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
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
Philosophy
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
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).
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.
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!
Kristel Peacock
Board Member
Kristel is a Panamanian‑American marketing professional with a passion for creating meaningful impact through her work. With over nine years of marketing experience and more than four years leading and supporting complex commercial real estate pursuits, she specializes in helping teams translate strategy into compelling, results‑driven stories that resonate with clients and decision‑makers at CBRE. Beyond work, Kristel is deeply committed to giving back and staying connected to the communities and cultures that shape her. She’s been on the YP of ATL board as a member or advisor since 2019. Kristel has had the privilege of living in China and traveling to more than 20 countries and counting. She enjoys dancing, tennis, art, exploring Atlanta’s newest spots, and spoiling her cat, Jade.
Brandon Coleman
Photography
Brandon Coleman is an Atlanta-based event and editorial photographer with over 11 years of experience. He developed his visual approach while living in Ho Chi Minh City, where he worked as an editorial photographer for Saigoneer, a leading news and culture publication. There, he honed a documentary-driven style rooted in observation and timing. Based in Atlanta, Brandon photographs conferences, corporate events, and high-profile gatherings across the city and surrounding region. He’s known for his professionalism, discretion, and instinct for capturing key moments. Outside of client work, he draws inspiration from global art, culture, and design, which continues to influence his approach to photography.
Dirk
Board Member
Dirk is a technology leader with deep experience in app development, platform strategy, and data-driven product improvement. As CTO of Fit Radio, he helps build and scale digital music experiences for the fitness industry. He is especially passionate about AI, automation, and modern technology, with a focus on using emerging tools to create smarter systems and more impactful digital experiences.
Young Professionals of Atlanta
YPofATL helps young professionals network & give back to the Atlanta community!
Atlanta, GA, USA
©2024 All Rights Reserved