Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Annual Meeting

Join us as we celebrate our community—reflecting on all we’ve accomplished and looking ahead to our shared future in Jewish Atlanta. This year, we are proud to honor Mike Leven, our 2025 Lifetime of Achievement Award recipient.

Doors open at 6:30 PM | Program begins promptly at 7:00 PM

Evening Highlights:

Election of New Trustees
Recognition of Outgoing Board Chair, Beth Weiller Arogeti
Welcoming of Incoming Board Chair, Debbie Kuniansky
Honoring Lifetime of Achievement Award Recipient Mike Leven
Recognition of Community Award Winners

2025 Lifetime of Achievement Award Recipient

Mike Leven

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Jewish Future Promise & Jewish Youth Promise

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. After spending most of his storied career in the hospitality industry, Leven founded the Jewish Future Promise to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism and to ensure a thriving and vibrant future for the Jewish community.

Most recently, Leven was the chairman and chief executive officer of Georgia Aquarium, a 501(c)3, from 2015 through 2019. Brought on to turn the Aquarium around, his leadership resulted in unprecedented growth in attendance and revenue, establishing the Aquarium as a premier destination. He previously served as the CEO of the Aquarium from 2008 to 2009. During that time, Leven also served as the Vice Chairman of The Marcus Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot, Inc.

Leaving for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead Las Vegas Sands Corporation, one of the world’s leading integrated resort and casino operators and developers, as President and Chief Operating Officer. He also served as its Secretary since June 2010. During his tenure, Leven played a crucial role in the company’s global expansion, particularly in Asia, opening the Sands Hotel in Singapore and Macau. Leven’s expertise and leadership were instrumental in raising stock prices from $1.55 to $83.00 per share in under five years.

Leven was previously the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of US Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), which franchised the Microtel Inn & Suites and Hawthorn Suites hotel brands. Prior to forming USFS in 1995, he was president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide. During his five-year tenure, Leven oversaw the launch and significant growth of the new Holiday Inn Express brand. From 1985 to 1990, Leven was president of Days Inn of America. Leven led the company through a reorganization resulting in significant growth from a regional chain to one of the largest brands in the world.

Leven is a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) which has over 20,000 members owning more than 60% of the hotels in the United States, equating to over 3.1 million hotel rooms. The Michael A. Leven School of Management, Entrepreneurship, & Hospitality at Kennesaw State University, endowed by Leven, prepares students to enter the competitive global market with confidence, and develops future leaders who can successfully manage small, medium, and large organizations anywhere in the world.

Leven currently serves on the boards of the AEPi Fraternity Foundation, the Marcus Foundation, Jewish National Fund, and is an Honorary board member of the Birthright Israel Foundation.

Leven attended the Boston Latin School and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University and a Master of Science from Boston University. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate from the Johnson & Wales University and the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management of Niagara University.

Leven has received numerous accolades and recognitions, too many to mention, for his contributions to the hospitality industry. His leadership, strategic vision, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the organizations he served. Leven’s commitment to excellence and integrity, coupled with his philanthropic endeavors has positioned him as a well-respected figure in both the business and philanthropic communities. Leven is known for his humility, integrity, honesty, and strong work ethic.

Leven has been married to his wife Andrea for over six decades. They have three sons and seven grandchildren, all dedicated to supporting the Jewish Future Promise. Leven’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the fields of business, hospitality, and philanthropy throughout his lifetime.

2025 Community Award Recipients