Janis Ware

Janis L. Ware a native Atlantan, she graduated from historic Booker T. Washington High School and was one of the first African American females to graduate from the University of Georgia’s prestigious Terry College of Business. She recently earned a MBA in Project Management from American InterContinental University and completed NeighborWork’s Achieving Excellence Program facilitated by Harvard University in 2012. 

Additionally, a multi talented and dynamic entrepreneur, Janis is the Publisher of The Atlanta Voice Newspaper that has served the Atlanta community since 1966 that provides news and information on matters of concern to the African American community. Janis began working for the paper after college and took over the organization after the death of her father, J. Lowell Ware in 1991.  The Atlanta Voice has transitioned to online coverage, electronic distribution and digital content production.  The Atlanta Voice has served Metropolitan Atlanta for over 56 years. 

Those who know Janis Ware know of her passion for community economic development. As the Executive Director of SUMMECH Development Corporation, a position she has held since 1991, she is recognized throughout the Atlanta housing community as one of the first urban pioneers willing to make a difference by building affordable homes for first time homebuyers in the Mechanicsville neighborhood. Under her direction, the organization has developed more than 1700 housing units independently and in partnership with for-profit developers.  Janis Ware exemplifies humility and outstanding leadership in every role she performs.  Understanding the importance of public/private relationships, Ms. Ware has established many viable partnerships and collaborations among the civic, business, housing and residential communities.  She has received numerous honors and awards for her initiatives and efforts that have helped to transform the community and set an example for others who will follow her. 

Janis L. Ware currently serves as the First Vice Chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and Treasury of Local Media Association, Chairman of the Board of Southside Medical Center, Chairman of Metropolitan Atlanta Land Bank Authority and serves on the board of Atlanta Technical College.

She has served in numerous leadership positions including Board Chair of the Atlanta Housing Authority; the Empire Real Estate Board; the City of Atlanta’s Beltway Steering Committee; the City of Atlanta’s Zoning Task Force; and a Board Member of the Atlanta Business League. Ms. Ware has been honored with numerous recognitions including: one of the Atlanta Business League’s 100 Most Influential Women, Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making Their Mark Award, and was most recently inducted into the Atlanta Business League’s Hall of Fame.