Katie Kirkpatrick

Katie Kirkpatrick is the president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC), where she champions public policy, economic development, and racial equity. Known for her courageous leadership and over 17 years of impact, she led MAC's new strategic framework on economy, talent, and community and launched the ATL Action for Racial Equity initiative. Previously MAC’s chief policy officer, Katie has also focused on environmental issues, infrastructure, and education. Her dedication extends to serving on several influential boards, including the GRACE Commission to combat human trafficking. Named one of Georgia’s top leaders, Katie is a proud Auburn alumna and active Atlanta community member.

Dennis Lockhart

Dennis Lockhart is the former president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. In that capacity he served on the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee. His tenure spanned the financial crisis, the Great Recession, and several years of recovery. He retired in 2017. He is currently a distinguished professor-of-the-practice in the Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech. He also sits on several for-profit and non-profit boards. His earlier career comprised international and domestic banking, private equity investment, and teaching at Georgetown and Johns Hopkins.

Jessica Lautz

Dr. Jessica Lautz is the Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®. She has been with NAR since 2007.

The core of her research focuses on analyzing trends for both NAR members and housing consumers. She is in demand as a speaker and by major media outlets to provide commentary on the real estate market. She has testified before Congress on behalf of NAR.

She also volunteers at Nottingham Trent University as an industry fellow mentoring real estate graduate students, is a committee chair at the National Association of Business Economics, bakes birthday cakes for underserved youth with Cake4Kids, and sits on the board of the Food Recovery Network.

Dr. Lautz has been recognized by Housing Wire's Women of Influence and RISMedia's Newsmaker award.

Jessica received her Doctorate of Real Estate from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. She also holds a Master's in Public Policy from American University and undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Law and Justice from Central Washington University.