Who we are

• We value and build upon traditional culture and local assets.

• We listen to local leaders who have the best understanding of the needs and strengths of their communities.

• We support the capacity building of local leaders.

• We believe education should be inclusive of all children.

• We promote ethical governance and policies.

• We encourage collaboration and the sharing of resources between individuals, organizations, and government entities.

• We strive to build interdependent partnerships based on trust, mutual respect, shared accountability, and open communication.

The Rockdale Foundation is a private, family foundation established by Bob Pattillo and Katy Barksdale in 1994. The Pattillo and Barksdale families have deep roots in the community and commerce of Rockdale County, Georgia, and it was in recognition of this heritage that the Foundation was named.

From 2000 to 2009 the Foundation focused on community development, education, and social enterprise. Support was directed to local Atlanta community development projects such as the South Atlanta community, educational initiatives in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools, and microfinance in the Middle East and North Africa region.

In 2010, the Foundation began incorporating more international work with a strategic focus on education, leadership, and children and youth.

After visiting several Sub-Saharan African countries, Sierra Leone was selected as a geographic focus. A country that had survived a brutal civil war and was poised for development, the Foundation began grantmaking in Sierra Leone in 2011.

Today, the Foundation dedicates much of its international grantmaking resources to local education partners in Sierra Leone, while continuing to support the work of partners in Rockdale County and the Atlanta area.

Co-founder & President

Katy Barksdale is President of The Rockdale Foundation, a family foundation with a grant making emphasis in education, ethical leadership, and community.  In addition to her leadership on the foundation, Ms. Barksdale serves on the Boards of the John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Charitable Foundation, Soaring Heights, and MedShare.  Ms. Barksdale previously worked for two US Senators, practiced law, and Chaired the Atlanta Board of Education and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.  Katy has a lifelong passion for storytelling and film and is currently producing two documentaries.  She is proudest of her three adult children who are doing interesting things all over the world.