Sam Massell

Who is Sam Massell?

Sam Massell is a businessman who served from 1970 to 1974 as the 53rd mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. He is the first Jewish mayor in his city's history.

A lifelong Atlanta resident, Massell has had successful careers in real estate brokerage, elected office, tourism, and association management. He earned his Bachelor's degree in commercial science from Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia in 1951.

For twenty years, Massell was a Realtor, having become vice president of the Allan-Grayson Realty Company, then one of the largest commercial brokerage firms in Atlanta. During that time, he was elected a charter member of the "Million Dollar Club" of the Atlanta Real Estate Board. He was further honored on three occasions by the Georgia Association of Real Estate Boards for the "Outstanding Transaction of the Year."

While in real estate, Massell also became active in a wide range of civic work, which eventually led to the political arena. He served twenty-two years in elected offices, including eight as President of Atlanta's Board of Aldermen and four as mayor. Mayor Massell was also the president of the 15,000-member National League of Cities.