Doug Shipman

City Council President

City of Atlanta

Hope is a decision.

About Doug

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.