The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Atlanta.
In addition, The Atlanta Dealmakers Hall of Fame recognized a class of dealmakers that has made an often-groundbreaking impact on their organizations, industries and the region over the course of decades in business.
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners on May 14 at the Atlanta Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Atlanta business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Dolan Falconer, President & CEO, ScanTech AI Systems. Dolan led ScanTech through a transformative de-SPAC merger with Mars Acquisition Corporation earlier this year, resulting in the formation of ScanTech AI Systems, now traded on Nasdaq under STAI. With its cutting-edge AI-powered CT security scanners, the company is redefining the future of security at airports, borders and cargo checkpoints around the world. ScanTech is now positioned as a global leader in AI-based computed tomography for homeland and aviation security.
Chad Hooker, Principal at Fulcrum Equity Partners. Chad was instrumental in Fulcrum’s successful exit of Summit Spine and Joint Centers, which sold to WellSpring Capital in 2025 after a period of rapid growth. With a 600+ percent revenue increase and a significantly expanded footprint, this deal reflects the power of aligned capital and strategic execution in the health care space. It also highlights the value of strong partnerships between investors and management in scaling high-impact regional providers.
Deirdre Kiely, President and CFO of OVME Aesthetics. Deirdre co-founded national med spa brand OVME and scaled it to 29 locations across 14 states with $60 million in sales, ultimately delivering a 10x return in less than four years with a successful private equity exit. She previously played a key role in Leblon’s sale to Bacardi and brings deep financial acumen from a career that began in investment banking. Deirdre’s leadership and operational skill have helped her deliver results across multiple consumer brands.
Primo Partners: Antonio McBroom, Eric Taylor, and Phillip Scotton. Primo Partners, a leading operator of Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops and an emerging Starbucks licensee, secured strategic investment in 2025 from Godwin Capital Group to accelerate its mission-driven growth. Built on culture, purpose and community, Primo is creating economic opportunities and redefining franchise leadership for a new generation. The team’s commitment to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs is at the heart of everything they do.
Frank Rucker, Deputy General Manager of Infrastructure at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Frank Rucker leads one of the most ambitious infrastructure programs in the country — an $11 billion capital plan that will reshape the world’s busiest airport. But his work goes far beyond bricks and mortar. Frank is a driving force for inclusion, ensuring women- and minority-owned businesses have meaningful access to Georgia’s largest construction opportunities. He’s building more than just an airport — he’s building pathways to generational opportunity.
Scott Staples, CEO, First Advantage. Under Scott’s leadership, First Advantage completed its $2.2 billion acquisition of Sterling Check Corp. in 2024, creating a stronger and more diversified HR technology platform. This transformative deal expands First Advantage’s global footprint and accelerates innovation in areas like AI-driven automation. It also creates a well-balanced portfolio and opens the door for continued investment in next-generation solutions.
Maria Toler, Founder & Managing Partner, SteelSky Ventures. Maria is the visionary behind SteelSky Ventures, the largest women’s health VC fund, managing $100 million in assets and impacting over 45 million lives globally. In 2025, she led a Series B investment in Commons Clinic, advancing equitable access to specialty care. Under her leadership, the firm’s portfolio valuation now exceeds $5 billion, with more than $500 million in annual recurring revenue.
Social Impact Award Honorees
Jon Dangar, Director at Stonehenge Capital. At Stonehenge Capital, Jon Dangar plays a key role in deploying over $325 million in private credit, supporting underserved markets and underrepresented founders across the country. In the past year alone, Jon and the team invested nearly $150 million in 23 deals to fuel acquisition and growth for lower-middle-market businesses. Focused on partnership and flexibility, Stonehenge brings more than just capital — it brings opportunity. Jon’s commitment to inclusive economic development exemplifies the power of impact investing in action.
Donna Ennis, Associate Vice President of Community-Based Engagement at Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute. Donna Ennis is a statewide leader in making innovation equitable. Through her work with Georgia AIM, she helps small and midsize manufacturers adopt cutting-edge AI technology while empowering communities to build a diverse and future-ready workforce. Her efforts have already reached nearly 1,000 manufacturers, 7,000 K-12 students, and over 100 Georgia communities. Donna’s impact is measured not just in numbers, but in opportunities created and barriers removed.
Mary Parker, Founder and CEO of the Mary Parker Foundation. From humble beginnings to C-suite leadership, Mary Parker has made giving back her life’s mission. Through her namesake foundation, she provides entrepreneurial education, youth enrichment and lifelong learning programs that uplift entire communities. Since 2012, the Mary Parker Foundation has served as a beacon of empowerment and opportunity for underserved individuals across generations. Mary's work reminds us that success is best measured by the lives we lift along the way.
Brent Rutherford, Executive Director of Made for More Ministries. Brent Rutherford’s work with Made for More Ministries is rooted in faith, compassion and transformation. Through intentional discipleship, mentoring and community support, Brent empowers individuals to discover their purpose and become their best selves. With a mission grounded in Ephesians 5:14, the ministry helps people rise from brokenness to renewal — spiritually, emotionally and practically. Brent’s heart for healing and leadership is bringing hope to countless lives.
Harry Savage, Vice President at o15 Capital Partners. Harry Savage helps lead o15 Capital’s mission to combine strong returns with deep community impact. Through the firm’s $400 million Emerging America Credit Opportunities Fund, Harry supports growing companies in education, health care and business services — with a focus on creating quality jobs and revitalizing under-resourced communities. His work is helping capital flow where it's needed most, unlocking long-term value alongside meaningful outcomes.
Hall of Fame Honorees
Kent Callahan, former CEO of Transamerica Workplace Solutions. Kent Callahan spent more than 30 years shaping one of the most recognized names in financial services. As CEO of Transamerica’s Workplace Solutions division, Kent led 4,000 employees and orchestrated four major transformations, including the landmark integration of Mercer Consulting’s $71 billion U.S. retirement business. Under his leadership, U.S. retirement sales more than doubled — from $8.3 billion to nearly $18 billion — outpacing industry growth by 150 percent. He helped position Transamerica as a top-tier player in retirement plan sales and brought consistency and strength to a complex business. Now retired from Transamerica, he serves on the Transamerica Asset Management Board of Directors and has launched a consulting practice to help organizations unlock their full strategic potential.
Andrella Kenner, Founder and CEO of CI² Aviation. Andrella Kenner is a pioneer in aerospace and government contracting. As Founder and CEO of CI² Aviation, she leads the only woman-and minority-owned Air Navigation Services Provider delivering air traffic control tower services to the federal government. Under her leadership, CI² has managed operations at 27 towers across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands — safely handling more than 55 million aircraft operations without a single fatality due to controller error. With nearly four decades of executive leadership, Andrella is also a force in civic and industry leadership, serving on numerous boards including the Atlanta Business League, AAAE, and the Airport Minority Advisory Council. Her commitment to creating opportunity for women and minority entrepreneurs continues to inspire.
Ralph Skalleberg, Co-Owner of Skaltek. Ralph Skalleberg took over Skaltek’s U.S. operations at a time when the company was struggling and losing ground. With a bold vision and relentless focus on people, innovation and culture, Ralph led a dramatic turnaround — growing the company many times over and transforming it into a recognized leader in cable wire packaging solutions. His customer-first approach helped set new industry standards across manufacturing, logistics and retail — impacting major players in construction and home improvement. Ralph expanded Skaltek’s reach beyond the U.S., launching successful operations in Latin America, and later opened a high-tech Alpharetta headquarters that became a benchmark for manufacturing excellence. He continues to contribute to Georgia’s economic development, playing a key role in bringing international manufacturers and jobs to the region. Ralph’s legacy is built on innovation, leadership and the belief that companies grow best when people come first.
