Media Trailblazer Pat Mitchell to Be Honored at ‘A Breath of Fresh Air Gala’ on Sept. 2


DENVER - National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital, based in Denver, will honor trailblazing media executive, philanthropist and advocate Pat Mitchell at the 2026 Legends of Atlanta Gala. “A Breath of Fresh Air – A Tribute to Pat Mitchell,” will take place Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at the Woodruff Arts Center Galleria in Atlanta.

The event will bring together community, business and philanthropic leaders to celebrate Mitchell’s contributions to Atlanta and the world through her many years of civic, humanitarian and professional engagement. Proceeds from the evening will benefit National Jewish Health.

“We’re proud to recognize Pat Mitchell as our 2026 Legends of Atlanta honoree,” said Michael Salem, MD, president and CEO of National Jewish Health. “Her commitment to advocate for the well-being of people worldwide is truly inspirational and directly correlates with our work at National Jewish Health. Our physicians and scientists are global leaders in discovering genetic, environmental and other root causes of lung, heart, immune and related conditions — and in providing innovative science and care to change the course of human health.”

Scott Seydel is the gala’s honorary chair, and Rubye Lucas, Wonya Lucas, Mark Mitchell and Clark Seydel are co-chairs.

“On behalf of the Seydel family, I am happy to celebrate Pat’s contributions to our community and our world,” said Scott Seydel, Pat Mitchell’s husband. “She has devoted her life’s work to making a positive difference everywhere she gets involved. Now, she’s engaged in solving for a healthier future for people and the planet. Her interests are deep and broad, and her impact is measurable, especially for women and families. She doesn’t like being called a ‘legend,’ but for so many, she is.”

Now in its third year, the Legends of Atlanta Gala honors individuals whose leadership, vision and service have made a lasting impact. Previous honorees of this black-tie, red-carpet event are renowned art dealer and gallerist Fay Gold and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and civil rights icon Andrew Young.

"Pat is more than a media pioneer — she is a path-maker. For those of us fortunate enough to walk beside her, she turns courage into action and vision into legacy," said Rubye Lucas, Mitchell’s longtime friend.

Mitchell was chosen as this year’s Legends of Atlanta Gala honoree in recognition of her career and civic leadership, which have left an indelible mark on journalism, film, women’s issues, philanthropy and the environment. Her influence continues to inspire locally and internationally.

“Pat doesn’t just lead organizations — she elevates people. Her mentorship has been a masterclass in integrity, boldness and grace,” said Wonya Lucas, an accomplished former media executive, who regards Mitchell as a mentor.

The event will benefit National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation delivering excellence in collaborative multispecialty care for children and adults as well as world class research. Supporters from across the country enable the 126-year-old academic medical center to continue its mission to heal, to discover and to educate as a preeminent health care institution.

For more information, including how to be a part of the event, please contact Ana Nelson, National Jewish Health, at (561) 257-0608 or NelsonAM@njhealth.org, or A. Brown-Olmstead Associates at (404) 659-0919 or amanda@newaboa.com.

Background for Pat Mitchell
Throughout her career as an award-winning journalist, producer and media executive, Pat Mitchell broke new ground for women as the first woman president of PBS and of CNN Productions. Today, Mitchell is a co-founder, host and curator for TEDWomen and a co-founder and managing partner of ConnectedWomenLeaders, a cohort of global women leaders, across generations and geography, who are launching a global, women-led campaign for climate justice titled Project Dandelion. She serves on the boards of the Sundance Institute, The Skoll Foundation, Participant Media, The Woodruff Arts Center and the VDAY movement to end violence. She’s also a member of CARE’s Global Advisory Council and Chair Emerita of the Women’s Media Center, which established an annual award in her name. In her memoir, “Becoming a Dangerous Woman: Embracing Risk to Change the World,” Mitchell shares her journey as a frontline advocate for a just, equitable and sustainable world.
 

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation delivering excellence in multispecialty care and world class research. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. To learn more, visit njhealth.org or the media resources page.


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