As the longtime principal of Albany Honda, Graham Edwards is deeply entrenched in business and civic affairs.

The Gadsden, Ala., native has a servant leadership role with the Albany State University Foundation, Porterfield Methodist Church, and Rotary Club of Albany.

But it was participating in Leadership Albany, he says, that opened his eyes to much more of what Albany has to offer – and to many of the leaders who strive to make the community better.

“I was able to see in more detail the many challenges that Albany has, but also the competent and passionate people in this community who are working on these challenges,” he said.

Albany’s best and brightest should participate in the leadership program because “they will walk away with a newfound appreciation of their community – and have a lot of fun in the process,” Edwards said.

The Class of 2014 member and LA board member, a fourth-generation automobile industry employee, said he also enjoyed meeting people from varying backgrounds and professions.

Outside of work and volunteerism, Edwards is plenty busy. He and his wife, Missy, have two children. Meanwhile, he enjoys golf, fishing, reading biographies, and following University of Alabama football.