Tony "Polo" Jordan is a seasoned leader in the nonprofit and government sectors, passionate about empowering youth through the arts and education. With over two decades of experience, Tony has dedicated the first half of his career to transforming the lives of young individuals. His journey began in 1997 while he was pursuing his education at Savannah State University. Tony founded AWOL All Walks of Life, Inc., inspired by a shared love for hip-hop culture. This grassroots initiative quickly blossomed into one of Savannah's leading spoken word and Hip-Hop arts organizations. Leveraging his experiences growing up in challenging circumstances, Tony recognized the potential of the arts to positively impact at-risk youth.

After spending ten years working with at-risk youth in mental health facilities and within the juvenile justice system, Tony shifted AWOL's focus to providing arts and education opportunities for local youth. Guided by his upbringing, marked by adversity and loss, Tony's leadership steered AWOL towards becoming Savannah's first federally recognized spoken word and hip-hop-based youth development agency.

Under Tony's visionary leadership, AWOL implemented innovative programs that offered arts and technology-based training during critical after-school and evening hours. This strategic approach was not just about guiding youth away from trouble but about fostering self-discovery and empowerment. Tony's effective leadership propelled AWOL to serve hundreds of youth and engage thousands of parents and community members through impactful events such as youth art shows and theater productions.

AWOL's achievements under Tony's leadership have not gone unnoticed, earning national recognition in prestigious publications like Edutopia and Black Enterprise magazine. Tony's unwavering commitment to youth empowerment has also been recognized with accolades such as the Comcast Leadership Award from the City Year National Service Learning program and inclusion on Georgia Trend's Top 40 Under 40 list of rising Georgia professionals making an impact. These honors are a testament to Tony's dedication and the impact he has made in youth empowerment.

Today, Tony continues his mission to uplift and inspire young people, now leveraging his experience and leadership skills as the Deputy Director for Parks & Recreation for the City of South Fulton, GA. In this role, Tony remains steadfast in his advocacy for youth empowerment and community engagement, ensuring positive change locally and nationally. His experience as a nonprofit executive has equipped him with valuable skills and insights, facilitating collaboration between municipal government and nonprofit organizations. Tony remains dedicated to advocating for youth empowerment and community engagement, ensuring positive change on both local and national levels.