Sam Becknel, Jr., MPA

Compensation and HR Committee

Sam Becknel is a dynamic, hands-on organizational strategist and consultant with a wealth of knowledge and experience in strategic planning, program development / evaluation and the leadership of complex projects. He directs an organization’s effectiveness at developing employees, relationships in the local community, and partnerships.

He was the Regional Grants Officer at the American Medical Association National Tobacco Policy Initiative, Smokeless States, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded project. Smokeless States helped organize state tobacco control coalitions focusing on ETS, Tax, or Cessation reimbursement campaign strategies. Previously, Sam was Advocacy Manager at the National Center of the American Heart Association, where he directed local community organizing and health policy issues in the Southeast, New England, Mid-Atlantic, Heartland, and Florida affiliates. He was also the Project Director for Georgia Tech’s campus/community coalition to help reduce high risk drinking among college students and its secondary effects on the surrounding community (AMOD).

Sam has received national and local recognition for his work including The White House under President George H.W. Bush’s Points of Light Merit, Department of Human Services Neighborhood Crusade for Prevention, and Georgia Alcohol Policy Partnership Keg Registration Law Merit. Sam received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Dillard University in New Orleans and a master’s of Public Administration from Walden University. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the American Society for Public Administrators.