John E. Aderhold

Developer John Aderhold, a leader in the redevelopment of Atlanta for over forty years, has distinguished himself through his service to the community of Atlanta. A dedicated business and civic leader, as well as charitable philanthropist, Mr. Aderhold is a Georgia native and was born and raised in the city of Atlanta. He is the Chairman of Atlanta-based Aderhold Properties, which remains dedicated to restoring, developing and managing some of Atlanta's most significant historic properties. His achievements in urban redevelopment are shining examples of his desire to preserve precious pieces of Atlanta's history for future generations to utilize and cherish.

Mr. Aderhold attended Tech High School, and then completed a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he later served as the president of the Alumni Association and Foundation. He served as a Naval Officer during the Korean War, and went on to become an Engineer at Scripto, Inc. after receiving his master's degree in industrial engineering from his alma mater. In 1967, he became President of the Rayloc division of Genuine Auto Parts, and was named Chairman and CEO in 1989. In 1993, he chaired the Corporation for Olympic Development in Atlanta and was instrumental in securing Atlanta's place as an Olympic city.  Aderhold has played an important role in the revitalization of Underground Atlanta, a destination important to downtown Atlanta's economy, as well as serving for ten years as the Chairman of the Georgia World Congress Authority.

Aderhold has given generously to education; most recently in the name of his wife, Helen, whose namesake now graces the distinctive Aderhold Learning Center at Georgia State University's downtown campus. He has also volunteered his time and resources as past President of Junior Achievement of Atlanta, elder of Peachtree Presbyterian Church and Chairman of the Shepard Spinal Center. Mr. Aderhold has been the recipient of numerous distinguished awards and honors, for his exceptional and outstanding support throughout his lifetime and for his leadership in his profession and local community. Some of these awards include an honorary degree from Georgia State University in 1991, as well as the ANAK Society's J. M. Pettit Distinguished Service Award, The Rotary Club's Armin Maier Award, The ACVB Hall of Fame Award, the Central Atlanta Progress "Dan Sweat Award" and the NAIOP's Carter Mathis Award.