Technology Association of Georgia and Mayor Andre Dickens Name Dr. Lonnie Johnson 2026 Mayor’s Technology Leader of the Year

ATLANTA - October 28, 2026 - The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), in partnership with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, today announced Dr. Lonnie Johnson as the recipient of the 2026 Mayor's Technology Leader of the Year Award. The award recognizes leadership, innovation and community impact that strengthen Atlanta's technology ecosystem and advance Georgia's innovation economy.

Johnson will be honored at the TAG Chairs' Gala on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Hotel Phoenix in Atlanta. This year's theme, "Vision in Focus," celebrates the people and accomplishments advancing Vision 2030: Georgia as a Global Hub of Innovation.

A former NASA engineer and prolific inventor, Johnson holds more than 150 patents spanning advanced energy technologies, consumer products and toys. His engineering career includes contributions to the Voyager mission, Galileo mission to Jupiter, Cassini mission to Saturn and Mars Observer. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2022 and named to Forbes' list of Top 250 Innovators in 2026.

"Most people know Dr. Lonnie Johnson for the Super Soaker, but his story is so much bigger than one invention," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. "He has helped advance space exploration, developed technologies that could help power our future and dedicated himself to giving Atlanta's young people opportunities to explore science and engineering. His career is a reminder that innovation is not just about what we create. It is about the opportunities we create for those who come after us."

Johnson is founder and president of Johnson Research & Development and founder of JTEC Energy and Johnson Energy Storage. His work focuses on developing technologies to power the world more sustainably through advances in energy conversion and storage. His widely recognized invention, the Super Soaker, is one example of a career devoted to finding creative solutions to complex technological problems.

His commitment to innovation extends to preparing young people to become innovators themselves. As founder and president of the Atlanta-based nonprofit Johnson STEM Activity Center, Johnson has helped serve tens of thousands of children over the past decade, with a focus on empowering students from underserved communities. He also serves on the board of FIRST Robotics, as a Southeast Region Trustee of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and as a member of 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

"Dr. Johnson has built a remarkable record of invention while investing in the people who will carry innovation forward," said Larry K. Williams, president and CEO of TAG. "His energy companies and STEM Activity Center connect scientific discovery, entrepreneurship and education in ways that strengthen Georgia's entire technology ecosystem. That combination reflects what we are working toward through Vision 2030 - innovation with global impact and opportunities for more Georgians to contribute to it."

Johnson earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in nuclear engineering from Tuskegee University. His honors include two Air Force Commendation Medals, an Air Force Achievement Medal, multiple NASA awards and a Trumpet Award recognizing his life's work, including mentoring children.

Presented jointly by TAG and the Office of the Mayor, the Mayor's Technology Leader of the Year Award honors individuals whose contributions expand opportunity and strengthen the region's technology community. Previous honorees include Justin E. Samuels, founder of RenderATL, and Gregory S. Morrison, former longtime CIO of Cox Enterprises.

The TAG Chairs' Gala brings together Georgia's technology, business and civic leaders to recognize achievement, build relationships and support the state's continued leadership in technology and innovation.

For more information about the TAG Chairs' Gala and tickets, visit tagonline.org/tag-chairs-gala.

About the Technology Association of Georgia

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) connects business, technology, government and education to advance Georgia's innovation economy. Through its four pillars - Connect, Promote, Influence and Educate - TAG builds relationships, elevates innovation, advocates for technology and prepares people for opportunity. Its Vision 2030 initiative advances Georgia as a global hub of innovation. Learn more at tagonline.org.