Griffin & Strong CEO Recognized for Decades of Leadership Advancing Contract Compliance, Equitable Procurement and Economic Opportunity
ATLANTA, Aug. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA) honored Attorney Rodney K. Strong, CEO of Griffin & Strong, P.C. and ACCA Board Member, with the prestigious Parren J. Mitchell Crusader Award on Wednesday, August 12, during ACCA's 40th Anniversary National Training Institute (NTI) in Atlanta.
The recognition celebrates Strong's decades of leadership in contract compliance, public procurement, disparity research, and the advancement of economic opportunities for minority-, women-, disadvantaged- and small-business enterprises.
More than 600 contract compliance professionals, government officials, attorneys, procurement leaders, consultants and economic development professionals from across the country gathered in Atlanta for the milestone 40th Anniversary NTI. Attendees participated in workshops, professional development sessions and discussions focused on the legal, economic and policy issues shaping the future of contract compliance and equitable public procurement.
Named in honor of the late Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, a pioneering advocate for minority business development and economic inclusion, the Crusader Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting contribution to expanding economic opportunity.
A Career Rooted in Atlanta and National Impact
Strong's connection to contract compliance dates back more than four decades. In 1985, Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young appointed Strong as Director of Contract Compliance for the City of Atlanta, placing him at the forefront of the city's efforts to expand opportunities for minority businesses and strengthen accountability within public contracting.
That experience helped shape a career devoted to examining barriers within public procurement and developing legally sound strategies that help government agencies expand meaningful access to contracting opportunities.
Strong later co-founded Griffin & Strong, P.C., an Atlanta-based law and public policy consulting firm that has become nationally recognized for its work involving disparity studies, procurement and contracting analysis, program development, legal consulting, and initiatives designed to strengthen small and diverse business participation.
Through Griffin & Strong, Strong has worked with governmental entities and public institutions across the country, helping leaders better understand disparities within their contracting environments and develop data-driven approaches to procurement and economic inclusion.
His work has helped connect the principles of law, data, public policy and economic development, providing government decision-makers with research and strategies to address barriers facing businesses seeking access to public contracting opportunities.
Building on Atlanta's Legacy
Receiving the award in Atlanta carries special significance for Strong. The city has played an important role in the national evolution of minority business development, contract compliance and inclusive procurement.
Strong's career reflects that history—from his early leadership in Atlanta city government to his national work advising public entities on some of the most complex issues involving procurement, disparity research and contracting programs.
The recognition also underscores the connection between generations of leadership in this field. The legacy of Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, combined with the leadership of Atlanta figures such as Ambassador Andrew Young and professionals such as Strong, helped establish economic inclusion as an important component of public policy and government contracting.
For Strong, the Crusader Award represents both recognition of a distinguished career and a call to continue preparing the next generation of contract compliance professionals to navigate an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment.
ACCA Celebrates 40 Years of Professional Leadership
The 2026 National Training Institute marks 40 years of ACCA's commitment to professional education, training, collaboration and leadership within the contract compliance profession.
Throughout the week, professionals from communities across the country gathered in Atlanta to exchange best practices, strengthen their technical expertise and explore strategies for addressing current and emerging challenges affecting contracting, procurement and economic opportunity.
Strong's recognition during this milestone anniversary highlights the impact that individual leadership, institutional knowledge and sustained commitment can have on communities and businesses across generations.
About Rodney K. Strong and Griffin & Strong, P.C.
Attorney Rodney K. Strong is the CEO of Griffin & Strong, P.C., an Atlanta-based law and public policy consulting firm with extensive experience in disparity research, public procurement, contract compliance, program development and economic inclusion strategies. Strong has spent decades working at the intersection of law, public policy, government contracting and economic development and is nationally recognized for his expertise in procurement disparity research and contracting programs.
To learn more about Griffin & Strong, P.C., visit: gspclaw.com
About the American Contract Compliance Association
The American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA) is a national professional organization dedicated to advancing education, professional development and best practices within contract compliance and related fields. Through its National Training Institute and year-round professional engagement, ACCA provides practitioners with opportunities to strengthen their knowledge, exchange best practices and develop strategies that support effective and equitable contracting programs.
To learn more about ACCA and the National Training Institute, visit: accaweb.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Eric Troy
Local Planning Committee Media Liaison
Member, ACCA 2026 NTI Local Planning Committee
Chair of Marketing Committee
Founder & CEO, Eficionado, LLC
Strategic Communications Consultant, Griffin & Strong, P.C.
Phone: (614) 405-1244
Email: [email protected]
Martha Valenzuela
Second Vice President, ACCA
Phone: (602) 423-0821
Email: [email protected]
Lisa Howard
Co-Chair, ACCA NTI Marketing Committee
Phone: (315) 725-9642
Email: [email protected]
Media Contact
Eric Troy, Griffin & Strong, PC, 1 614-405-1244 [email protected], [email protected]
SOURCE Griffin & Strong, PC
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