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After 38 years, Tom Graf is stepping down from his remarkable tenure as executive director of the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities. Under his leadership, AADD has grown from a small, local organization providing services to a few to an organization providing service to more than 4,200 people in the last year - and influencing public policy statewide.
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 Tom Graf with former AADD recreation program participant and now board member, Lori Berger Bryan, as her mother, Robyn Berger, looks on. |
Upon his retirement, his friends and associates speak about his dedication to those in need, his willingness to take risks and his enormous influence on their lives.
Tommy Nobis, vice president of corporate development for the Atlanta Falcons, said, "I have to give Tom Graf a lot of the credit for showing me how, through helping those in need, I would truly be helping myself. Tom introduced me to the AADD and the Bobby Dodd Institute. He and his buddy Frank Spence took me out to a running track to see my first Special Olympics competition. The next thing I knew I was named to the position of State Coach for the program. Because he took the time to educate me to how people with disabilities can become productive and live meaningful lives, I made the decision to become committed to his work. After 26 years of service, the Tommy Nobis Center has trained and placed in employment more than 12,000 people with disabilities."
Former Board President Thomas Asher admires Tom's dedication: "I haven't met anyone more committed to helping the people of our community than Tom Graf. I first met Tom 30 years ago as participants in Leadership Atlanta. He not only impressed me with his desire to improve the lives of citizens with disabilities but also with his levelheaded approach to the management of his organization. My own experience with Tom in helping to insure the passage of the statewide Metabolic Screening Act allowed me to view up close his diplomacy and negotiating skills that have so benefited thousands of people in our state. However, topping all of this is Tom's great sense of humor. He doesn't take himself too seriously and is able to keep the tone of all debate at a sensible level. We are all fortunate that Tom has passed this way and that we could be the beneficiary of his many skills."
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AADD board member Don Chapman, Coach Bobby Dodd, AADD board members Neal Purcell and
Tom Asher, with Tom Graf. |
Former Board President Bob Freeman also mentions Tom's lighter side. "Tom has a great sense of humor and loves to play practical jokes on friends and then exclaim, 'I gotcha!' He has a love of life that is contagious." Bob also admires Tom's integrity, honesty, sensitivity and professionalism. "Tom is a very special person, who demonstrates compassion, caring, empathy and respect for all individuals, especially people with disabilities. Through my volunteer and personal association with Tom, I have grown more understanding of individuals with disabilities and other differences. Tom is a visionary and change agent whose talents have impacted thousands of people with disabilities and organizations that work in the area of developmentally disabled." Webb Spraetz, who has been Tom's friend for 37 years, said, "His influence on my life has been enormous. Tom was a trendsetter from his earliest years. His visionary thinking, his insights, his willingness to challenge the status quo, all contributed to the benefit of people with developmental disabilities. I respect and admire Tom for all he has done to improve their lives. But most of all I respect him for the new and innovative programs he has brought to the community. Tom is truly a giant in his field."
Wayne McMillan, who has been Tom's friend for 25 years, credits his leadership as inspiration for him to take an active role in a statewide association. "He truly believes in improving the lives of people," he said. "He walks his talk. Tom is a good guy with a great sense of humor."
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Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter, then governor, welcome AADD group to the State Capitol. Tom and his son, Brian, are at right. |
Sonia Kuniansky, director of DeKalb Developmental Disabilities Council, said, "I have always been impressed with Tom's vision for people with disabilities and his ability to attract board members and staff who share that vision. Tom is a truly dedicated professional. It has been my pleasure to work with Tom through the years. I feel he has been my mentor, and what a great one to have." Former Board member Robyn Berger also points to Tom as one of her mentors. "It was Tom who got me started 27 years ago in the world of advocating for people with developmental disabilities. I remember our going to many United Way meetings convincing them to support the agency. He has worked to make sure that people with disabilities have a voice and are connected to all aspects of the community they live in."
Incoming Executive Director Mary Yoder thinks of Tom as a man of commitment and courage. "He has been willing to take unpopular stands because he knew what he was fighting for was right," she said. "These stands were sometimes risky for him professionally and personally. Once he focuses on a vision - watch out; it will happen. Notice I did not say, stand back and watch. The truth is you will find yourself involved. Those visions have resulted in new services, increased rights, and a better understanding of and respect for persons with developmental disabilities."
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Ga. Tech President Dr. Wayne Clough, left, and Bob Freeman, right, honor Tom at the Breakfast of Champions. |
Don Chapman claims that in his four years as board chairman, Tom taught him the difference between being an advocate and an activist. "Advocates talk, activists act," he said. "Tom is an activist. He taught me how to knock on doors in neighborhoods where we wanted to place a Group Home and keep my cool." Shirley Miller, the former First Lady of Georgia, said, "Tom Graf, with enthusiasm and dedication, maintained his goals over a long career of helping those who need it most. I am proud that he is my friend." Tommy Nobis summed up the thoughts of many who admire Tom's passion and dedication. Despite his retirement, "Tom Graf's fire continues to burn brightly."
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Gift of a Lifetime