By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 22, 2025

The Council for Quality Growth has named Thomas M. “Tommy” Holder, Chairman and Former CEO of Holder Construction, as the 36th recipient of its prestigious Four Pillar Tribute and Award. The recognition celebrates Holder’s decades of leadership, commitment to the Atlanta community, and his company’s impact on the region’s skyline and economy.

Each year, the Four Pillar Award honors an individual who embodies the Council’s core values of Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity—traits that define both the honoree and the organization’s mission of promoting balanced growth across metro Atlanta. This year’s tribute theme—Opportunity – Empowerment – Integrity—was chosen by Holder to reflect the values that guided his leadership.

“The Holder name is engrained in the way Atlanta has grown and developed,” said Michael E. Paris, President & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “Tommy’s leadership and vision can be witnessed from every corner of this region and across the country.”

The tribute event will take place on October 16, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center, with presenting sponsorship from Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern.

Building Atlanta, One Landmark at a Time

Tommy Holder’s story begins in Atlanta, where he attended The Lovett School before earning his degree from Georgia Tech. In 1976, he joined Holder Construction, the firm founded by his father, Robert Holder, in 1960. After climbing the ranks, Tommy became President and CEO in 1989 and Chairman and CEO in 1997. He served as CEO until 2021 and remains Chairman today.

Under his leadership, Holder Construction transformed into a national powerhouse with eight offices and projects in over 30 states. The company now generates more than $8 billion in annual revenue.

Some of the most recognizable buildings in Atlanta bear Holder Construction’s imprint—including Mercedes-Benz Stadium, NCR Global Headquarters, the New World of Coca-Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Georgia Tech Square.

Beyond Georgia, Holder Construction’s portfolio includes the Devon Energy Center in Oklahoma City, Apple Park in Cupertino, and over 400 data centers for global clients like Google, Amazon, and Verizon.

“We are fortunate to work among the most sophisticated architects and structural engineers in the world,” said Holder. “Each project is a reflection of our team’s commitment to quality, innovation, and collaboration.”

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

While his construction projects have reshaped cityscapes, Holder has also built a legacy of service. He chairs the Georgia Tech Foundation and serves on the boards of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Power Company. He is a former board chair of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a past president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, and Chair Emeritus of the Georgia Historical Society.

He has also supported the Cathedral of St. Philip, most recently contributing to the design and construction of the new Good Faith Chapel.

“Tommy’s dedication to our community and the built environment speaks volumes about the kind of leader he is,” said Clyde Higgs, 2025 Chairman of the Council for Quality Growth and CEO of the Atlanta BeltLine. “His influence on Atlanta will be felt for generations.”

A Celebration of Visionaries

The Four Pillar Tribute, now in its 36th year, is widely considered metro Atlanta’s highest honor for civic and business leadership. Past honorees include Ambassador Andrew Young, Arthur M. Blank, Governor Nathan Deal, Dan Cathy, and the Herman J. Russell Family.

The Council encourages community and business leaders to attend this year’s gala and join in recognizing Holder’s contributions. Sponsorship and event details are available at www.FourPillarTribute.com.

“I am humbled to be part of a legacy that includes so many inspiring leaders,” said Holder. “Atlanta has given so much to me and my family, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back through our work.”

About the Council for Quality Growth

Founded over 40 years ago, the Council for Quality Growth is a trade organization dedicated to ensuring sustainable growth and economic prosperity across metro Atlanta and Georgia. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the Council works with local governments and private stakeholders to address critical infrastructure and quality-of-life challenges.

For more information, visit www.councilforqualitygrowth.org.

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