Donna W. Hyland Named 2026 LEDI International Life Changer

Atlanta - Sept. 17, 2026 - PRLog, Donna W. Hyland, former Chief Executive Officer of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), has been selected as a 2026 LEDI International Life Changer Award Honoree. She will be celebrated at Liberia Economic Development Initiative's (LEDI) milestone 11th Annual International Life Changers Awards and Fundraising Gala, themed "We Are The Light," on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel in College Park, Georgia.

Hyland's four-decade career as a visionary advocate for pediatric healthcare in Georgia has transformed the lives of millions of children and families. During her tenure as CEO of CHOA, she grew the non-profit into one of the nation's premier pediatric clinical care providers, scaling operations to more than 15,000 employees managing 1.2 million patient visits annually. Her leadership was instrumental in driving major health ecosystem milestones, including the merger of Egleston and Scottish Rite hospitals, expanding specialized care facilities, elevating Emory and Children's research into a top-five national NIH program, and opening the groundbreaking 19-story Arthur M. Blank Hospital.

Consistently maintaining top national rankings in U.S. News & World Report and Magnet recognition for nursing excellence, Hyland also lent her executive leadership to influential civic and corporate boards, including the Atlanta Committee for Progress, Cousins Properties, Genuine Parts Company, and Truist Atlanta Advisory Board. Inducted as a Georgia Trustee, her lifetime of service aligns seamlessly with LEDI's commitment to empowering youth and strengthening communities.

The gala will feature Honorary Co-Chairs Ambassador Andrew J. Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN and civil rights icon, and Virginia W. Harris, National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Proceeds from the black-tie, red-carpet event will advance LEDI's dual-nation literacy, technology, healthcare, and economic development projects in the U.S. and Liberia, including the construction of LEDI's modern, state-of-the-art public Library and Technology Center in Liberia.

Founded in 2007, the Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) is a U.S.-based international nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty, empowering communities, and transforming lives. Hyland's recognition underscores her significant contributions to pediatric healthcare and her broader impact on the community and beyond.