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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY’S MARK F. EPPERT APPOINTED TO EAST LAKE FOUNDATION BOARD AMIDST 30TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

East Lake Foundation Welcomes Esteemed Chief Financial and Supply Chain Officer to its Dynamic Group of Board Leaders, Strengthening its Mission of Community Transformation

ATLANTA – August 14, 2025 —The East Lake Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Mark F. Eppert, Chief Financial and Supply Chain Officer of The Coca-Cola Company’s North America Operating Unit, to its Board of Directors. Eppert joins the Board during a landmark year as the Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary of igniting change and illuminating pathways to opportunity in the East Lake community and beyond.

Mr. Eppert brings extensive expertise in strategic financial management, operations and supply chain leadership to the East Lake Foundation Board. In his role, he oversees financial management, performance and stewardship, driving growth for The Coca-Cola Company’s North America business. His proven ability to anticipate unintentional consequences and uncover hidden opportunities will be invaluable to the Foundation’s strategic initiatives.

“I am incredibly honored to join the East Lake Foundation Board, especially during this momentous 30th anniversary year, and look forward to doing my part to carry on the unmatched, profound legacy of Tom Cousins,” said Eppert. “The Foundation’s ‘pay it forward’ mindset and its dedication to holistic community development through innovative solutions connect with my own commitment to empowering the next generation. Its mission also aligns with our company’s purpose to Refresh the World and Make a Difference, and our goal to make a positive impact in the communities we serve, including our hometown of Atlanta.”

Mr. Eppert’s board service experience includes multiple committee roles for Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. He previously served on the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Board, Fairlife LLC board, and is currently a First Tee Trustee. Additionally, he served as Finance Chair and Board Chair for The Ohio State University Alumni Board.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Mark F. Eppert to our Board during this pivotal 30th anniversary,” said Ilham Askia, President and CEO of the East Lake Foundation. “Mark’s exceptional financial acumen, operational leadership, and deep commitment to mentoring and community development align perfectly with our vision. His expertise will be instrumental as we continue honoring the legacies of those who blazed the trail of change and look forward to igniting further holistic community development through our cradle-to-college and career continuum, mixed-income housing, community wellness and economic vitality initiatives.”

For three decades, the East Lake Foundation has served as a community connector, passionately advocating for and centering the voices of the community. Its innovative approach has multiplied to more than 25 neighborhoods across the country through Purpose Built Communities, illuminating a path to equitable, healthy and vibrant communities nationwide. Together, the Foundation illuminates pathways to opportunity through innovative solutions that ignite change in the community.

He joins the East Lake Board alongside William Wesley. To learn more about the East Lake Foundation and its transformative work, please visit the East Lake Foundation’s website here.

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For More Information, Contact: Kaci Pollack, 678-895-4488, kaci@seesparkgo.com

ABOUT THE EAST LAKE FOUNDATION

 Founded in 1995, by developer and philanthropist, Tom Cousins, the East Lake Foundation collaborates with The Villages of East Lake residents, Charles R. Drew Charter School families, and other key service providers to ensure every member of our community has equitable access to the resources, tools and support needed to thrive.

The Foundation utilizes an integrated model for holistic community development that includes cradle-to-college education, mixed-income housing, community wellness, and economic vitality. This approach to building an equitable, healthy, and vibrant community creates a place where people of all ages and income levels choose to live.

East Lake Foundation’s transformative approach has become a national model for integrated and holistic community redevelopment now being replicated in 25+ additional neighborhoods across the country through Purpose Built Communities. For more information, please visit www.eastlakefoundation.org.