Transforming compassion into action. Building stronger communities through service, leadership and opportunity.

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Janice Dixon is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Outreach in Action, Inc. (COIA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing food insecurity and strengthening the stability and well-being of children, seniors, individuals and families throughout Clayton County and South Metro Atlanta.

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What began in October 2012 as a vision operating from a single room in a church annex has grown under Janice's leadership into an established community organization providing comprehensive hunger-relief programs and essential resources to thousands of individuals and families.

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Janice founded COIA after witnessing firsthand the impact of economic hardship on working families, seniors and children in her community. She believed families needed a place where they could receive assistance without sacrificing their dignity. That belief became the foundation upon which COIA was built and continues to guide the organization's work today.

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A Record of Growth and Community Impact

For more than a decade, Janice has led the development and expansion of programs designed to respond directly to emerging community needs. COIA's initiatives have included its Community Food Pantry, Mobile Food Distributions, Emergency Food Assistance, Kids Zone Food Pantry, Senior Food Support, youth hunger-relief initiatives, back-to-school assistance and holiday outreach programs.

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Her leadership has helped COIA grow from a grassroots outreach effort into a recognized community resource capable of coordinating large-scale food distributions, mobilizing volunteers and developing partnerships that extend the organization's reach.

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As community needs have increased, Janice has remained committed to reducing barriers to assistance and ensuring that COIA's programs remain accessible, compassionate and responsive. Today, the organization continues to provide nutritious food and essential resources to thousands of people facing economic hardship.

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Janice has also built and cultivated relationships with corporate partners, charitable foundations, food banks, government agencies, community organizations and volunteers, recognizing that sustainable community impact requires collaboration.

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Executive Leadership

Janice combines her passion for service with a strong foundation in business and organizational leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Strayer University.

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Her approach to nonprofit leadership emphasizes responsible stewardship, strategic partnerships, organizational accountability, strong governance and measurable community impact. She remains actively involved in COIA's strategic direction, program development, fundraising, community partnerships and long-term sustainability.

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In 2026, Janice was selected for the Fall 2026 class of Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta's Legal Bootcamp for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders, a selective leadership development program designed to strengthen nonprofit executives' knowledge of effective governance, board and staff responsibilities, conflicts of interest, legal compliance, risk management and organizational leadership. Her selection reflects her continued commitment to strengthening COIA's infrastructure and ensuring that the organization operates with the high standards of accountability and governance expected by funders, partners and the communities it serves.

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Beyond COIA, Janice has continued to strengthen her leadership through civic and professional engagement. She is a graduate of Leadership Clayton and Emerge Georgia Class of 2026 and has served in leadership and civic capacities throughout Clayton County and Georgia.

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Her commitment to service and leadership has been recognized by organizations including the Georgia Women's Legislative Caucus, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and Clayton County civic and community organizations.

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Leadership With Purpose

For Janice, Community Outreach in Action is more than an organization—it represents a commitment made more than a decade ago that no family should have to face hardship without knowing that someone in their community is willing to help.

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She continues to lead COIA with the same determination that inspired its founding: identify the need, build the partnership and take action.

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Her philosophy is captured in one of her favorite sayings:

“A closed mouth doesn't get fed.”

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For Janice, those words represent more than asking for help. They represent the courage to advocate for communities, pursue resources, build relationships and speak on behalf of people whose needs might otherwise go unheard.

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As COIA enters its next chapter, Janice's vision is focused on expanding organizational capacity, strengthening sustainable partnerships and ensuring that Community Outreach in Action remains a trusted source of hope, stability and opportunity for generations to come.