Doug Shipman
City Council President
City of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA USA
“Hope is a decision.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationDoug Shipman
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I was born in a very rural town in Arkansas with essentially no diversity—I quickly realized that the rest of the country wasn’t like that, which inspired me to explore.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Emory University.
After college, I started my career in economics building product profitability models before going to graduate school.
I earned a Master of Theological Studies in theology and public policy from Harvard Divinity School as well as a Master of Public Policy in domestic politics from Harvard Kennedy School.
When I came to Atlanta, I really delved into civil rights history and Dr. King’s legacy.
I helped lead the efforts to build the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
I worked as the president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, the largest arts center in the city and third largest in the country.
I now serve as the City Council President for the City of Atlanta, overseeing the overall operations of the City Council.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Economics, Political Science
Emory University
Economics, Political Science
Emory University
Graduate
Theology and Public Policy
Harvard Divinity School
Theology and Public Policy
Harvard Divinity School
Graduate
Domestic Politics
Harvard Kennedy School
Domestic Politics
Harvard Kennedy School
Career
City Council President
I oversee the operations of the Atlanta City Council.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Politics
Government
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
First, make commitments before you get into the situation. Before I ran for office, I made commitments to myself about what I would always stand for and what I would never do. Once you get into the situation, it's easier to justify doing other things—make the commitments beforehand. Second, define what success looks like. Is it winning? Being in the newspaper? Changing the budget? Third, find people who knew you before you got into the political position. They'll help stay you true to yourself.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"What's someone like you doing in this position?"
Interviewed By
Changemakers
Meet the people building a better future
