Graduation Ceremony May 9, 2025 | 11 AM Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Atlanta, Georgia
HONORABLE ANDRE DICKENS | MAYOR, CITY OF ATLANTA RICKY SMITH | AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER
GRADUATION PROGRAM
Welcome
Tyronia Smith AGM + Chief Revenue Officer | ATL
RICE Tour
Special Remarks
James “Jay” Bailey President and CEO | RICE
Intermission
Opening Remarks
Ricky Smith
General Manager | ATL The Honorable Andre Dickens 61st Mayor | City of Atlanta Tyronia Smith AGM + Airport Chief Revenue Officer | ATL Scott Knight Sr. Director of Concessions | ATL
Lunch
Keynote Speaker
Donata Russell Ross CEO of Concessions International
Cohort Reflections
Special Presentation
Presentation of Certificates
CITY OF ATLANTA
55 TRINITY AVE, S.W. ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-0300 TEL (404) 330-6100
Andre Dickens MAYOR
May 9, 2025
Dear Graduates: As the 61 st Mayor of Atlanta, I proudly congratulate you on successfully completing the Gateway to Growth, ATL Concessions Small Business Program ! Supporting small businesses like yours is a group project – one that strengthens our communities and fuels inclusive and equitable growth. Your commitment to this program reflects the power of collaboration, resilience, and a drive to uplift one another – values that define our great city. The ATL Concessions Small Business Program is a dynamic example of what’s possible when we all work together. From our dedicated team at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the City of Atlanta’s Department of Procurement, the Mayor’s Office of Contract Compliance, and our many partners – this achievement is the result of a shared vision to create opportunities for Atlanta’s small businesses to thrive. Bolstering small businesses is embedded in our city’s DNA, and you are now part of that legacy. With major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 NFL Super Bowl on the horizon, the future is brighter than ever for entrepreneurs like you. These global moments will be shaped not just by Atlanta’s world-class sports and entertainment industries, but also by the local businesses that make Atlanta one of the most influential cities in the world. This is your time, and we’re honored to support you every step of the way. Thank you for your hard work, partnership, and belief in what’s possible. Congratulations, and let’s keep Moving Atlanta Forward , together.
Sincerely,
Mayor Andre Dickens
Dear Gateway to Growth Graduates,
May 9, 2025
Dear Gateway to Growth Graduates, On behalf of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), I am pleased to congratulate you on successfully completing the Gateway to Growth program, which May 9, 2025 Dear Gateway to Growth Graduates, is an integral component of our new Concessions Small Business Program. Your graduation demonstrates your commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence. This program, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and proudly supported by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation, was created to educate, empower, and open doors for experienced small business owners like you to thrive within the dynamic environment of ATL. On behalf of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), I am pleased to congratulate you on successfully completing the Gateway to Growth program, which is an integral component of our new Concessions Small Business Program. Your graduation demonstrates your commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence. This program, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and proudly supported by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation, was created to educate, empower, and open doors for experienced small business owners like you to thrive within the dynamic environment of ATL. Your graduation demonstrates your commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence. This program, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and proudly supported by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation, was created to educate, empower, and open doors for experienced small business owners like you to thrive within the dynamic environment of ATL. Throughout this journey, you’ve gained essential knowledge to navigate airport operations, respond to bids, and build operational readiness. You are now better equipped to seize the exciting opportunities that lie ahead at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport. We are proud to have walked alongside you in this pivotal chapter of your Throughout this journey, you’ve gained essential knowledge to navigate airport operations, respond to bids, and build operational readiness. You are now better equipped to seize the exciting opportunities that lie ahead at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport. We are proud to have walked alongside you in this pivotal chapter of your entrepreneurial journey and look forward to your continued success. As you progress, may the lessons and connections forged during Gateway to Growth guide your path and elevate your impact at ATL and beyond. We are proud to have walked alongside you in this pivotal chapter of your entrepreneurial journey and look forward to your continued success. As you progress, may the lessons and connections forged during Gateway to Growth guide your path and elevate your impact at ATL and beyond. entrepreneurial journey and look forward to your continued success. As you progress, may the lessons and connections forged during Gateway to Growth guide your path and elevate your impact at ATL and beyond. On behalf of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), I am pleased to congratulate you on successfully completing the Gateway to Growth program, which is an integral component of our new Concessions Small Business Program. Throughout this journey, you’ve gained essential knowledge to navigate airport operations, respond to bids, and build operational readiness. You are now better equipped to seize the exciting opportunities that lie ahead at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.
With pride and best wishes, With pride and best wishes,
With pride and best wishes,
Ricky Smith General Manager
Ricky Smith General Manager
Ricky Smith General Manager Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Donata Russell Ross CEO Concessions International, LLC
Donata Russell Ross serves as the CEO of Concessions International, LLC (CI), a national food and beverage operator. Founded in 1979, CI specializes in airport food and beverage concession operations and currently operates and manages concession facilities in seven major airports across the nation and one in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Donata has been an integral part of CI’s management team for more than forty years where she’s been responsible for ensuring the successful management of all company departments and enterprises, including the development and actualization of the company’s vision, mission, and strategic plan. She previously served as the company’s President. Donata also serves as President of the Herman J. Russell Foundation, a family foundation that supports community initiatives and programs focusing on entrepreneurship, youth development and mentoring. She is committed to sharing her family’s good fortune and supports initiatives that improve the quality of life in communities where the Russell umbrella of companies operate. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards including the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and Whitefoord, Inc. Donata is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Economics in Management and Marketing. She is currently a member the Board of Directors of H. J. Russell & Company, Concessions International, LLC, Early Learning Property Management (ELPM) and Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) which offers education, mentoring and capital resources to African American entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 2024, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau inducted Donata into the Hospitality Hall of Fame. Additionally, the Council for Quality Growth recognized the Russell Family with the Four Pillar Tribute. In 2025, Donata received the “Business Award” from the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. Donata lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Michael H. Ross and is the mother of two adult sons who work in the family businesses. She enjoy spending time with their families, and especially with her grandchildren.
James “Jay” M. Bailey President and CEO Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs President and CEO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs James “Jay” M. Bailey serves as the President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), where he leads the world’s largest entrepreneurial hub dedicated to growing, scaling, and developing Black businesses. In just five years, under Jay’s visionary leadership, RICE supports more than 600 entrepreneurs full time, sustaining 4,125 jobs in the community, and sparking a staggering $557 million of new economic impact in the Metro Atlanta area. Jay and his team have transformed RICE into an economic empowerment and innovation powerhouse. Jay is an Atlanta native, three-time TED Talker, and die-hard Georgia Bulldog. He has been recognized with the prestigious National Point of Light Award, named one of Atlanta’s “Most Admired CEOs” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, ranked on Atlanta Magazine’s “POWER 100” list of the most dynamic leaders in the city, and honored by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential” leaders in the State. His leadership and commitment to the community have been recognized by three U.S. Presidents. In 2012, he was one of eight Americans honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” Currently residing in East Atlanta, Jay shares his life’s journey with his wife, Dateline NBC correspondent Blayne Alexander, and their cherished daughters, Sage and Skylar.
Tyronia (“Ty”) Smith, Esq., C.M. is the Chief Revenue Officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the world’s busiest airport. She oversees all non-aeronautical revenue generating activities, including concessions, advertising, ground transportation, parking, and rental car operations. ATL’s Commercial Revenue Division typically generates over $1.2 billion in annual gross revenue. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Ty holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business and a Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University, where she became the first African American woman to win the Stanley Moot Court Competition. She has extensive experience in legal and commercial matters. After 17 years in private practice, Ty joined the City of Atlanta Department of Law where she established the Municipal Governance Team, led the Finance Practice Group, and served as senior counsel to ATL. Ty remains active in the legal community and serves on the executive boards for the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers and the State Bar of Georgia Client Security Fund. She is also dedicated to community service, mentors youth and young professionals, and advises local organizations. Ty has received numerous awards, including: Best Commercial Team at the Airport Experience Conference (2025); GAWL President’s Award (2024); Woman of Impact from City of Atlanta (2024); City Attorney Coins of Excellence (2021-2022); Georgia SuperLawyer (2020-2022); Georgia Rising Star (2019); National Black Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 (2016); and Top 100 Trial Lawyers (2015). Other honors include being the first Georgia lawyer to receive the ABA Rosner & Rosner Young Lawyers Professionalism Award (2013) and various awards for ethics, professionalism, leadership, and public service throughout her career.
Scott Knight is the Senior Director of Concessions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, overseeing concessions operations, strategic planning, contract administration, and service delivery. With decades of food and beverage management experience, he previously spent nearly 10 years with Delaware North’s Prime Concessions at the Airport, managing 31 business units, including premium concepts, bars, and quick-service restaurants, generating
approximately $75 million in annual revenue. His responsibilities included warehouse operations, manpower planning, budgeting, food safety, procurement, and compliance with concessions contracts and DHS/TSA regulations. Knight led a team of 33 managers and 285 hourly associates, earning recognition as Concessions GM of the Year in 2018 and Large Company Restaurateur of the Year by the Georgia Restaurant Association. Earlier in his career, Knight held leadership roles at ACG Pizza Partners, Sonic Drive-Ins, and Whataburger, managing multimillion- dollar operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi University for Women and an MBA from Mississippi State University.
Keith M. Philpot serves as the Concessions Business Development Manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, bringing over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, small business development, marketing, and project leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, an MBA in marketing, and multiple professional certifications, including AAAE Certified
Member and Project Management Professional. Keith manages a large-scale program encompassing 300+ locations that generated over $760 million in sales in 2024. Keith has also successfully contributed to three major RFP packages and subsequent contract awards with a combined 10-year projected gross revenue of approximately $1.2 billion. Keith launched and currently manages the Gateway to Growth program, which educates entrepreneurs on how to successfully enter and operate in the dynamic airport concessions environment.
Strawberry Mansion, LLC Ball-n-Co LLC Maganda Holdings, LLC dba Edible Arrangements Good Boy Goodies LLC Fowl Play Atl LLC Graham & Associates, Inc. Noodbox LLC Interrelated Industries.Inc. Tom, Dick & Hank Restaurant Group, LLC Jones & Jones Hospitality, LLC Great Service Plus Limited Liability Company Prosperare Restaurant Group, LLC M-Squad Entities dba Peach Cobbler Factory GranCoffee.com, LLC Shay Latte, LLC CM Management Group, LLC Bavard Entertainment, Inc. Zanjer LLC Faved Enterprises, LLC Travel Kots LLC Sasutain, LLC Yacht Club Access LLC Vamos Volar LLC Westside Living Real Estate LLC dba Trail Snacks Gleaux Blow Dry Bar
David Amadu Brandon Ball Corey Aaron Bierra
ArrKeicha Danzie Anthony Felder Angela Graham Helena Gu Breeden Kishana Holland Hank Johnson Travis Antonio Jones Constanze Khalil-Minton
Andrew Kim Sheretta King
Eduardo “Ed” Lane Shayla McNair Cynthia Mitchell Ali Moradi Eric Poole Faven Ressom Connell Reynolds Janna Russell Natasha Simmons Erika Sirica GeMayaTeague
Sharde Vianas
Taylor Andrews Manager | Properties + Airline Affairs, ATL
Adrienne Ayers AGM | Planning + Development, ATL
Bryan Benefiel Deputy General Manager + Chief Financial Officer, ATL
Vivica Brown Division Chief | Airport Legal Division
Martin Clarke Deputy Division Chief | Airport Legal Division
Jorge Cortes Director | Planning + Development, ATL
Marlene Crayton Instructional Design Specialist Sr. | Human Resources, ATL
Jessee Dagen Sr. Attorney | Airport Legal Division
Corliss Davenport Director | Workforce Development, ATL
Ashraf Demian AGM | Planning + Development, ATL
Antonio Elliott Airport Asst. Director | Concessions Management
Tianna Evola Director ATL Government Affairs
Ann F. Ferraguto Principal/Consultant | AirProjects, Inc., Airport Concessions Yvette Hawkins Senior Specialist | Mayor’s Office of Contract Compliance
Chandra Houston Interim Chief Procurement Officer | Office of the Mayor
Tapika Howard Deputy Chief Procurement Officer
Jason Ingram Deputy Chief Operating Officer | Office of the Mayor
Stephanie Jones Asst. Director | Business Diversity, ATL
Josanne Kennedy Asst. Director | Concessions Management, ATL
Scott Knight Sr. Director | Concessions Management, ATL
Shelley Lamar Asst. Director | Operational Readiness, ATL
Amelia Lowe Manager | Airport Concessions, AirProjects, Inc.
Mark Coleman-Mabry Category Lead | Department of Procurement, City of Atlanta
Fern McCoy Real Estate Manager | Commerial Property Management, ATL
Kimberly Miller Patrick Deputy City Attorney | Airport Legal Division
Tom Nissalke AGM | Planning + Development, ATL
Cindy Olivares AAC Consulting, LLC | Office of Contract Compliance
Keith Philpot Manager | Concessions Management, ATL
Neville Randeria AGM | Capital Finance, ATL
Simone Roberts Community Outreach Specialist | Procurement, City of Atlanta
John Smith Director | Risk Management, City of Atlanta
Michael Smith Sr. Deputy General Manager, ATL
Subriana Smith Training Manager Sr. | Human Resources, ATL
Tyronia M. Smith AGM | Commercial Revenue, ATL
Rocsean Spencer Director | Mayor’s Office of Contract Compliance
Walter Vinson AGM | Government Affairs + Diversity, ATL
Jessica Washington Special Projects Manager | Commercial, ATL
Chaide Wynn Community Outreach Specialist | Procurement, City of Atlanta
ATL Airport
Goldberg Concessions Alicia Ivey
Erica Banks Terrie Banks Monica Coleman Antonio Elliott Josanne Kennedy Scott Knight Tam Le Charles Pettis Keith Philpot Keary Raines John Smith Kim Thompson
Hudson Group Carol McElheney
Jackmont Hospitality Daniel Halpern
Paradies Lagardère Wassim Takriti
Business Traveler Services, Inc. Bill Swift
Tersylbran, Inc. Brandon Delley
City of Atlanta
Mark Coleman-Mabry Rocsean Spencer
Verge Group, LLC
Tran Nguyen
Concessions International Charles Bluemle Donata Russell Ross Boubacar Timera
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