Arthur M. Blank, Atlanta Falcons owner and chairman, today announced the addition of four new limited partners to the organization’s ownership group following approval from the NFL’s full ownership at league meetings in Nashville. The new limited partners, pending final closing of the agreements, are Rosalind Brewer, Dominique Dawes, Will Packer and Rashaun Williams.
They join the current group of limited partners that includes Brian Barker, Ron Canakaris, Warrick Dunn, Doug Hertz, Alan Kestenbaum, Edward Mendel and Derek Smith.
Brewer, Dawes, Packer and Williams have made their marks in corporate business, athletics, entertainment and finance. Each brings keen business acumen, leadership and perspectives that will enhance the ownership group in a variety of ways. Brewer has served as an associate director on the board of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation since 2016 and will continue in that role.
“Roz, Dominique, Will and Rashaun are impressive leaders who have made an impact in a variety of enterprises, while also building histories of success making a difference in the world around them and positively impacting people in ways that align very well with our Core Values,” said Blank. “Each brings unique talent, experience and perspective to our ownership group so I’m excited to have them on board as limited partners and to tapping their vast expertise in finding ways to continue building the Atlanta Falcons and making an even bigger difference in our community.”
New limited partners for any team in the league are carefully vetted by the team, league office and the NFL’s Finance Committee, before being advanced to a full vote of the NFL’s 32 owners. The vote on the Atlanta Falcons’ new LPs occurred today in Nashville and they are approved effective immediately.
“Throughout the course of my life, making an impact on others has always been my driving force. What I accomplished in 1996, winning America’s first Team Gold Medal in gymnastics and as the first African- American to win Gold, in the city of Atlanta, has given me, to this day, the greatest platform to continually inspire others. The unique opportunity Mr. Blank has provided enables me to further my positive impact on those in the Atlanta community, a place I hold near and dear to my heart. Having been a global ambassador for the United States, I hope that my platform and influence as one of the few African American women to be a limited partner in the National Football League has broad impact throughout the NFL community and beyond.”
“NFL football is the great unifier, bringing people together across socioeconomic, racial, and political divides. As an alumnus of Morehouse College now raising a family in Atlanta, I could not be more excited to invest in the Falcons. I believe in the immense potential of this team and this city to Rise Up to the greatest heights, and I look forward to supporting the Falcons and the city of Atlanta for many successful seasons to come.”
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Terrell Thomas, Founder + CEO of These Urban Times, is a journalist, activist, and sports historian. He has worked with some of the largest brands in sports, entertainment, and tv/film. He lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife and two children.