OUR PURPOSE
Building a Safer Atlanta Through Community Partnerships
The Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) aims to make Atlanta the safest large city by supporting the Atlanta Police Department (APD) through private funding for technology, training, community programs like "At-Promise," and infrastructure, bridging public/private gaps to enhance officer support and public safety initiatives.
Safest City Campaign
The Atlanta Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with the City of Atlanta, the Atlanta Police Department, and the philanthropic & business sectors to strengthen public safety through strategy, innovation, and long-term investment. For more than 20 years, APF has mobilized business, philanthropic, and civic leaders to support initiatives that improve officer effectiveness, reduce crime, and build community trust. Through public-private partnerships and coordinated investments in youth support, officer support, technology, housing, community, and justice-system reform, APF helps create the strategy that makes Atlanta safer.
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Dave Wilkinson
President & CEO
About Dave Wilkinson
Dave Wilkinson is one of America's leading law enforcement professionals.
Before joining the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF), he served 22 years with the United States Secret Service in various senior roles. These included Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Presidential Protection under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Investigations, and Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service's Georgia Division. He was awarded the Secret Service Distinguished Service Award from President Bush for his leadership during the 9-11 terrorist attacks.
In 2005, Dave became the president & CEO of APF. This independent nonprofit organization brings together civic‐minded business leaders from the region’s largest companies and philanthropic organizations to ensure that APF has the financial strength, technological prowess, and advocacy from the private sector to support public safety initiatives in Atlanta.
As one of the most respected thought leaders in the law enforcement community, Dave has led the Atlanta Police Foundation to become an indispensable strategic planning and research partner to four Atlanta mayors and five chiefs of police.
He graduated from Leadership Atlanta in 2008 and serves on the boards of directors of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Rotary Club of Atlanta, and Atlanta Metropol.
Dave is also a proud Tennessee Tech University graduate and lives in Brooks, Georgia, with his wife, Renee, and their two sons, Jacob and Jonathan.
Carmen Ekdahl
Vice President of Programs
VP of Programs focused on advancing mission-driven initiatives through strategic leadership, collaboration, and program excellence.
Alecia Grimes
Chief Financial & Administrative Officer
Finance and operations leader with 20+ years of experience driving financial stewardship, operational excellence, and strategic execution.
Lakeisha Walker
Chief Program Officer – Youth Division
Chief Programs Officer, Youth Division, focused on advancing impactful programs and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
Trish Wichmann
Vice President of Development
Senior development leader with 20+ years of experience advancing philanthropic initiatives, building strategic partnerships, and driving fundraising success.
REPORTS
Financials
2025 Impact REPORT (Coming Soon)
The Atlanta Police Foundation’s 2025 Impact Report is coming soon, providing a comprehensive look at our work, impact, and investments throughout the year.
The report will highlight key initiatives, community partnerships, program milestones, financial stewardship, and the progress made in support of a safer Atlanta. It will also provide greater insight into how our resources and partnerships continue to strengthen public safety and create lasting impact across the city.
