Bill Balzer

Bill Balzer retired from United Parcel Service in 1995 after a thirty-five plus year career in various assignments. During that time, Bill and his family lived in Connecticut, northern New Jersey, Wellesley, Massachusetts, Westchester County, New York, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Upon retirement, Balzer enrolled at Georgia State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 1998.

After graduating college, Balzer became involved with Theatrical Outfit, Inc., the second oldest theater group in Atlanta, rising from board member to Board Chair in three-years.

Balzer was instrumental in enabling Theatrical Outfit to build its own theater and office space as part of the Downtown Atlanta’s renaissance, creating The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, the first fully LEEDS- certified “green” theater building in the U.S. An active community member, in addition to his involvement with Theatrical Outfit, Balzer also dedicated much time to his alma mater Georgia State University. He is a former trustee and chair of GSU Foundation Board Trustee, former chair of the Foundation’s development committee, and a former member of the GSU College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors, a non-governing advisory board.

In his free time, Balzer enjoys working on crossword puzzles, reading, swimming, long walks, attending the theatre, and traveling. Balzer and his wife Peg have traveled the world in retirement, including a month in France and Australia, and driving across the United States three times. Now most of their travel is to Minnesota to visit with their three grandchildren.


Awards Received:

  • Central Atlanta Progress Inc.’s Turner Downtown Community Leadership Award March 2011
  • Georgia State University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Community Service Award
    May 2007
  • Lexus Leader of the Arts – Georgia Public Broadcasting January 2005
  • Pioneer Award – Georgia State University February 2005
  • Phoenix Award – City of Atlanta February 2005
  • Telly Award for producing the documentary Herren’s A Sweet Southern Spirit
    • The Telly Awards was founded in 1978 by David E. Carter, a past Emmy® and Clio® winner, to honor excellence in local, regional and cable TV commercials. Non-broadcast video and TV program categories were soon added. Today, the Telly is one of the most sought-after awards by industry leaders, from large international firms to local production companies and ad agencies. With over 200 categories, more organizations than ever are eligible to participate. “Herren’s” won a bronze 2006 Telly Award in the documentary category and was nominated for a southeast regional Emmy Award
    • The Telly Awards was founded in 1978 by David E. Carter, a past Emmy® and Clio® winner, to honor excellence in local, regional and cable TV commercials. Non-broadcast video and TV program categories were soon added. Today, the Telly is one of the most sought-after awards by industry leaders, from large international firms to local production companies and ad agencies. With over 200 categories, more organizations than ever are eligible to participate. “Herren’s” won a bronze 2006 Telly Award in the documentary category and was nominated for a southeast regional Emmy Award