Annie Garrett’s Commitment to Jewish Community Earns Prestigious Honor
May 29, 2026
Annie Garrett’s work has always been about helping people feel like they belong.
Long before joining Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta nearly a decade ago, Annie was immersed in the world of disability inclusion. Both of her parents worked in disability services, with her mother focused on education and her father on employment support.
“That was just the world I grew up in,” Annie said. “All my previous work had been in direct services or programming for people with disabilities.”
When Annie came to Federation to help lead what is now JAccess, she quickly saw how deeply the Jewish community values caring for one another and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Today, Annie serves as Federation’s VP of Planning, overseeing systems, partnerships and grantmaking processes that strengthen Jewish life in Atlanta, Israel and around the world.
Earlier this month, Annie received The White Rose Society Award, which recognizes non-Jewish allies who courageously stand with and strengthen the Jewish community.
The White Rose Society takes its name from a group of Christian students in Nazi Germany who resisted the Nazis and spoke out against antisemitism during World War II. Today, the award recognizes individuals who continue that legacy of courage and solidarity.
“We live in a really difficult and challenging time where there is so much antisemitism and Jew hatred all around us,” says The White Rose Society founder Linda Selig. “There are individuals who have really stood up with tremendous courage and have stood with the Jewish people.”
Annie said the recognition felt especially meaningful because it came from colleagues and lay leaders she has worked alongside throughout her Federation career.
Rich Walter, Federation’s Chief Impact Officer and Annie’s manager, says Federation is proud to have Annie on our team. “Annie stands with the Jewish community in many ways, but she especially ensures that the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community are cared for. Annie has led Federation’s work on ensuring those with disabilities can fully participate in Jewish Life.”
Annie joins Federation’s Director of Security, Brian Davis, as a recipient of The White Rose Society Award, reflecting the deep commitment many non-Jewish professionals at Federation have to supporting and protecting Jewish life.
Brian says, “It is truly an honor to be inducted into The White Rose Society. Serving as the Community Security Director since July 2023 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.” He stays motivated by his work to protect personal freedoms,. “I strongly believe that everyone in America should be able to live freely and without fear. People should be able to wear religious symbols openly, gather as a community, and worship freely and safely.”
During moments of both celebration and challenge, Federation’s professional team works alongside lay leaders and community partners to strengthen the Jewish community.
Brian adds, “It has been incredibly meaningful to stand alongside a community that truly appreciates and understands the importance of security and partnership. I also deeply respect how the Jewish community consistently advocates not only for itself, but for many other communities as well. Federation creates an environment where people feel valued and empowered to do meaningful work in service of others.”
And Brian and Annie both fully embody that sentiment.
Avery Kastin, Federation’s Impact Chair, was present when Annie received the prestigious award. Avery says, “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Annie for more than four years, and I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and heart she brings to her work every single day.”
Avery says Annie’s sincerity of commitment to serving and supporting the Jewish community makes her especially deserving of The White Rose Society Award. “She cares for our community as though it were her own, with a compassion and dedication that inspires everyone around her.”
Layleader Michelle Simon echoes Avery’s praise of Annie: “Annie leads by example, treating everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion. No challenge is ever too overwhelming for her to handle. She is truly a remarkable individual in so many ways.”
Annie says what keeps her motivated, through long commutes, late meetings and the many moving parts behind Federation’s work, is the sense of shared purpose.
“Everything we do is working in collaboration with colleagues, lay leaders and partners,” she says. “I view it as showing up for my team and for this community.”