BOARD CO-CHAIR

Hon. Gino Brogdon, Sr. has an illustrious career, presiding over complex civil and felony cases for nearly a decade as a trial judge in both the Superior and State Courts of Fulton County in Atlanta. After retiring from the bench in 2005, Gino ventured into trying high-profile civil cases, representing plaintiffs and defendants alike. Over time, he has earned a stellar reputation as one of Georgia's most sought-after mediators and arbitrators.

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Throughout his career, Gino Brogdon has been entrusted with resolving disputes involving notable athletes, entertainers, public figures, politicians, and business leaders. His expertise as a master communicator, coupled with his resolution acumen, strong work ethic, and utmost discretion, have made him the go-to choice for practice seeking amicable resolutions. ​In addition to his legal accomplishments, Gino has made valuable contributions to legal education. He has served as an adjunct professor of law at prestigious institutions like Emory University School of Law and John Marshall School of Law. Moreover, he has been a faculty member of the esteemed National Institute for Trial Advocacy.

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Recently, Hon. Gino Brogdon, Sr. embarked on a new journey, co-founding the non-profit organization, Vanguard Leadership Academy (VLA), in collaboration with Judge Hilliard V. Castilla. Their shared vision is to uplift underserved students, empowering them to unlock their full potential. This endeavor holds profound personal significance for Gino, as his own life story stands as a statement to the transformative impact VLA can have on the youth it serves.

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Gino's path to success was deeply influenced by mentorship and accountability, spearheaded by one exceptional professor, Booker Peake, during his time at Oberlin College. Recognizing untapped potential within Gino, Professor Peake kindled his thirst for knowledge, exposing him to new horizons and paving the way for higher education pursuits. This pivotal mentorship laid the foundation for Gino's remarkable journey, leading him to become a lawyer, a judge, a mediator, an author, and a prolific public speaker with over 1,000 speaking engagements to his credit.

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With Vanguard Leadership Academy (VLA) as the guiding force, Gino aspires to cultivate a nurturing environment that fosters the growth and offers underserved high schools the same transformative opportunities he once embraced. Through this initiative, he seeks to inspire these young minds to unlock their full potential, drawing from the same well of inspiration that fueled his own journey years ago.