January 2, 2025, Atlanta, GA -- Georgia Trend magazine has honored the Georgia Historical Society's President and CEO, W. Todd Groce, Ph.D., by naming him to the magazine's Notable Georgians list for 2025. Each year, Georgia Trend publishes a list of Georgians who have “made a significant impact in the Peach State over the years,” according to the magazine.
“I am honored to be included in Georgia Trend's 'Notable Georgians' list,” said Groce. “This recognition belongs to our entire team, particularly our outstanding Board of Curators, many of whom are on the '100 Most Influential Georgians' list. In addition, GHS Board member Dan Cathy was named to the Most Influential Hall of Fame. It is a testament to their hard work and the exceptional board governance that has allowed the Georgia Historical Society to grow as a nationally-recognized educational and research institution. I am honored to be recognized alongside GHS Board members Kevin Blair, Mark Burns, Dan Cathy, Kim Greene, Venessa Harrison, and Carol Tomé.”
One of the leading public history executives in the nation, W. Todd Groce has over 35 years of experience as an educator, administrator, fund raiser, and author. A native of Virginia, he holds three degrees in history, including a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. He is the author of two books and over 100 essays and book reviews. He joined the Georgia Historical Society as its CEO in 1995. During his 30-year tenure, the institution’s annual revenue has increased from $500,000 to over $5 million, its endowment has grown from $1 million to more than $23 million, and net assets have grown from $2 million to nearly $38 million.
Dr. Groce understands the power that history has to transform the future and the special role the Georgia Historical Society plays in the process. “The essence of what it means to be an American can be found in our history,” he says, “When we understand the story of our unique democratic institutions and traditions, how they were created, and the sacrifices that have been made to expand our liberties, we understand America. That’s why it’s crucial that we teach our state’s and nation’s history. The survival of the republic depends upon it.”
“At this critical moment in our country’s development, it is also important that we take an honest, unblinking look at the past,” he adds. “History isn’t just about telling stories that make us feel good. It’s about understanding what happened and why, the successes and the failures, based on the documentary evidence available to us. We have to be willing to see the past as it was and accept it on its own terms, even if that contradicts what we’ve always believed.”
The annual selections of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and Notable Georgians are made through a year-round process by the editorial staff at Georgia Trend and are announced each January. Profiles for all honorees of the 2025 class can be found in the January 2025 issue of Georgia Trend.
“These are individuals who have also made a significant impact on the Peach State over the years,” the magazine said. Groce has appeared on the 100 Most Influential Georgians or Notable Georgians lists for fourteen consecutive years.
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ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.
To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.