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Sheffield Hale

President & Chief Executive Officer

Atlanta History Center

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield Hale

White Oak Global Advisors LLC

Sheffield Hale’s Biography

Sheffield Hale is President & CEO of Atlanta History Center. Founded in 1926, Atlanta History Center is dedicated to connecting people, history, and culture to facilitate dialogue and new perspectives. The institution includes a 175,000 sq foot museum and the Battle of Atlanta cyclorama painting, Goizueta Gardens, Kenan Research Center, 4 historic houses, and a range of digital experiences and educational programs.

Born in Atlanta, Sheffield’s dedication to and enthusiasm for the work of the History Center is rooted in his strong sense of community and a desire to preserve and explore Atlanta history. That sense of community, along with his legal background and nonprofit Board experience, shapes his approach to leading the History Center.

Under Sheffield’s leadership, the History Center has focused on addressing issues of history and memory that divide our community and country. Two key aspects have been the History Center’s nationwide Confederate Monuments Initiative, which focuses on providing historical information and tools for communities deciding whether to contextualize,... Sheffield Hale is President & CEO of Atlanta History Center. Founded in 1926, Atlanta History Center is dedicated to connecting people, history, and culture to facilitate dialogue and new perspectives. The institution includes a 175,000 sq foot museum and the Battle of Atlanta cyclorama painting, Goizueta Gardens, Kenan Research Center, 4 historic houses, and a range of digital experiences and educational programs.

Born in Atlanta, Sheffield’s dedication to and enthusiasm for the work of the History Center is rooted in his strong sense of community and a desire to preserve and explore Atlanta history. That sense of community, along with his legal background and nonprofit Board experience, shapes his approach to leading the History Center.

Under Sheffield’s leadership, the History Center has focused on addressing issues of history and memory that divide our community and country. Two key aspects have been the History Center’s nationwide Confederate Monuments Initiative, which focuses on providing historical information and tools for communities deciding whether to contextualize, remove, or otherwise engage with monuments or named places, and the development of Guiding Principles defining how the History Center will approach history in a way that cultivates broader, communitywide perspectives.

Sheffield has served on many boards and commissions, namely for historic preservation, cultural, and civic organizations. In recognition for this work, he has been named one of Georgia’s and Atlanta’s 100 most influential people in various media.

Sheffield previously served for ten years as Chief Counsel of the American Cancer Society, Inc. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate and author on the importance of best practices in nonprofit management. Prior to that that he was a Partner at Kilpatrick LLP practicing Corporate, Securities and Banking Law. more less

Sheffield Hale’s Newsfeed

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves, Atlanta History Center honor Hank Aaron with exhibit

An exhibit celebrating the life of Atlanta Braves star Henry Aaron will be opened by his widow this month. “More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron,” opens in the Atlanta History Center’s Exhibit Hall in Buckhead and will run until next year.

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Atlanta Tribune

Thriving Together Atlanta’s Equitable Dinners Offers Convo on Major Social issues at Night of Ideas

The Atlanta History Center hosted the 2024 Night of Ideas alongside Villa Albertine, the Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, Out of Hand and Equitable Dinners. The Night of Ideas is an event to bring together thought leaders and civic leaders, activists and community leaders from the area to discuss social topics that affect the quality of life in local communities.

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Sheffield Hale’s Background

Atlanta History Center

President & Chief Executive Officer

2012 - Present

Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta History Center, originally known as the Atlanta Historical Society, was founded in 1926 with the goal to preserve and study the history of Atlanta.

The American Cancer Society

Chief Counsel

2002 - 2012

Atlanta, GA, USA

The American Cancer Society is a voluntary organization leading the way to find a cure for cancer. The organization funds and carries out research, shares information (also about prevention) and supports cancer patients.

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Sheffield Hale’s Gallery

Sheffield Hale veterans day Atlanta History center

sheffield hale atlanta history center transformation

sheffield hale at a ribbon cutting ceremony

sheffield hale presenting an award at the atlanta history center

Current Board Positions

The Westminster Schools

Board Director

Atlanta, GA, USA

Westminster is a coeducational Christian, independent day school for grades pre-first through 12, committed to creating an educational experience where bright, curious, motivated students who are nurtured by challenge can grow into leaders of conscience.

World War II Foundation

National Advisory Board

South Kingstown, RI, USA

The World War II Foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeks to honor veterans and to educate the younger generations by producing informational documentaries for instructional purposes.

Center for the Study of the American South

Advisory Board

Chapel Hill, NC, USA

As part of the University of North Carolina, the Center for the Study of the American South works to foster critical conversations and creative expressions that articulate and promote a diverse and changing South.

Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts

Advisory Board Chair

Winston-Salem, NC, USA

The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) is the leading center for researching and exhibiting decorative arts made and used by people living and working in the early South. The museums housed in the Old Salem Museums & Gardens are globally recognized for their contributions to the study of the history of the early American South.

Buckhead Coalition Inc

Board of Directors & Executive Committee

Atlanta, GA, USA

Located in Atlanta, the Buckhead Coalition aggregates 100 CEOs with significant business interest in Buckhead and is one of the largest urban mixed-use development areas in the US.

Midtown Alliance

Board of Directors

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Midtown Alliance has followed a development plan to enable Midtown Atlanta's transformation into a thriving mixed-use community.

Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau

Board of Directors & Executive Committee

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is a non-profit marketing organization for Atlanta and supports the city’s economy through conventions and tourism.

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Previous Board Positions

Partners for Sacred Places

Board of Directors

Philadelphia, PA, USA

Founded in 1989, Partners for Sacred Places is the only national, non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that works to build the capacity of congregations of historic sacred places to better serve their local communities.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Emeritus Trustee

Washington, DC, USA

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a leader in the field of historic preservation in the US.

The Arch Foundation for the University of Georgia

Vice Chair

2009 - 2011

Athens, GA, USA

The Arch Foundation for the University of Georgia, now the University of Georgia Foundation, was established as a private, non-profit corporation to enrich the university’s academic mission. The foundation used gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations to provide scholarships for students, support faculty scholars, strengthen research and teaching programs and build needed facilities.

University of Georgia Foundation

Board of Trustees

Athens, GA, USA

The University of Georgia Foundation relies on private donations to support students through scholarships, endowed chairs and professorships and other programs.

Robert W. Woodruff Library

Board of Trustees

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Robert W. Woodruff Library at Atlanta University Center serves students from Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College.

Atlanta History Center

Chair

2004 - 2005

Atlanta, GA, USA

Founded in 1926 as the Atlanta Historical Society, the Atlanta History Center aims to study and preserve the history of Atlanta.

Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

Chair | Board of Trustees

2001 - 2002

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Georgia Trust encourages the understanding and appreciation of the unique value of historic places and buildings and their relevance to the lives and culture of Georgians today.

St. Jude’s Recovery Center, Inc

Chair

1994 - 1994

Atlanta, GA, USA

Ascensa Health (previously known as St. Jude’s Recovery Center, Inc) provides support and treatment for those suffering from addiction and other mental health issues.

Fox Theatre, Inc.

Board of Trustees

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s main venues for live entertainment. It is also globally known for having the largest Möller theatre organ in the world.

Georgia Historical Society

Board of Curators

Atlanta, GA, USA

Founded in 1839, the Georgia Historical Society educates others on Georgia and American history through a range of programs, including the Georgia History Festival, Historical Marker Program, Vincent J. Dooley Distinguished Fellows Program and the Georgia Business History Initiative.

Camp Sunshine

Board of Directors

Decatur, GA, USA

The mission of Camp Sunshine is to enrich the lives of Georgia’s children with cancer and their families through year-round recreational, educational and support programs.

Historic Oakland Foundation

Board of Trustees

Atlanta, GA, USA

Historic Oakland Foundation works with the City of Atlanta to preserve, maintain and enhance Oakland Cemetery and its surrounds for the community.

Georgia Humanities

Board of Directors

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Georgia Humanities Council is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and is the only organization in Georgia that provides statewide support of the humanities. It offers programming that engages all Georgians to explore what shapes individuals, cultures and communities across the state.

Atlanta Preservation Center

Board of Trustees

Atlanta, GA, USA

Founded in 1979, the Atlanta Preservation Center works to preserve historic residential and commercial structures and sites through advocacy and education.

Joel Chandler Harris Association

Board of Trustees

Atlanta, GA, USA

Joel Chandler Harris is one of America's most popular authors and best known for his stories about the Brer Rabbit. The Joel Chandler Harris Association restored his former home, The Wren's Nest, and it is now a museum in his memory.

Central Atlanta Progress

Board of Directors

Atlanta, GA, USA

Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) is a private, non-profit created in 1941, providing leadership and vision whilst championing Downtown Atlanta.

The Trinity School

Board of Trustees

Atlanta, GA, USA

Founded in 1951, Trinity School provides a dynamic, innovative, child-centered education for children aged three through sixth grade.

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Previous Advisory Roles

University of Georgia Press

Advisory Board

Athens, GA, USA

Founded in 1938, The University of Georgia Press has a long history of publishing scholarship, creative and literary works, and books about the state and the region. The Press continuously works to support and enhance the University’s position as a leading research institution

University of Georgia Honors Program

Advisory Board

Athens, GA, USA

The Honors Program offers a wide range of opportunities for learning and growth beyond the classroom. This includes a variety of programs that the Book Discussions, which connects top students with great faculty, and the Lunchbox Lectures, in which Honors students can learn about the latest scholarship of faculty members.

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Media

Celebrating 75: Remembering Hammerin’ Hank’s historic home run

Quoted

Apr 2023

“He was the articulation of what we wanted to be as a city...He was able to thrive in the South. Notwithstanding all the other things that he had to go through at the same time," said Atlanta History Center president Sheffield Hale.

Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain

Documentary

2023

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Atlanta History Center explores the controversial history of the Stone Mountain carving, which depicts Confederate leaders Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, through a documentary film titled 'Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain'.

Looking back at coverage of Stone Mountain

Mar 2023

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield Hale discusses how he’s seen a rise in people pushing back against Confederate imagery, including protests against the Confederate battle flag in 2020. He hopes that people on both sides can put away their emotion and have open and honest discussion about the past and future of the mountain.

How Stone Mountain weaponized art against Black people, in a compelling new documentary

Quoted

Jan 2023

Discussing The Atlanta History Center's new documentary on Stone Mountain, “Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain", Sheffield Hale says, “Does this park memorializing the Confederacy represent where we as Georgians want to be in the 21st century?”

The truth about Stone Mountain’s giant Confederate memorial

Jan 2023

London, UK

This article discusses a new documentary from The Atlanta History Center titled “Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain". The documentary takes a historical look at Stone Mountain's confederate monument.

Progress toward Stone Mountain truth-telling exhibit a ‘positive step’

Quoted

Nov 2022

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield Hale called the mountain “the only monument in the country that has a built-in museum at its base that has the sufficient space to tell its entire story.”

Olympic memories: Atlanta History Center shows impact of 1996 Games

Quoted

Jul 2021

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield Hale, President & CEO of the Atlanta History Center, is quoted in this article that highlights the Center's new exhibit: “Atlanta ’96: Shaping an Olympic and Paralympic City.” The exhibit features 200 photographs, 150 objects, and countless documents and interactive kiosks that provide visitors a close look at the event that had a significant impact on Atlanta, the US, and the world.

Giant Confederate Monument Will Remain at Revamped Stone Mountain

Quoted

May 2021

New York, NY, USA

This article looks at the division among Georgians over the Stone Mountain monument dedicated to former Confederate leaders. Commenting on the role the monument plays in the larger political discourse, Sheffield Hale, President & CEO of the Atlanta History Center, says “We’re at a point where the state is teetering on going one way or the other politically...The mountain is at the center of that."

What ‘telling the truth’ about Stone Mountain might look like

Quoted

May 2021

Atlanta, GA, USA

In this article covering recent discussions about the Stone Mountain Memorial, an outline of its history and future is told against the backdrop of past and present discussions on race and equality.

Meet The Atlanta Realtor Confronting A Legacy Of Racism

Quoted

May 2021

New York, NY, USA

Sheffield Hale is quoted in this article that discusses the work of Atlanta realtor and Virginia-Highland Civic Association VP Chip Franzoni. Franzoni brings attention to how Atlanta’s segregated history is interwoven throughout the city including street/building names, monuments celebrating Confederate leaders, and a highway intentionally intruding into the heartbeat of the Black community.

A Giant and Long-Contested Civil War Painting Returns to its Former Glory

Mentioned

Mar 2019

An article for the New Yorker discusses the efforts the Atlanta History Center made to restore a historical cyclorama for the purpose of educating the community to create a deeper dialogue about Atlanta's past.

A Victory for the Civil War ‘Cyclorama’

Quoted

Feb 2019

New York, NY, USA

The New York Times discusses the Atlanta History Center's participation in restoring and showcasing a Civil War-era painting for educational and instructional purposes: "The Center, led by its president, Sheffield Hale, who has memories of visiting the cyclorama as a child, raised $35 million for a new building to house it on the campus."

A new way to remember the civil war

Quoted

Apr 2017

The Economist discusses how the Atlanta History Center decided to reinstate and restore a Civil War-era painting for educational purposes.

Historic transformation underway at Atlanta History Center

Quoted

Jul 2017

An article for Saporta Report quotes Sheffield Hale in regards to housing and reconstructing the Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama painting and the locomotive Texas: “It’s important how we view history and how it changes over time,” said Hale, adding the Cyclorama is a perfect example of how one historic object was reinterpreted over the span of more than a century.

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Interviews

Culture Clash: Atlanta History Center

Feb 2021

Sheffield Hale joins Creative Loafing's Culture Clash podcast to discuss the latest offerings from the Atlanta History Center and how the pandemic has affected the ways in which the Center reaches its audience.

Free

Oct 2020

Paris, FR

In an interview for France Culture, Sheffield Hale joins a number of other panelists to discuss the power of Confederate monuments in the south, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests.

Monuments and Symbols with Special Guest Sheffield Hale

Jul 2020

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield Hale joined the For People podcast, along with Bishop Rob Wright, to discuss the history of monuments, understanding the context of the time they were put up, and what are the next steps forward people can take to be supportive as mature Christians.

Political Rewind: Confederate Monuments Become Flash Points

Jun 2020

Sheffield Hale joins a panel of speakers on Political Rewind to discuss the influence of Confederate monuments in communities as well as the reactions to the monuments by political leaders and protesters.

Atlanta History Center Offers ‘Museum At Home’ And Virtual Author Talks

Apr 2020

In a conversation for WABE's City Lights, Sheffield Hale speaks about the History Center's digital programming and bringing history to the community, stating: “Our mission is to provide that information we have in our archives and deliver it to people so that they can learn more about their city and connect to each other and make a better community."

There’s a new way to deal with Confederate monuments: Signs that explain their racist history

Sep 2019

Sheffield Hale is quoted in a piece for the Washington Post to examine the role of Confederate monuments and the greater effect on the community.

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Features

Recast in stone

Feature

Feb 2016

The Economist reflects on the ways in which Sheffield Hale and the Atlanta Center seek to address Confederate monuments and how to use the monuments to educate the community.

Publications

History of the Atlanta Prison Farm Site

Author

May 2023

Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta History Center prepared this report to assist the Visioning, Memorializing, and Repurposing the former Atlanta Prison Farm Site subcommittee of the South River Forest and Public Safety Training Center Community Task Force.

Working to engage Gen Z in history, civics

Author

Jul 2022

Atlanta, GA, USA

In this opinion piece for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sheffield Hale discusses a new initiative at the Atlanta History Center, called Civic Season, which will work to engage young Americans through panel discussions and informative civic engagement.

A monumental miscalculation over Confederacy’s memorials

Author

Jun 2020

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield Hale discusses the recent protests against Confederate symbolism, while also discussing the historical roots of their mythological standing. Namely, Sheffield delves deep into Lost Cause mythology as a way to interpret the current conflict over the place of confederate monuments in the 21st century.

Atlanta Confronts Its Confederate Past

Author

Oct 2019

In this article, Sheffield Hale discusses Atlanta's move as the first city to contextualize Confederate monuments. Atlanta installed large exhibition panels next to four Confederate monuments, "visually transforming them," Hale writes, "into artifacts in an outdoor historical exhibition. With this act, it became the first city to contextualize monuments in a state that bars their removal."

Bringing clarity, history to monumental community decisions

Author

Jun 2017

Atlanta, GA, USA

In this opinion piece, Sheffield Hale discusses the role of the Atlanta History Center in the national conversation about Confederate memorials and Southern history. He pledges that the Center's role is to as encourage a discussion that is 'inclusive, productive and based on accurate history.'

Finding Meaning in Monuments: Atlanta History Center Enters Dialogue on Confederate Symbols

Author

2016

Atlanta, GA, USA

"Confederate monuments have long been public reminders of the resilience of white racial supremacy," Sheffield Hale writes in his piece discussing the position of the Atlanta History Center in regards to Confederate monuments, and the effect of these structures on the surrounding community.

Public Company Disclosure as a Vehicle for Improving Nonprofit Management

Co-author

2012

Washington, DC, USA

Noting that as non-profits continue to grow in size and sophistication, they are under more pressure to increase transparency and justify their tax-exempt status. Sheffield Hale says that these organizations should use this as an opportunity to define their organizations, which would result in better management and continued independence from excessive regulations.

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Memberships

Rotary Club of Atlanta

Member

Atlanta, GA, USA

Established in 1913, the Rotary Club of Atlanta has grown to be one of the most influential business & civic clubs in the world.

American Law Institute

Member

Philadelphia, PA, USA

The American Law Institute leads the way in the US as an independent non-profit organization that works tirelessly to clarify, modernize, and improve the law.

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Awards & Recognition

Georgia Governor’s Award for Arts and Humanities

Recipient

Feb 2022

Sheffield was honored with the Georgia Governor’s Award for Arts and Humanities in recognition of his contributions to preserving Georgia's history and his commitment to history including the creation of the Confederate Monument Interpretation Guide.

100 Most influential Atlantans

Honoree

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield has been named one of the "100 Most influential Atlantans" by Atlanta Business Chronicle over multiple years.

100 Most Influential Georgians

Honoree

2020

Georgia Trend named Sheffield Hale one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians of 2020.

Atlanta's 500 Most Powerful Leaders: Religion, Nonprofits and Advocacy

Featured

Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Magazine has named Sheffield as one of the 500 Most Powerful Leaders in the state every year since 2019.

Sweet Auburn Works

Preservation Champion Award

2016

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Preservation Champion Award is given to individuals who embody Sweet Auburn Works' mission to promote the commercial and cultural legacy of the Sweet Auburn Historic District.

Buckhead Business Association

Sam Massell Bullish on Buckhead Award

2015

Atlanta, GA, USA

Named in honor of former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell, the Bullish on Buckhead Award is given to businesses leaders, civic leaders and entrepreneurs in Buckhead.

The Westminster School

Distinguished Alumni Award

2015

Atlanta, GA, USA

With the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Westminster School honors two alumni each year who have provided exceptional service to the community or who have achieved outstanding personal or professional success.

Mary Gregory Jewett Award for Lifetime Preservation Service

Honoree

2014

Atlanta, GA, USA

Honorees of the Mary Gregory Jewett Award are recognized for their distinguished service in the field of preservation.

Jere W. Morehead Alumni Award for Distinguished Service and Support

Honoree

2012

Athens, GA, USA

The Jere W. Morehead Award is given to exceptional alumni or friends who support the University of Georgia Honors Program.

State Bar of Georgia

Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service

2001

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service was created to honor lawyers and judges from Georgia who have made outstanding contributions in the area of community service.

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Public Service

The Advisory Committee on City of Atlanta Street Names and Monuments Associated with the Confederacy

Co-Chair

2017 - 2017

Atlanta, GA, USA

The City of Atlanta established the Committee with the goal of developing recommendations for actions regarding particular streets or monuments, opportunities for expanding the historical conversation and evaluating and addressing related street names or monuments in the future.

Atlanta Cyclorama Task Force

Chair

2011 - 2012

Atlanta, GA, USA

In 2011, Mayor Kasim Reed formed the Atlanta Cyclorama Task Force to study conservation issues and economic viability at Grant Park and other possible sites.

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Speaking Engagements

Dec 13th, 2021 - Sheffield Hale

Featured Speaker

Dec 2021

In this speech for the Rotary Club of Atlanta, Sheffield shares his thoughts on present day democracy in America as it relates to Confederate monuments and the work that the Atlanta History Center does to contextualize historical events and places.

Rotary Club Of Atlanta: Sheffield Hale

Guest Speaker

Nov 2020

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield Hale, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta History Center, discusses the past, present, and future of the Stone Mountain Confederate memorial.

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Community Engagement

Atlanta Public Safety Training Center

Task Force member

Atlanta, GA, USA

Sheffield Hale is one of over 40 experts that have joined the task force established by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. The task force will provide input on the planned Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, which will support high-quality, community-oriented training for police, fire and E-911 personnel.

Sheffield Hale’s Education

University of Georgia

Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude | History

University of Virginia School of Law

Juris Doctor