Board Leadership Transition at the World Affairs Council of Atlanta

Published: July 1, 2026

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta is honored to recognize a significant leadership transition as we celebrate Jim Reed, president of YKK Corporation of America and YKK Corp. group officer, for his exceptional service as chair of our board of directors, and welcome Asma Farid, partner at BroadPeak Capital and board member at Edible Brands, as our incoming chair.

Honoring Jim Reed’s Service

Reed has been a valued board director of the Council since 2020, contributing his global perspective, thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to strengthening Atlanta’s international engagement. During his four years as chair, he helped guide the Council through a period of growth, innovation and renewed relevance.

“The World Affairs Council of Atlanta is, in my mind, the premier organization for the best and most intelligent conversations about international issues that impact Atlantans,” Reed said. “It has been a great honor to serve as chair, and I am certain the Council will achieve new levels of success with Asma Farid as the new board chair.”

We extend our sincere appreciation for his service and the lasting impact of his leadership.

Welcoming Incoming Chair Asma Farid

We are equally proud to welcome Farid as the next chair of the board. Farid has been part of the Council since 2020 and served as vice chair for two years, bringing strategic insight, global fluency and a passion for elevating Atlanta’s role on the world stage.

“It’s a privilege to serve an organization with such a meaningful legacy,” Farid said. “I’m deeply honored to step into this role and humbled to follow Jim Reed’s leadership — he has set a remarkable standard. None of this, of course, happens without the incredible staff and the dedicated leadership of our president, Rickey Bevington, whose work every day brings the Council’s vision to life. The Council’s founding vision of making Atlanta a true center for global dialogue was an ambitious bet on this city, and I look forward to building on that foundation and deepening our community’s connection to the world.”

Her leadership reflects the Council’s forward-looking vision and commitment to empowering Atlantans with world-class knowledge and global relationships.

The Board’s Role in Advancing Our Mission

Founded in 2010 by Atlanta’s foremost corporate and civic leaders, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to convening business executives, diplomats, students and engaged citizens to explore the most pressing global issues of our time.

The Council’s board of directors plays a vital role in guiding this mission — ensuring that programming remains relevant, impactful and accessible to the diverse communities it serves.

As we honor Reed’s contributions and look ahead to Farid’s leadership, we remain committed to strengthening Atlanta’s position as a global city.

Explore our full Board of Directors here.