Integrity. Innovation. Impact.
On October 1, 2026, the Council for Quality Growth honored Integral founder Egbert Perry with its 37th annual Four Pillar Award, recognizing more than four decades of building communities, creating opportunity, and shaping the growth of metro Atlanta.
More than 1,300 guests filled the Georgia Ballroom at the Georgia World Congress Center for the 2026 Four Pillar Tribute, presented by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern. The theme Egbert chose for the evening, Integrity. Innovation. Impact., reflects the principles that have guided his leadership and the work of Integral since its founding.
Gerald McDowell, 2026 Chair of the Council for Quality Growth and Executive Director of the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts, presented the award.
“Egbert Perry’s impact on metro Atlanta extends far beyond the communities he’s helped build — it can be seen in the opportunities he’s created, the partnerships he’s fostered, and the countless lives he’s touched.” Gerald McDowell, 2026 Chair, Council for Quality Growth
“Atlanta became stronger because more people were allowed to participate in building it.”
In his acceptance remarks, Egbert reflected on his journey from Antigua to Atlanta and on the people and opportunities that shaped his life and career. He pointed to leaders like Maynard Jackson, whose work to broaden economic participation helped reshape the city, and challenged the audience to keep widening that circle by confronting systems of exclusion, supporting integrity in leadership, and embracing innovation.
He thanked his family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and the Integral team, with special recognition for Renee, his wife of 46 years. Drawing on Bob Marley’s message of shared humanity, he asked attendees to consider who remains outside the rooms where opportunity is distributed, and closed with a call to action: “So, it is time for us to get back to work on our group projects.”
The Four Pillars
The Four Pillar Tribute recognizes leaders who embody Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity in their work and everyday lives. Four speakers paid tribute to Egbert, one for each pillar.
Quality
Spoke to the standard Egbert brings to building communities where people can live well, rooted in his belief that every human being has God-given value.
Responsibility
Reflected on Egbert’s commitment to Centennial Place and Centennial Academy, and how he stays invested in people and communities long after a project is complete.
Vision
Egbert’s daughter described his refusal to accept that the future must be limited by what we inherited, and his practice of proving that today does not define what comes next.
Integrity
Highlighted the consistency between Egbert’s values and his impact, evident in how he conducts business, builds relationships, and serves his community.
An Evening Rooted in Home and Community
The program opened with A Celebration of Home, featuring the PanSonics Steel Band and the Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta in honor of Egbert’s Antiguan heritage. NEXT Atlanta later presented Building Community Through Art, with performances by Jon Goode, Kenny Banks Jr., and Bria Anai celebrating Egbert’s decades of support for Atlanta’s creative community as NEXT’s first patron.
Miguel Southwell, President and CEO of Brakkam Aviation Management, served as Master of Ceremonies. The evening included video remarks from Governor Brian Kemp and Mayor Andre Dickens, and closed with a tribute film, Integrity. Innovation. Impact., telling the story of Egbert’s leadership and impact on the region.
“Egbert’s legacy reminds us that the true measure of growth is not just what we build, but the opportunities we create for others.” Michael E. Paris, President & CEO, Council for Quality Growth
Egbert joins a distinguished list of Four Pillar recipients that includes Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Mayor Shirley Franklin, Arthur M. Blank, and The H.J. Russell Family. Everyone at Integral is proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
The full event recording, tribute film, and photo gallery will be posted to FourPillarTribute.com.
Source: Council for Quality Growth press release, October 2, 2026. Photos courtesy of the Council for Quality Growth.
