Bobby Howard
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bobby Howard was an active youth
engaged in various sports programs from football to hockey and was a star
athlete in each. He had an insatiable love for sports, though it would be
football that would not only fuel his passion but also open the door to
receive a full football scholarship to Indiana University, where he studied
business administration. Propelled by his outstanding athletic ability, he
would later be drafted into the National Football League (NFL) and play
professional football with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 1994, Bobby’s life forever changed. He suffered from severe kidney disease that would alter the trajectory of his
life. The onset of this illness was seemingly contrary to any positive outcome. Bobby was fortunate and received a
life-giving kidney transplant. Since then, Bobby has allowed his life-giving experience to manifest into one that is life
changing. As a result, he has dedicated his life to helping others who face life-threatening health challenges by
leading collaborative efforts for LifeLink® of Georgia with local, national coalitions, and community partners. As
Director of LifeLink® of Georgia’s Multicultural Donation Education Program, he earned the Achievement Award for
Outstanding Service and Dedication to the LifeLink mission.
Bobby Howard has faithfully served in the following capacities: President of the Association for Multicultural Affairs in
Transplantation, President of the Georgia Transplant Foundation, LifeLink® Foundation Board of Governors, board
member of the United Network of Organ Sharing, and board member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.
Staying true to his passion, he also served as a football coach to several high schools in the Atlanta Metro area.
Bobby currently serves on the boards of Donate Life America, NFLPA Former Player Board of Directors, and Metro
Atlanta Concerned Black Clergy. He is also Chair of the National Multicultural Action Group.
Because of his work, Bobby Howard was identified as one of six exceptional community leaders across the country
by Coors Light and named Atlanta’s Coors Light’s Ice Cold Leader. He was awarded the Thomas F. Smith
Leadership Award, Georgia Transplant Foundation Award, and inducted into Pittsburgh city High School Hall of
Fame. In 2021, Bobby was awarded the Clive Callendar, M.D. Circle of Excellence Award which honors candidates
from the African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American community who has demonstrated
exceptional leadership and made a meaningful impact within the field of organ, eye, and tissue donation or
transplantation for communities of color.
As an ambassador for life, Bobby Howard continues to be in high demand as a motivational speaker both nationally
and locally. He featured in major media outlets such as USA Today, Jet Magazine, The Tavis Smiley Show, The
Reverend Al Sharpton Show, The Ed Gordon Shows, TBN, Good Day Atlanta, Focus Atlanta, and Atlanta Interfaith
Broadcasting - to name a few. Bobby’s life-changing event has led him in a series of life-changing endeavors that have uniquely benefited many communities.
