Work It! Local LGBT business leaders on the move

National Center for Civil & Human Rights appoints new CEO

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. recently announced Derreck Kayongo as its new CEO. With more than 15 years of experience in developing national and international programs for human rights, Kayongo’s own story as a Ugandan refugee fuels his passion for social activism.

“I am honored to serve as The Center’s new CEO and am looking forward to bringing my experiences and expertise to this important organization,” said Kayongo in a statement to Georgia Voice. “The success of my social entrepreneur endeavors has shown me the power of one small idea and how it can generate passion to solve a problem. The Center provides a platform for people to dialogue about our social challenges and opportunities, giving way for those small ideas that can someday change the world.”

 18.21 Bitters selected as semifinalists in the New Beverage Showdown

Business partners Missy Koefod and Kristin Wingfield-Koefod, the brains behind Midtown’s 18.21 Bitters received national recognition for their cocktail creations as semifinalists during The New Beverage Showdown. The annual competition showcases the products and business plans for 16 different early-stage beverage brands as part of a two-day pitch competition interwoven with BevNET Live, according to bevnet.com.

“We were selected to participate as semifinalists in the New Beverage Showdown and were up against some stiff competition but made it to the finals,” says Missy Koefod. “We felt like the product was very well received and we’re thrilled to win the Audience Choice in the finals of the New Product Showdown.”

Koefod tells Georgia Voice that 18.21 Bitters has seen incredible growth over the past year and a half, and as a result, a partnership has formed with Whole Foods in Georgia.

 Prime Real Estate merges with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Atlanta real estate sales leader Bru Krebs has merged his Prime Real Estate Team with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Intown Office.

Krebs brings 21 years of personal real estate and construction expertise to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, a subsidiary of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest real estate brokerage.

Krebs tells Georgia Voice that “the Prime Real Estate Team at Coldwell Banker Intown can now deliver real estate sales services unparalleled in the business.”

Frank Wrenn celebrates first anniversary with Habitat for Humanity Intl.

Atlanta business leader and philanthropist Frank Wrenn is celebrating one year of service in his new role as Corporate Development Officer for Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat has over 1,400 U.S. affiliates and works in over 70 countries. Wrenn is carrying out the Habitat vision of achieving a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

“I love my work at Habitat—it’s really not a charity. It’s a ‘hand up, not a hand out’ partnering with others to accelerate and broaden access to affordable housing as a foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty,” says Wrenn.

Wrenn’s work has given him the opportunity to participate in Habitat builds in India, Thailand, Chile and China.

He currently serves as Vice Chair of Campus Pride, a national organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students, and sits on the advisory council for CHRIS Kids.