Who We Are

Photo by Jessica McCorvey

About Mr. Dobbs

Howard Dobbs was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1906 and would call it home his entire life. After graduating from the Georgia Military Academy (now Woodward Academy), he enrolled at Emory University in 1923. Two years later, he began a long and distinguished career with the Life Insurance Company of Georgia where he worked his way up from the clerical department to become President and CEO in 1950. He held that position for twenty years and in 1970, became Chairman of the Executive Committee until his retirement in 1976. Under Mr. Dobbs' innovative leadership, Life of Georgia prospered.

Mr. Dobbs was deeply committed to the city where he lived and worked. His corporate board service included Southern Bell, Atlanta Gas Light, Trust Company Bank, and Rich's, Inc. His community service was extensive. He served as president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Atlanta Rotary Club; he also served on the Fulton County Board of Health, the Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Arthritis Foundation. Mr. Dobbs maintained a lifelong commitment to education and was a trustee of Emory University, Young Harris College, Agnes Scott College, and Woodward Academy.

Much of his leisure time was spent enjoying nature. He and Helen, his wife of 48 years, loved the North Georgia countryside and shared their mountain retreat with countless friends and family members. He also loved the ocean and was known as a skilled boat captain who was always prepared for every contingency.

Mr. Dobbs died on June 9, 2003, at the age of 97. He was a true Southern gentleman, exhibiting modesty and restraint in every aspect of his life. Even in times when he could have commanded the spotlight, he remained humble and forthright. He was a man of few words. His story is best told by the way he lived his life - with honesty, integrity, perseverance, and generosity of spirit.

R. Howard Dobbs, Jr Legacy Statement

St. Simons Land Trust

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Atlanta Beltline

Marcus Autism Center

About the Foundation

The Foundation was established in 1959 as the Helen and Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation and was later renamed the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation. For nearly 40 years the Foundation operated as a small philanthropic vehicle for Mr. Dobb's interests. At the turn of the century, encouraged by his nephew and fellow trustee E. Cody Laird, Jr., Mr. Dobbs began to formalize the Foundation's governance and guidelines to prepare the way for a family philanthropy that would extend beyond his lifetime.

Today, the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation operates with the mission to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities by supporting educational opportunities, improving access to health services, and promoting environmental stewardship. The Foundation is committed to honoring the life and impact of Mr. Dobbs through its work.

Our Core Values

Foundation Staff

Jason Terrell, President

Jason Terrell serves as President of the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation, where he leads strategy and grantmaking to advance equity and opportunity across Georgia. A former 8th-grade teacher, Jason co-founded Profound Gentlemen, a national organization supporting male educators of color. His work centers on leadership, systems change, and community impact in education, health, and environmental protection. Jason holds an M.S.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. from Furman University in Philosophy, Political Science, and Black Studies.

Samantha Beasley, Grants & Operations Associate

Samantha Beasley is a philanthropic professional with a strong focus on equity-centered operations and grantmaking. She has led work at the intersection of program strategy, budgeting, and internal systems to help organizations operate more effectively and with greater accountability. With a background in education and community engagement, Sam brings a thoughtful, relational approach to her work. She holds an MSW from the University of Denver and a B.A. in English and Professional Writing from Albany State University.

David D. Weitnauer, Senior Advisor

David joined the Foundation in 2007 following 11 years with the Rockdale Foundation as a founding Board member and its first Executive Director. An Ordained Presbyterian minister, David previously served on the pastoral staff of four congregations and as a pastoral counselor/marriage and family therapist. He earned an A.B. in Psychology from Davidson College and his M. Div. and Th.D. from Columbia Theological Seminary.