Leaders throughout the state’s history, and as recently as yesterday, have made headlines by overcoming adversity with vision, courage and skill. As a result, names like King, Carter, Turner, Mitchell and Hartsfield are as familiar to the world as the words Coca-Cola.

Behind the scenes, Georgians are just as innovative, lending their talents to support the nation’s most recognized science centers, sporting venues, hospitals, colleges and universities, and, of course, businesses.

Georgia is the eighth fastest-growing state in the U.S., with a population expected to exceed 12 million people by 2030. And that population is getting younger: more than half of Georgians are between the ages of 20 and 54.

That’s hardly the “sleepy” South. In fact, the vibrancy of Georgia’s population of 9.5 million is evident in its diversity and curiosity for what the state offers. According to the U.S. Census, over 30 percent of Georgia’s population was born outside the state. Those who are new here seem to embrace eagerly that blend of old and new, of calm and adventure, that keeps others here for a lifetime.

For a look at some of Georgia’s most notable citizens throughout history and the organizations they support, please visit these related sites:

The New Georgia Encyclopedia
Famous Georgians
The King Center
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Ted Turner, official Website
The Henry W. Grady Foundation
Georgia Women of Achievement
The Carter Center
Habitat for Humanity
Ty Cobb, official Website
Bill Elliott, official Website
Bobby Jones Website
The Masters® Golf Tournament
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
National Baseball Hall of Fame
Margaret Mitchell House & Museum
Georgia Music Hall of Fame