Senator John F. Kennedy


Due to the leadership of Senator Kennedy and his staff, the highly successful State Historic Preservation Tax Credits, which were almost lost due to an impending sunset last year, were ultimately saved. Senator Kennedy was able to recognize the value of this powerful economic development tool, not only in Macon, which utilizes the most credits, but throughout the state, especially as these credits have become the basis for generating equity for women and people of color to participate in revitalization. Senator Kennedy worked to revise the previously-passed bill, diligently shepherded it through committees, and in the last hours of the session secured passage for the new bill that saved the credits. By helping to save the state historic tax credits, Senator Kennedy and his staff have shown their steadfast commitment to historic preservation, community development, economic growth, and job creation.


The Senator George Hooks Award recognizes excellence in public leadership in Georgia. This award is given at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and is named in honor of Senator George Hooks, a strong supporter of the preservation of Georgia’s history and culture, who served in the Georgia General Assembly for 32 years.