About Us

About YPofATL

YPofATL is designed to help young professionals in the Atlanta area network and give back to their community. We want to make it easy for you to become involved in all that Atlanta has to offer. Here at YPofATL, we support our city, non-profits, businesses, organizations and YOU. We were founded in October 2018 and we have a big dream to make Atlanta a better place by developing the skills and relationships of the young professionals in the area.

Missions and Offerings

With an emphasis on bringing people together, YPofATL’s mission is to provide:

Our Principles

We are founded on the principle that young professionals are a valuable source to their city, a source of networking, community service and outreach. YPofATL is designed to help young professionals blossom together and learn from one another.

Positioning

Professionalism intertwines perfectly with contemporary ideas of fun and excitement. Young people in Atlanta will find themselves surrounded by a group of their peers in a dynamic and responsive atmosphere. With countless opportunities for networking, philanthropy and enjoyment, this is THE group to be part of.

Philosophy

The Young Professionals of Atlanta’s focus is on bringing members of the community together through carefully curated experiences to enhance their daily lives. Whether it be through organized events, outside philanthropy opportunities or networking opportunities, Young Professionals of Atlanta will serve as a gathering place that brings people together and celebrates their experiences.

Brand Promise and Personality

Young Professionals of Atlanta will deliver an exceptional experience and unmatched connections.

Central, Flexible, Accessible, Cultured, Collaborative, Lively, Elevated, Holistic, Enduring, Innovative, Personal, Inclusive

Meet Our Team

Get to know the valuable members of our team. Our organization is governed by the board you see below. Each member was chosen because they are experts in their field. They are all brought together by their involvement in the city of Atlanta and their strong desire to empower young professionals in their city.

Joanie Carpenter Hedgepeth

President

Joanie Carpenter Hedgepeth is a Talent Acquisition Lead for Carrier at Randstand Sourceright where she just completed her 6 year mark. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Ohio University in Exercise Physiology while on a NCAA Division I Swimming Scholarship. She returned to her beloved home state of Alabama where she worked in Birmingham for 10 years before moving to her most recent venture in Altanta, GA. Joanie just recently married the love of her life, Phillip, and is the current President of YPofATL. She spends her free time reading her favorite book, Alice in Wonderland, rooting for her Atlanta Falcons, and spending time with her fur-babies: Arya, Rue, and Carole Baskin (kitty).

Caitlyn Murphy

Board Member

Caitlyn Murphy is the one of our newer board member and the newest Software Engineer at Yancey Bros. She recently received her Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science from Southern New Hampshire University and is passionate about using her skills to create modern solutions for complex problems. When she’s not coding or working with YPofATL, you can find Caitlyn immersed in her latest game, book, or throwing axes.

Patrick Thompson

Branding Chair

Meet Patrick, a dynamic Open Format DJ, MC, and Entertainer, renowned for his captivating musical experiences. Born and raised in Bowdon, Georgia, Patrick's deep connection to music began early, setting the stage for his remarkable journey in entertainment. At just 14, Patrick founded Just In Time DJ Entertainment, evolving it into a thriving business as the Founder and CEO. From the vibrant scenes of California and Florida to international waters in Cabo San Lucas and aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, Patrick's eclectic music selection has made him a favorite among partygoers worldwide. Beyond the DJ booth, Patrick is a dedicated 14-year veteran police officer and statewide recruiting coordinator in Georgia. As the founder of HeyVirtualAssistant.com, he extends his passion for supporting others, showcasing his versatility in entrepreneurship. Whether crafting unforgettable beats, serving the community as a police officer, or empowering entrepreneurs through virtual assistance, Patrick's dedication to enriching lives is evident. His journey from a music-loving kid in Georgia to a multifaceted professional and entrepreneur is a testament to this relentless drive.

Chucky Kahng

Photography

Chucky Kahng is a creative entrepreneur that manages conventional business operations by day and runs a well-known media driven marketing company by night, Chuckyfoto & Media. His earlier career track was in a variety of engineering fields in both private and government sectors. Later, he decided to pursue his passion for photo/videography which led for his team to be awarded the distinction of best photography team in Atlanta for 10 years by Jezebel Magazine | Modern Luxury Media. During the Covid era, he led a team of 200+ people to operate a complex network of covid test centers across Metro Atlanta. Recently, he joined Dyer & Dyer Volvo in Chamblee GA to be part of their award winning sales team. He has a passion for networking and it's no surprise that he is also one of the original co-founders of YP of ATL. He enjoys taking event photos for YP so remember to showcase your most dazzling smile!

Phillip Hedgepeth

Board Member

Phillip is a graduate from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. From there on, he has been immersed in the Insurance industry, going on 10 years with State Farm. He currently is operating the homeowners segment as a claims specialist helping their policy holders recover from the unexpected while simultaneously being a consistent training mentor for new hires brought into the company. Phillip just got married to the love of his life Joanie Carpenter and they have three of the best pets (two dogs and a kitty) who are always down to cuddle not ever wanting to be far from them. Outside of work, Phillip enjoys looking for new things to do around the metro Atlanta area, attending local sporting events and just plain old hanging out.

James Pitard

Board Member

Meet James, a financial analyst working for an Atlanta based insurance broker. Hailing from Birmingham, AL, James graduated from the University of Alabama with a double major in finance and economics. His dedication to his alma mater has translated to post graduate life with him volunteering with the local alumni chapter. Outside of work, James enjoys staying active by competing in Spartan Races, travelling, reading, and keeping up with the latest shows and movies.

Jon Richardson

Board Member

Jon is a current BS Criminology major at the University of West Georgia. Jon is passionate about networking and connecting people with others in ways that can help benefit both parties. In his free time Jon likes to partake in many hobbies to include bodybuilding and storage wars.

Young Professionals of Atlanta

YPofATL helps young professionals network & give back to the Atlanta community!

400 Chattahoochee Row NW

Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

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