Cobb Young Professionals (CYP), the Cobb Chamber’s networking and development group for professionals in their 20s and 30s, has named the winners of the 2025 Next Generation Award at the Chamber’s August Marquee Monday event: Adam Ross and Natalie DeLancey.
The Chamber’s CYP recognizes the county’s top young professionals with the annual Next Generation Award. Award winners are selected from a pool of nominees who can be admired, learned from, and celebrated within the Cobb community. Nominees are all in their 20s or 30s, active within their community, demonstrate leadership ability in the community and in their current role, and offer a unique perspective. Two winners of the Next Generation Award are named each year.
Adam Ross, Director of Public & Government Affairs, Cumberland Community Improvement District
Since joining the CID in 2019, Ross has made a lasting impact through his leadership in government relations, grant acquisition, communications, and community engagement. His efforts have helped advance major infrastructure, transportation, and placemaking projects that directly enhance quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors.
Ross’ leadership was instrumental in launching One Cumberland, a nonprofit created to expand the CID’s mission and reach. His accomplishments include helping secure $2 million in state funding for a pedestrian bridge connecting Smyrna to The Battery Atlanta, leading branding efforts for key projects like the Hopper autonomous shuttle and spearheading the New Day Palisades project — a $15.8 million partnership with the National Park Service to enhance the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
A graduate of Leadership Cobb Class of 2023, Ross remains deeply invested in his community. He serves on the Cumberland Area Council Board, the Cobb Chamber Government Affairs Council, and the Council for Quality Growth’s Government Affairs Task Force.
Known for his integrity, innovative mindset, and ability to build meaningful cross-sector partnerships, Ross is a rising leader whose work is already shaping the future of Cobb County — and beyond.
Natalie DeLancey, Executive Director, City Springs Theatre Company
Since taking the helm at City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC), DeLancey has led with a powerful combination of artistic vision and strategic leadership. Under her direction, CSTC now reaches more than 50,000 patrons and students annually and operates with a $3-million budget, which she secures through successful fundraising and development efforts.
A passionate advocate for arts education, DeLancey oversees weekly programs that provide hands-on training to more than 350 students in both performance and technical theater. Her work has helped students earn more than $10.5 million in college scholarships in the past year alone, with many now working professionally across the country.
Her leadership extends far beyond the stage. A graduate of Leadership Cobb 2016 and recipient of the Ernest Barrett Award, DeLancey currently serves as Chair of the Greater Perimeter Chamber of Commerce. She is also a Southeastern Regional Emmy Award winner and was recently inducted into the Georgia Theatre Conference Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to the arts in Georgia.
In addition to her professional achievements, DeLancey has dedicated her time and talents to numerous community causes. She has co-directed the Davis Direction Foundation’s signature fundraising gala and supported organizations such as the Humane Society and The Strand Theatre.
Cobb Young Professionals is supported by Yearlong Presenting Sponsor, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Next Generation Award is presented by The Mazloom Law Firm LLC. For more information about Cobb Young Professionals or the Next Generation Award, visit, cobbchamber.org/events/next-generation-award.
