ATLANTA -- Matthew Hicks will join Grady Health System as its new vice president of government relations, the hospital announced Wednesday.

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In his new role, Hicks will manage relationships between Grady and its government partners. He brings more than a decade of relevant experience to the job.

Hicks began his career working on social services and healthcare matters for U.S. Senator Zell Miller. He is also a certified emergency medical technician.

A DeKalb County native, Hicks earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Emory University.

ATLANTA -- Several Atlanta religious leaders will engage in an Interfaith Dialogue session with visiting delegates from Saudi Arabia Thursday.

The 10 participants will use the opportunity to share their experiences from the worlds of faith and commerce, focusing on how they have seen fear, stereotypes and suspicions dissipate when people come to a mutual understanding. At the end of the event, the panel will reveal a five-point plan designed to help people become "doers" through interfaith projects.

The event will be moderated by Nick Stuart, a former journalist who has covered the Middle East and produced a number of award-winning documentaries about interfaith relations.