not just when it was easy, but when it was really, really hard. We all watched you. And when you watch someone with that much passion, that much conviction, you can’t help but be inspired. We all saw that you believed in our mission. Believed in our youth, believed in their unlimited potential. So much so that you would persevere through all those tests when so many of us would step away. BGCMA was the blessed recipient of that dedication.”
David has created a CaringBridge site for friends and colleagues to stay updated on his journey in the months and years ahead. To sign up for periodic updates, go here.
Helpful Links:
- View & Download photos from the May 1 Celebration (check back for more photos in the coming weeks): Facebook Photo Gallery
- Read more about David’s journey and lasting impact: Saportareport article
- Follow David’s journey: David’s CaringBridge site
- In lieu of gifts, David encourages supporters to make a tax-deductible donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta: Donate to BGCMA