More than 3,000 people attended the Cobb Leadership Summit June 4 at Kennesaw State University, an all-day conference featuring leadership expert Dr. John Maxwell and a panel discussion featuring prominent Cobb leaders. Presented by the Cobb County School District and the Cobb Schools Foundation, the Summit brought together business, government, education and non-profit organizations throughout Cobb and metro Atlanta to explore ways to move the community forward.

Dr. Daniel Papp of Kennesaw State University chatted with fellow panelists Cobb Commission Chair Sam Olens and Marietta Daily Journal publisher Otis Brumby.

Superintendent Fred Sanderson introduced the keynote speaker, best-selling author Dr. John Maxwell.


Dr. John Maxwell spoke to the audience about ‘The Leadership Effect.’

Dr. Maxwell spent time during the lunch hour signing books for attendees.

During the two-hour lunch break, attendees browsed booths from Summit sponsors and ate lunch courtesy of Papa John’s Pizza. The Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers provided fun games and prizes.


Following lunch, the Summit reconvened for a panel discussion with some of Cobb’s most prominent leaders. Superintendent Fred Sanderson introduced the panel and co-moderated with U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson.

Senator Johnny Isakson provided a national perspective on leadership, along with personal experiences that shaped his life in business and politics.

Joining Senator Isakson and Mr. Sanderson on the panel were Cobb Commission Chair Sam Olens, Kennesaw State University President Dr. Dan Papp, Southern Polytechnic State University President Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, Don Johnson of State Farm Insurance, Jeri Barr, CEO of the Center for Family Resources and Marietta Daily Journal publisher Otis Brumby. The panel discussion branched from Dr. Maxwell’s keynote speech, addressing relationships, attitude, equipping teams and leadership. Each panelist discussed the roles of leadership in their organizations and shared stories of influential leaders in their lives.