Christopher Woodruff has been a driving force behind Columbus’ evolving real estate landscape and the region’s quality of life for more than two decades. For these reasons and his extensive portfolio of community leadership, the Chattahoochee Council will honor him at its 2025 Champion of Change Dinner on Tuesday, May 13. 

Chris Woodruff, CEO of the Woodruff Brokerage Company and founder and president of The Cotton Companies, touts extensive real estate experience in both residential and commercial sectors, encompassing development, management and investment. Deeply rooted in Columbus, with family ties to local real estate and entrepreneurship since the 1840s, he has contributed to more than $190 million in regional developmental investments. Recognized for his impactful development and community service, Woodruff has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Georgia Trend’s “Most Influential Leaders” and as one of its “Top 40 Under 40.” 

“We are honored to recognize Chris Woodruff as this year’s Champion of Change for his remarkable dedication to the growth and betterment of the Chattahoochee Valley, mirroring Scouting’s commitment to building strong community leaders,” said Tonya Dobbins-Williams, the Chattahoochee Council’s scout executive and CEO. “This event not only celebrates Chris’ contributions but also directly supports our mission of empowering and equipping our local Scouts to have the same life-changing impact on the region that Chris has had.” 

In addition to honoring Woodruff, the dinner will feature guest speaker and former professional baseball pitcher Jim Morris. Morris’s athletic journey from high school science teacher to pitching for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays was chronicled in the movie “The Rookie,” starring Dennis Quaid. His message about mentoring and leadership has inspired audiences worldwide to follow their dreams and never give up.

The 2025 Champion of Change Dinner will be held on May 13 at the Bibb Mill Event Center at 6 p.m. Sponsors and VIP ticket holders will have a meet-and-greet with Woodruff and Morris beginning at 5:15 p.m. Guests can purchase individual tickets and tables of eight online at 91BSA.org/TheRookie. Sponsorships are also available, and they include VIP access and special recognition during the event.

The event benefits more than 1,500 youth in the Chattahoochee Council’s 15-county service area, which includes west Georgia and east Alabama. More than 625 trained volunteers in units chartered, or sponsored, by civic and service clubs, schools, religious congregations and businesses mentor and provide young men and women from 5 to 21 with programs and activities that foster character development, vocational awareness, personal and outdoor ethics, leadership skills and civic responsibility.

For more information about the Chattahoochee Council, visit its website.