The East Lake Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Leonte Benton and Grant Cagle to its Board of Directors. Both bring extensive leadership experience, a commitment to community impact, and a shared passion for advancing the Foundation’s mission to ensure every member of our East Lake community has equitable access to the resources, tools and supports needed to thrive.
Leonte Benton is the President of T. Dallas Smith & Company, where he has played an integral role since its inception. Benton brings a wealth of expertise in commercial real estate, including site feasibility, contract negotiations, and financial analysis. His portfolio features successful transactions for clients such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, and JP Morgan Chase.
Deeply committed to community service, Leonte serves on the board for Georgia Department of Education and Leadership Georgia. A graduate of Morehouse College, Benton’s leadership extends to organizations like the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Atlanta Police Foundation. He has also been honored by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as part of its 40 Under 40.
Grant Cagle is the President of Cagle Land, Timber and Real Estate Management Co., a Partner of the New York Yankees, and an Officer of SCH Capital. With over 15 years of management experience, Cagle has served on numerous boards, including the Chris Hammond Youth Foundation and the Board of Trustees for LaGrange Academy, where he also chairs the Building Committee for its Capital Campaign. Most recently, he co-chaired the New York Yankees Homecoming Dinner in 2024.
A member of the East Lake Golf Club, Cagle has served on host committees for signature events, including the TOUR Championship and East Lake Foundation’s Party on the Green.
“Leonte and Grant bring expertise and a shared dedication to the transformative work of the East Lake Foundation,” said Ilham Askia, President and CEO of the East Lake Foundation. “Their leadership will strengthen our efforts to create and expand opportunities for residents and build a brighter future for the East Lake community.”
The East Lake Foundation Board of Directors plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission and ensuring its continued success. Benton and Cagle’s appointments come as the Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking a pivotal moment to build on its legacy of impact.
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Media Contact: Catherine Woodling, 404-550-7271, cwoodling@eastlakefoundation.org
About the East Lake Foundation: Founded in 1995, by developer and philanthropist, Tom Cousins, the East Lake Foundation collaborates with The Villages of East Lake residents, Charles R. Drew Charter School families, and other key service providers to ensure every member of our community has equitable access to the resources, tools and supports needed to thrive.
The Foundation utilizes an integrated model for holistic community development that includes cradle-to-college education, mixed-income housing, community wellness, and economic vitality. This approach to building an equitable, healthy, and vibrant community creates a place where people of all ages and income levels choose to live.
East Lake Foundation’s transformative approach has become a national model for integrated and holistic community redevelopment now being replicated in 27 additional neighborhoods across the country through Purpose Built Communities. For more information, please visit www.eastlakefoundation.org.
