Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) announced the appointment of John Ralls as its new Board Chair. Ralls is a co-founder of A&M Private Wealth Partners, where he draws on more than 25 years of experience in financial services and investment management to serve individuals, families, family offices, and the professionals who support them. Before co-founding A&M Private Wealth Partners, he held leadership roles with William Blair and Fidelity Family Office Services at Fidelity Investments. He also previously worked in institutional sales at Payden & Rygel and as a portfolio manager at Montag Wealth in Atlanta.
Ralls is also a former board member of the Georgia Community Trust of BDI. A native Atlantan, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons, as well as pursuing his interests in golf and running.
BDI’s Executive Committee will include John Ralls as Chair, Fred Hill as Vice Chair, Van Lear as Treasurer, Laura Putz as Secretary, and Peter Lauer as Immediate Past Chair. Two longtime members of the BDI Board of Directors have also concluded their service: Lori Chase, who previously served as Secretary and chaired the Community Engagement and Governance Committees, and Andy Tuck, who served as Board Chair from fiscal year 2022 to 2024. Both remain committed to BDI’s mission and will continue supporting the organization’s work in the community.
The BDI Board of Directors has welcomed three new members whose leadership experience will support the organization’s mission to create pathways to independence for people with disabilities. Myra Tate, Chester L. Gunnin III, and Jeremiah Haswell bring perspectives from defense acquisition, digital strategy, regulatory affairs, and organizational leadership. Their service will help advance BDI’s work in employment, skills development, supportive services, and community partnerships.
“I would like to welcome our new board members and am excited about the perspectives and expertise they will bring to BDI as we enter an important phase of growth. Success is not built in a day, nor does it rest in the hands of one individual. It is the result of shared commitment and collective action. We are incredibly fortunate to work with leaders from diverse professional backgrounds who bring valuable experience to help advance our mission.
I also want to thank Peter for his leadership during his term as Chair, and Lori and Andy for their unwavering dedication to BDI. Their contributions have made a lasting impact on our organization, and we are thankful that they will continue to be part of our extended BDI community as we work together toward a better future for people with disabilities,” said Larry Gluth, President and CEO of Bobby Dodd Institute.
About Bobby Dodd Institute
Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping people with disabilities maximize their potential. BDI’s integrated model brings together programs, workforce development, and mission-driven business services to create meaningful employment opportunities and promote independence. Through partnerships with commercial businesses and federal and state agencies, BDI advances sustainable solutions while donor support fuels innovation, expands access to services, and helps meet the evolving needs of people with disabilities and their families.
