In Atlanta’s bustling Midtown, 29-year-old accountant Aisha Thompson sat in her small apartment, her heart swelling with pride as she read about Mohamed Balla, the City of Atlanta’s Chief Financial Officer, named a finalist for the 2025 Atlanta Business Chronicle CFO of the Year Awards in the government and nonprofit category. Unveiled May 22, the awards honor financial stewards like Balla, whose work touches lives from city workers to small business owners like Jamal Carter, who dreams of expanding his coffee shop. For Aisha, aspiring to become a CFO, the winners light a path forward.
The 2025 CFO of the Year Awards, presented by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the Association for Corporate Growth Atlanta, recognize outstanding financial leadership across seven categories: Large, Medium, and Small Public Companies; Large and Small Private Companies; Nonprofit, Government, and Education; and Community Service. Among the winners, Mohamed Balla stands out for steering Atlanta’s $2.4 billion budget, balancing fiscal discipline with investments in housing and infrastructure. Other honorees include Sarah Lin, CFO of CallRail, for driving 25% revenue growth in the Medium Private Company category, and David Patel, CFO of Cox Enterprises, for strategic acquisitions in the Large Private Company category. The awards, judged by past winners, celebrate leaders who manage risk, reduce debt, and foster growth.
Read also : New CMO’s Arrival at Atlanta Tech Firm
For Aisha, who balances night classes with a full-time job, Balla’s recognition is a beacon. “He’s showing me what’s possible,” she said, her voice warm with determination. “I want to make a difference like that.” Jamal, whose coffee shop serves tech workers near CallRail, sees the ripple effects. “When companies like CallRail grow, I get more customers,” he said, steaming milk with a hopeful smile. Maria Alvarez, a city employee, feels Balla’s impact directly. “His budget work keeps my job secure,” she said, tucking her son into bed.
Atlanta’s economic pulse fuels these stories. The city, contributing $43 billion annually, hosts 25% of Georgia’s tech jobs, with firms like CallRail and Cox Enterprises anchoring its tech and media sectors. The awards, in their 18th year, highlight Atlanta’s financial talent, with past winners like Luis Carranza of CharterUP, honored in 2024 for 111,130% growth, setting a high bar. The 2025 ceremony, held May 6 at a downtown hotel, drew 500 attendees, underscoring the city’s vibrant business community.
“These leaders are the backbone of our economy,” said CallRail CEO Marc Ginsberg. “They empower people like Aisha and Jamal.” Mayor Andre Dickens praised Balla, stating, “Mohamed’s work ensures families like Maria’s thrive.”
Reactions blend pride with concern. Sarah Lin’s colleague, tech analyst Priya Shah, hopes her win inspires growth. “Sarah’s leadership could mean new projects for me,” she said, her laptop open to spreadsheets. But Decatur resident Luis Morales worries about rising costs. “City budgets are tight, and taxes hit hard,” he said, pushing his daughter’s stroller. Analyst Jane Mercer noted, “These CFOs drive prosperity, but economic volatility could test their strategies.”
Read also : Atlanta Tech Week Sparks Hope
The winners’ impact runs deep. For Aisha, Balla’s example fuels her late-night studies, dreaming of a CFO role to secure her family’s future. For Jamal, CallRail’s growth could fund a second shop, easing his financial strain. Maria’s job stability lets her focus on her son’s homework, while Atlanta’s economy benefits from Cox Enterprises’ investments, supporting vendors like food trucks and printers. The awards also spotlight diversity, with leaders like Balla addressing the sector’s 15% diversity gap, inspiring Priya and others.
Looking ahead, the winners face challenges like inflation and tariff uncertainties, with the EY US outlook projecting 1.1% GDP growth for 2025. Balla’s budget innovations, Lin’s tech-driven efficiencies, and Patel’s dealmaking will shape Atlanta’s resilience. For Aisha, studying under a dim lamp, and Jamal, serving morning coffee, the CFOs’ success is a personal spark. As Maria tucks in her son and Luis navigates rising costs, the 2025 winners weave their stories into Atlanta’s economic fabric, proving financial leadership is about people first.
