Remembering Steve Clay

Georgia Appleseed is honoring the life and legacy of Alexander Stephens (“Steve”) Clay IV, our founding Board of Directors Chair. Steve played a defining role in helping launch Georgia Appleseed and setting the standard for the kind of organization we continue working to be.

Steve spent almost 50 years at Kilpatrick Townsend, where he served in senior leadership roles, including as co-chair of the firm, head of its litigation practice, and a member of the executive committee. He was also widely recognized for his commitment to public service and pro bono work, including his leadership at Georgia Appleseed.

You can read more about Steve’s remarkable life and achievements in his obituary. We are honored that Steve’s family included Georgia Appleseed among the organizations named for memorial gifts.

Steve’s pride in Georgia Appleseed’s early work

Steve was particularly proud of his role at Georgia Appleseed. When Steve received a lifetime achievement award from Yale University, he told the Daily Report that getting Georgia Appleseed “off the ground and keeping it vibrant has been the most gratifying experience of my professional life.”

Steve’s early vision and hard work left an important stamp on Georgia Appleseed. Living up to his standard of excellence is something we still strive for every day. We aim to ensure that Georgia Appleseed remains an organization aligned with Steve’s vision—serious about the work, rigorous in our approach, and grounded in the belief that justice should be practical and accessible.

On Steve’s legacy

Sharon Hill, Georgia Appleseed’s founding Executive Director, recently shared:

“After the initial wave of sadness at the news of Steve’s death, my thoughts went with gratitude to the early days of Georgia Appleseed. While Georgia Appleseed came into being because of the foresight and determination of some of Atlanta’s most respected lawyers, it is not an overstatement to credit much of Georgia Appleseed’s current success to the solid foundation provided by Steve Clay, who served as the first Chair of the Georgia Appleseed Board of Directors.  But it must be understood that this was not simply a title for Steve.  This was his investment in the future – a more just future for those on the margins in our state.  He was deeply invested in the mission and work of Georgia Appleseed and his early impact remains undeniable to this day.”  

Georgia Appleseed today

This year, Georgia Appleseed celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over two decades, our work—alongside volunteer lawyers and partners—has helped strengthen systems that shape children’s lives, from education to housing to juvenile justice.

Steve helped build the foundation for this work. His leadership in the earliest days helped establish Georgia Appleseed’s credibility, ambition, and staying power—and we remain grateful for what he made possible.

Share a memory and honor his work

Click here to make a donation in honor of Steve Clay. If you’d like to share a memory about Steve’s leadership in the early days of Georgia Appleseed, please email michael@gaappleseed.org.