By Milton Kirby | Stockbridge, GA | March 28, 2026
Henry County’s business, civic, and government leaders will gather April 2 for one of the county’s most anticipated annual events the State of Henry County Address, where vision, progress, and future priorities converge.
Hosted by the Council for Quality Growth in partnership with Henry County, the event will take place at Stockbridge Community Church and is expected to draw more than 400 attendees, including elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
At the center of the program is Carlotta Harrell, who will deliver her sixth State of Henry County address. Her remarks are expected to highlight key accomplishments from the past year while outlining strategic priorities for 2026.
The annual gathering serves as more than a ceremonial update. It functions as a working intersection between public policy and private investment — a space where infrastructure, economic development, and quality-of-life initiatives are aligned with the needs of a growing county.
“Under Chairwoman Harrell’s forward-thinking leadership, Henry County continues to see transformative projects come to life,” said Michael Paris, emphasizing the county’s ongoing momentum.
That sentiment was echoed by Gerald McDowell, who pointed to the county’s “thoughtful development and strategic planning” as a driver of opportunity for both businesses and residents.
A Broad Coalition of Voices
This year’s program reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of regional development. In addition to Harrell’s address, attendees will hear from leaders across healthcare, finance, infrastructure, and the judicial system.
Featured speakers include:
- Mike Alexander, representing the Atlanta Regional Commission and providing an update tied to regional water planning
- David Kent of Piedmont Henry Hospital
- Fadzai Konteh of Truist
- Patrick Brooks of Geosam Capital Group
- Holly Veal
Together, these perspectives reflect the multi-sector approach now required to manage growth in metro Atlanta’s outer counties — where population increases, infrastructure demand, and economic expansion are converging at a rapid pace.
A Platform for Policy and Progress
The State of Henry County is part of a broader regional series hosted by the Council for Quality Growth, which convenes similar events across multiple counties and agencies, including MARTA and the Atlanta BeltLine.
These events are designed not only to inform but to influence — creating a feedback loop between policymakers and the business community that helps shape decisions on infrastructure, zoning, transportation, and long-term planning.
For Henry County, that dialogue is increasingly critical. Positioned along key transportation corridors and experiencing steady residential and commercial growth, the county faces both opportunity and pressure: how to expand while maintaining livability.
Looking Ahead
As Chairwoman Harrell steps to the podium, the focus will likely center on balancing that growth ensuring that new development aligns with infrastructure capacity, workforce needs, and community expectations.
For attendees, the event offers more than a speech. It is a snapshot of where Henry County stands today and a roadmap for where it intends to go next.
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