PRESENTING SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Maps................................................................................................. 5 Detailed Agenda.............................................................................7 Venues. ...........................................................................................21 Stats................................................................................................ 25 History............................................................................................ 29 Government / Employment by Sector.......................................31 Atlanta Rankings & Accolades / Websites of Interest...........33 Attendees...................................................................................... 35 Chamber Staff Contacts...............................................................61 TABLE OF CONTENTS
AGENDA AT A GLANCE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 Noon Kickoff & Lunch at Ventanas 12:15 p.m. Atlanta Influences Everything - What Makes this City Tick 1:30 p.m. Higher Ed and Talent Development - How Atlanta-Area HBCUs Impact Growth 2:30 p.m. Depart for Tours 3 p.m. Tour – Tyler Perry Studios 3 p.m.
Tour – National Center for Civil & Human Rights
4 p.m.
Depart for Hotel Break/Check-In
4:30 p.m.
6 p.m.
Depart for Dinner – Roebuck Room at Ponce City Market
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 8 a.m.
Breakfast at Hotel
8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m.
The Legacy of the Olympics in Atlanta Hosting the Big Event: From World Cup to the Super Bowl -- How Atlanta Does It Self-guided walking tour of Atlanta Beltline / Krog St Market area Depart for Beltline The Beltline: Atlanta’s Bold Revitalization Plan Affordable Housing: Atlanta’s Challenge & Solutions Lunch – Brew Dog Centennial Yards – Connecting Atlanta’s Downtown Communities Depart for Battery – Truist Park Transportation & Transit: How Atlanta Keeps Growing and Keeps People Moving The Battery – Atlanta’s Entertainment Destination
10 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
2 p.m.
2:45 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4 p.m.
Wrap-up and Reception Depart for Airport
5:45 p.m.
VENUE MAP
C
A E
D
B
F
A. Georgian Terrace Hotel B. Ventanas C. Tyler Perry Studios
D. National Center for Civil & Human Rights E. Ponce City Market F. Brew Dog, Atlanta Beltline
COUNTY MAP
DOUGLAS
MAPS 5
DETAILED AGENDA Thursday, October 24 12 p.m. Lunch at Ventanas 12:15 p.m. Atlanta Influences Everything - What Makes this City Tick Founded in 1837 as the last stop of a rail line, Atlanta has emerged as a center of transportation, banking and commerce. More than just the numbers, Atlanta’s heritage and history influences its modern culture and its spirit of collaboration. In this session, Bem Joiner, a native Atlantan securely planted in the city’s creative community, will share the story of Atlanta and its influence in the world.
Bem Joiner Founder, Atlanta Influences Everything and The Tomorrows Agency Bem is a native of Atlanta, raised in Atlanta’s diverse and Historic West End. He is 2002 graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in
Mass Communications and returned to Atlanta in the middle of its transitional stage. Bem is a founding member of the creative branding agency, The Tmrrws (tmrrws.com) and is known as the #CreativeCultureCurator, consulting on many Lifestyle/Cultural Immersion projects for a variety of clients including Sprite, Mississippi Dept. of Education, truth.com, National Black Arts Festival, Nissan, Jack Daniels, Vitamin Water and countless others.
#AtlantaInfluencesEverything is the part of The Tomorrows, LLC. Agency that leverages Atlanta’s cultural capital to assist the city in coming up with innovative solutions to solve everyday problems as well as assisting in the brand building of the city. 1:30 p.m. Higher Ed and Talent Development - How Atlanta-Area HBCUs Impact Growth Atlanta is home to six historically black colleges and universities. These institutions have served as a magnet for talent from across the United States. Their graduates have a profound impact on the city and its vitality. We will hear from one of the institution’s leaders, as well as a graduate of Spelman College who is leading an Atlanta non-profit organization.
Dr. Charlene Gilbert Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, Clark Atlanta University Dr. Charlene D. Gilbert serves as the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Clark Atlanta University. As the institution’s chief
academic officer, Dr. Gilbert is responsible for the academic enterprise across the university. Her direct responsibilities include the University’s four schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the Whitney M. Young School of Social Work. In addition, her portfolio includes the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Office for Planning, Assessment, and Research, Graduate Education, Online Education, and the University Art Museum. DETAILED AGENDA 7
Che Watkins Executive Director, Atlanta for Braven Spelman College alumna, Che D. Watkins, is the Executive Director of Atlanta for Braven. In previous roles she has also served as President & CEO of The Center for Working
Families and Vice President of External Affairs of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, where she served as Education and Campaign Manager for the 2012 Metro Atlanta Transportation Referendum that executed a $9 million voter education and advocacy effort to draw 300,000 voters to the polls to pass an $8 billion transportation referendum for the metro Atlanta region.
2:30 p.m. Depart for Tours
3:00 p.m. Tour Group 1 – Tyler Perry Studios
Steve Mensch President & General Manager of Studio Operations, Tyler Perry Studios Steve Mensch is the President and General Manager of Studio Operations at Tyler Perry Studios and is considered one of the most
influential people in the film and TV production industry in Georgia. Mensch has worked in various high-level positions
within the entertainment industry and has a background in studio operations, strategic partnerships, and sales. Mensch has held leadership roles at companies such as Tyler Perry Studios, Third Rail Studios, Qingdao Oriental Movie Industrial Park, and Turner Broadcasting. Steve also has experience in sales and management at Feature Systems Inc, AT&T, and Embassy Suites. Mensch holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University at Buffalo.
3:00 p.m. Tour Group 2 – National Center for Civil & Human Rights
4:00 p.m. Depart for Hotel
4:30 p.m. Break/Check-In/Change for Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet in lobby to depart for dinner (bus ride) Roebuck Room at Ponce City Market
DETAILED AGENDA 9
Friday, October 25 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hotel – Piedmont Ballroom
8:30 a.m. The Legacy of the Olympics in Atlanta In 1996, Atlanta hosted the Games of the XXVI Olympiad. The events placed the city squarely on the world stage and have had a long-lasting impact on the city. In this session, we will hear from a business leader who can share the legacy of hosting these events and how they continue to impact the city.
A.J. Robinson President, Central Atlanta Progress A.J. is President of Central
Atlanta Progress (CAP), a private business association founded in 1941 that remains one of the most effective advocacy organizations in Atlanta. He is also the President of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID). 9:15 a.m. Hosting the Big Event: From World Cup to the Super Bowl -- How Atlanta Does It Hosting a major event takes significant teamwork in a community. Atlanta has been home to everything from the Olympics, to the College Football Playoffs, the All Star Game to the SuperBowl. In this session we will learn more about what it takes to make a large scale event happen.
Jason Lusk VP Sales, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Jason Lusk leads sales initiatives for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), focusing on events, lead generation, and customer engagement to boost hotel
bookings across the city. With nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, he previously served as associate vice president of convention sales at Visit Denver and held roles at Visit Baltimore and P.W. Feats, Inc. Lusk is affiliated with ASAE, MPI, and PCMA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Tom Weyandt Retired, City of Atlanta
Weyandt is a former Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta and has more than 40 years of experience in economic development, policy research and regional planning industries. During
his time as deputy COO, he served as the primary liaison to City of Atlanta transportation agency partners and coordinated all activities between the departments of public works, planning and community development.
10:00 a.m. Depart for Beltline
DETAILED AGENDA 11
10:30 a.m. Self-guided walking tour of Atlanta Beltline / Krog St Market area
11:00 a.m. Meet at Brew Dog The Beltline: Atlanta’s Bold Revitalization Plan As a grad student 25 years ago, Ryan Gravel envisioned a plan for 22 miles of mostly abandoned rail lines as a means to connect Atlanta’s neighborhoods and foster growth of affordable housing and community. We will hear the story of that vision, the plans and implementation that followed and see the impact in the community.
Ryan Gravel Founder, Six Pitch Ryan Gravel, AICP, is an urban designer, author, and speaker – an entrepreneur working on ideas about the future of cities. Through his consulting practice, Sixpitch, Ryan is engages the dramatic transformation
coming to cities, offering a range of approaches and partnerships designed to support a more equitable, resilient, and beautiful world. His master’s thesis in 1999 was the original vision for the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile transit greenway that with twenty years of progress, is changing both the physical form of his city and the decisions people make about living there. Now a $4 billion public-private investment in the early stages of implementation, the project’s health and economic benefits are already evident through record-breaking use of its first section of mainline trail and over $10 billion of private sector redevelopment since 2005.
Kraig Torres Founder and CEO, Hop City – Barleygarden – Boxcar Kraig Torres is a successful entrepreneur and beer enthusiast who has turned his passion for beer and wine into a multi-state, multi-million destination for food
and beverage lovers. With humble beginnings in 2009 with a single storefront in Atlanta, GA Kraig has grown Hop City into five locations in Atlanta and Birmingham, AL that includes retail beer and wine, beer bars, and full-service restaurants. USA Today ranked Hop City the #2 beer bar in the country (Birmingham) and best in the Southeast. Kraig is a 1991 graduate of Rutgers University and served in the US Coast Guard from 1986 - 1989. He founded and co-owned Collisionworks Auto Body Experts, a $4MM repair facility started in 2003 which was sold to Gerber Automotive. 11:45 a.m. Affordable Housing: Atlanta’s Challenge & Solutions Affordable housing is a challenge for every growing community, and it is one that Atlanta has taken head on. In this session, we will hear from the leader of Atlanta’s Housing Innovation Lab.
DETAILED AGENDA 13
Matt Bedsole Housing Innovation Lab Director, City of Atlanta Matt Bedsole has a diverse work experience in various organizations. Matt is currently the Director of Housing Innovation Lab in the Office of the Mayor at the City of Atlanta.
Before this role, they served as the Assistant Director of the Office of Housing and Community Development in the same organization. Prior to joining the City of Atlanta, Matt worked as a Senior Analyst at HR&A Advisors. Matt also has experience as a Senior Planner and a Planner II at APD Urban Planning & Management, LLC.
Alan Ferguson President & CEO, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Ferguson recently served as Senior
Vice President, Development & Operations for The American Opportunity Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit investor and owner of affordable workforce housing, and as Invest Atlanta’s Senior Vice President of Community Development.
12:30 p.m. Lunch – Brew Dog Centennial Yards – Connecting Atlanta’s Downtown Communities
Centennial Yards Atlanta is an ambitious, 50-acre urban revitalization project transforming underutilized property in the heart of Downtown. The developer is creating a thriving community of business, retail, entertainment and housing.
Ben Vera Vice President, Centennial Yards Company
Ben Vera is a Vice President at Centennial Yards Company and oversees the public financing components of the project and across CIM Group’s portfolios. Prior to joining Centennial Yards, Mr. Vera was a Vice President and Head of Business Development, leading the National Investment Banking team within Piper Sandler’s Special District Group, where he led several municipal bond financings for major development projects primarily in Utah and Texas. Prior to joining Piper Sandler, Mr. Vera was a credit investment analyst at MacKay Shields and was responsible for roughly $8 billion in assets, concentrated in high yield, land secured securities and other development projects funded by municipal bonds. Mr. Vera resides in Cumming, GA with his wife, Ashley and their four children.
2:00 p.m. Depart for Battery – Truist Park
DETAILED AGENDA 15
2:45 p.m. Transportation & Transit: How Atlanta Keeps Growing and Keeps People Moving Atlanta has nearly tripled in size since 1975 and continues to grow at a rapid pace. Their transit and transportation system has had difficulty keeping up with this growth. In this session we will hear from transportation leaders about this challenge.
Mike Alexander COO, Atlanta Regional Commission Mike Alexander is the Chief Operating Officer of the Atlanta Regional Commission, managing the Community Development, Natural Resources, Research &
Analytics, Transportation Planning, Mobility Services, Aging and Independence Services, Workforce Development, and Homeland Security Departments of the ARC. Mike has over 20 years of public policy experience focused on regional and local community planning. As COO, he leads a multidisciplinary, professional staff in the fields of transportation planning, environmental planning, community and workforce development, economics, aging services, and demographic forecasting.
Scott Haggard Director of Government & External Affairs, Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority Scott Haggard serves as Director of External Affairs and Board Relations for the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL), where he manages
external and Board relationships for the state authority created in 2018 to coordinate transit planning and funding across the 13-county metro Atlanta area and with ten transit operators. Scott has had an extensive career in government and public policy and is currently serving in his fourth year as President of the Georgia Transit Association, and is the Chair of the Gwinnett County Planning Commission.
3:30 p.m. The Battery – Atlanta’s Entertainment Destination The Battery is a 2.25-million-square-foot mixed-use destination that offers entertainment, housing, hotels, office and more. In this session we will learn about the vision for the development and the phenomenal results.
DETAILED AGENDA 17
Lauren Abernathy Vice President of Marketing, Braves Development Company Lauren Abernethy is the Vice President, Marketing of Braves Development Company with the Atlanta Braves. She is responsible for the creation and implementation
of the overall strategic marketing direction of The Battery Atlanta including development of compelling marketing and special events programming. She has over 20 years’ experience in program development, public relations, and strategic marketing. She is a graduate of Mars Hill University in North Carolina.
4:00 p.m. Wrap-up and Reception
5:45 p.m. Depart for Airport
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VENUES Georgian Terrace Hotel • The Georgian Terrace was founded in 1911, and the hotel is located on Midtown Atlanta’s bustling intersection of Peachtree and Ponce De Leon Avenue – where businesses, art, culture and fine dining come together.
• The Georgian Terrace is one of only three major structures that make up the Fox Theatre Historic District, in which the hotel has hosted several gatherings for premieres located at its neighboring building, the Fox Theatre. • The Georgian Terrace has housed many celebrities in its time, including Gone with the Wind stars Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, former Vice President Calvin Coolidge, Walt Disney, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Helen Keller and many more. Ventanas • Ventanas, founded in 2008, is Atlanta’s premier event space, located atop the 14th and 15th floors of the Park Pavilion building in the city’s Centennial Park District. • With windows that reach from the floor the ceiling, Ventanas offers views of Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. • Located in the heart of the downtown Atlanta area, Ventanas is one block from the CNN Center, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, American Cancer Society and AmericasMart.
Tyler Perry Studios • Acquired by Tyler Perry
in 2015, the 330-acre lot is located in the heart of Atlanta on the historic grounds of the former Fort McPherson army base. • The major motion picture studio, one of the largest production facilities in the country, showcases forty buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, twelve purpose-built sound stages, 200 acres of greenspace and a diverse backlot. • Tyler Perry Studios Fort McPherson is the fourth expansion in the lineage of the writer, actor, producer, director, and philanthropist’s creative empire.
National Center for Civil & Human Rights • Founded in 2014, NCCHR
connects the US civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to global human rights
movements for people of color, women, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and more. • The Center creates dynamic and empathy-building experiences, teaches history’s connection to the present, generates brave and difficult conversations about necessary issues and inspires the change-maker in each of us to promote civil and human rights in our communities and the world. • NCCHR connects the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s to global human rights movements for the rights of people of color, women, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people, and other marginalized groups. VENUES 21
Ponce City Market • Located in the Old Fourth
Ward neighborhood along the Atlanta Beltline and across
from the Historic Fourth Ward Park, the Ponce City Market is a community-centered establishment along the stretch of Ponce De Leon Avenue. • Ponce City Market offers a wide array of entertainment, from retail and restaurants to residences and office space. An amusement park even rests on the roof of the establishment. • Ponce City Market has experienced multiple expansions within recent years, with 619 Ponce completed in June 2023, Flex Living completed this past summer, Signal House now open, as well as the addition of a new restaurant and bookstore. Brew Dog / Atlanta Beltline • BrewDog, a restaurant and brewery located along the Atlanta Beltline, officially opened onsite brewing tanks and guest beers from around the world. • BrewDog is one of many businesses located along the Atlanta Beltline. The 22-mile loop of trails, parks and future transit connects 45 different neighborhoods to a vibrant variety of recreational spaces, restaurants, breweries, art galleries, local businesses, art and cultural experiences. • Created in the early 2000s from a repurposed historic railway corridor, the Atlanta Beltline is one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in the United States. in Atlanta in 2022. The brewery offers craft beer from the company’s Ohio brewery, brews from the
Truist Park / The Battery • Opened in 2017, Truist Park is the home of the Major League Baseball team the Atlanta Braves. Truist Park is located in The Battery. • The Battery is a 2.25-million-
square-foot premiere sports entertainment area situated in the Cumberland area of Atlanta, specifically at the intersection of I-75 and I-285. The Battery offers a wide array of fine dining, housing some of Atlanta’s most acclaimed chefs, as well as retailers, entertainment spaces and more. • Outside of Truist Park, The Battery is home to other major entertainment centers, such as the 4,000-seat venue, Coca- Cola Roxy, the Park Bench piano bar and Battle and Brew.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT 75 YEARS OF advancing O klahoma's construction industry
With 75 years of serving our communities, Nabholz knows we’re not just building facilities — we’re building futures. We’re proud to work with clients in almost every aspect of commercial facility management, including maintenance services, industrial machinery transportation and installation, infrastructure, energy and solar services, and more.
LOOKING FORWARD SINCE 1949
405.979.4400 | nabholz.com
VENUES 23
STATS
Atlanta (city) 498,718
Oklahoma City (city)
Atlanta (MSA)
Oklahoma City (MSA)
Population Population Population Density Total area (sq. mi)
681,284 6,104,803 1,425,695
3,687.3
1,123.3
694.9
258.7
135.3
606.5
8,785
5,512
Atlanta (city)
Oklahoma City (city)
Atlanta (MSA)
Oklahoma City (MSA)
Median Age
U.S. is 39.1
34.0
35.6
37.6
36.5
Population Diversity
Atlanta (city)
Oklahoma City (city)
Atlanta (MSA)
Oklahoma City (MSA)
White Black
39.8% 47.2%
53.6% 14.0%
45.7% 33.5%
62.5% 10.3%
American Indian
0.3%
3.5%
0.5%
4.0%
Asian
4.5% 6.4%
4.6%
6.5% 12.6%
3.3%
Hispanic
22.3%
16.0%
2024 Total Population Age Distribution
Atlanta (city)
Oklahoma City (city)
Atlanta (MSA)
Oklahoma City (MSA)
Age 0-14 Age 15-24 Age 25-44 Age 45-64
13.9% 20.0% 18.3%
19.3% 14.4%
14.9%
13.5%
13.7%
39.1% 30.2% 28.4% 28.2% 20.3% 22.0% 25.3% 22.5%
Age 65+
11.9%
14.3%
14.3%
15.6%
Oklahoma City (city) 72°F/51°F
Weather
Atlanta (city)
Annual average High/Low Average annual rainfall Average annual snowfall
72°F/53°F
49.7"
36.5"
0"
8"
Oklahoma City (city) 8.625% Council- Manager
Government
Atlanta (city)
Combined (City+State) Sales Tax
8.90%
Government Structure
Mayor-Council
Atlanta (city)
Oklahoma City (city)
Atlanta (MSA)
Oklahoma City (MSA)
Income
2024 Median Household Income
$85,782 $66,473 $89,276 $70,264
2024 Per Capita Income
$62,679 $37,871
$46,327
$38,382
Oklahoma City (MSA)
Education
Atlanta (MSA)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
43%
35%
Oklahoma City (MSA)
Workforce
Atlanta (MSA)
Mean Travel Time to Work. U.S. is 26.8 minutes
31 Minutes 24.1 Minutes
STATS 25
Labor Force Growth (% change 2013-2023) 2013 Annual Labor Force 2023 Annual Labor Force Labor Force Growth (% change 2013-2023) Unemployment Rate July 2024
Oklahoma City (MSA)
Atlanta (MSA)
2,786,312 3,233,047
649,153 749,256
16.0%
15.4%
3.8%
3.5%
Atlanta MSA Population 2,127,779 2,352,155
Atlanta MSA % Change
Oklahoma City MSA Population
Oklahoma City MSA % Change
Population Growth
1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
14.3% 798,210 10.5% 877,354
9.6% 9.9% 12.6% -1.6% 6.9% 4.7% 6.7% 8.3%
2,689,442 14.3% 987,888
3,104,221
15.4% 972,512
3,644,699 17.4% 1,039,343 4,293,475 17.8% 1,088,347
4,770,870
11.1% 1,161,308
5,303,075 11.2% 1,257,896
5,695,632 6,103,261
7.4% 1,359,199 7.2% 1,428,709
8.1% 5.1%
STATS 27
HISTORY Atlanta was founded in 1837 as the final destination of the Western and Atlantic railroad line. The town – then known as Terminus, in honor of its founding as a railway terminus – emerged around a zero milepost, symbolizing the end of the rail line. In 1845, the city was renamed to Atlanta, the feminine version of Atlantic – again honoring its history with the city’s original railway. By 1846, however, two additional railroad lines converged with the original, allowing the city to connect to further establishments and grow itself. Much like the railroad, the Civil War significantly shaped Atlanta's history, profoundly influencing the city's development in the following decades. Atlanta joined the Confederacy in 1861, becoming vital for war production. The city's population grew to 22,000 by 1864 due to wartime industries. General Sherman captured Atlanta on September 2, 1864, leading to significant destruction and civilian evacuation. Sherman's actions contributed to Lincoln's reelection and marked a turning point in the Civil War, leaving Atlanta devastated. Although Atlanta faced severe devastation after the Civil War, the city quickly rebuilt due to its railroads. By 1900, the population grew to nearly 90,000, with a significant increase in African Americans, many drawn by educational and employment opportunities. Segregated neighborhoods emerged alongside Black colleges. White leaders, promoting the “New South” philosophy, aimed for industrial growth and reconciliation with the North. Major expositions showcased Atlanta's potential, however, this era also saw the establishment of Jim Crow laws, enforcing racial segregation and limiting rights for African Americans. As the 20th century began, Atlanta's population tripled, expanding city limits and adding suburbs due to streetcars
and automobiles. The rise of automobiles and airplanes transformed transportation, positioning Atlanta as a regional hub. The economy diversified, with initiatives like the "Forward Atlanta" campaign attracting major corporations. Black communities thrived, with Auburn Avenue emerging as a vibrant Black business district amid racial segregation. By World War II, the city was a key center for air, rail and road networks in the Southeast. World War II revitalized the Atlanta economy, with significant federal investment and job creation in war industries. Postwar Atlanta saw rapid growth, expanding its borders and industry. The civil rights movement gained momentum, leading to the election of Maynard Jackson as the city’s first Black mayor. Urban renewal created new facilities and sports venues, while highway construction facilitated suburban growth. By the 1970s, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) was established, enhancing Atlanta's status as a major transportation hub. In the last two decades of the twentieth century, Atlanta's population surged, doubling from 2 million to over 4 million. Atlanta is a vital global transportation hub, with Hartsfield- Jackson International Airport as the world's busiest for daily passenger flights. Direct connections to Europe, South America and Asia enhance access for over 1,000 international businesses and 50 consulates. Significant events, such as the 1996 Olympics, have boosted the city’s infrastructure. The city has also become a banking center, housing the third largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. Merging its rich heritage with modernity, Atlanta remains a city of the future. The city embodies the spirit of a community committed to caring for its residents and fostering inclusivity.
HISTORY 29
GOVERNMENT
The City of Atlanta utilizes a strong mayor and city council system. The City Council serves as the city’s primary legislative body, while the mayor serves as the city’s chief executive. Mayor Andre Dickens, elected in November 2021, serves as the executive officer of the City of Atlanta and is responsible for the city’s general management, annual budget proposal and communication with the City Council. The Atlanta City Council, comprised of 15 members, is the city’s primary legislative body. The City Council is responsible for making laws, adopting the city budget and ensuring the wellbeing of Atlanta.
GOVERNMENT / EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR 31
• Named “Most Educated City” Forbes, 2024 • The fifth-highest moving destination in the U.S. • #50 on World’s Best City The Economist, 2023 • 2nd “Most Livable City in the U.S.” The Economist, 2024 • #50 on World’s Best City The Economist, 2023 ATLANTA’S RANKINGS AND ACCOLADES
WEBSITES OF INTEREST
HBCUs: • Spelman College:
https://www.spelman.edu/
• Morehouse College:
https://morehouse.edu/ • Clark Atlanta University: https://www.cau.edu/ Chambers of Commerce: • Metro Atlanta Chamber:
https://www.metroatlantachamber.com/
• Georgia Chamber of Commerce: https://www.gachamber.com/ • Cobb Chamber of Commerce: https://cobbchamber.org/ Other: • 1996 Olympics: https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/atlanta-1996 • Atlanta History Center: https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/ • Georgia Aquarium: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/ • World of Coca-Cola: https://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/ • National Center for Civil and Human Rights: https://www.civilandhumanrights.org/ • Typer Perry Studios: https://tylerperrystudios.com/
RANKINGS AND ACCOLADES / WEBSITES 33
Oklahoma City | echo.global
ATTENDEES
Adam Brooks Candor Assoc. VP 405-615-2659
As an associate vice president at Candor, Adam focuses on strategic message development, media relations, crisis communication and government/public affairs. Adam has worked
on several aspects of media and professional communications in print, broadcast and online. Before serving as managing editor of Oklahoma’s largest business publication, he spent a decade writing and editing news and features. He has extensive experience in the energy sector and has planned and executed communications strategies for organizations ranging from nonprofits to $30 billion corporations.
Alisha Suffield Oklahoma City Public Schools Assistant Superintendent 405-587-0448
Mrs. Alisha Suffield has dedicated 25 years to public education and currently serves as the executive director of leadership development and support for Oklahoma City Public Schools. She is a first-generation college graduate who earned her degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Anthony McDermid TAP Owner & Founding Principal 405-820-2041 Anthony was born and educated in the United Kingdom and was on a post-grad hitchhiking tour when he overnighted in Oklahoma
ATTENDEES 35
City – and never left. In 1988, he and his business partner, John Ward, founded The Architectural Partnership (TAP) in a largely vacant downtown Oklahoma City, and they celebrated TAP’s 35th anniversary last year. Anthony has designed over a thousand projects across Oklahoma, the United States and multiple continents, earning numerous design awards. His visionary urban planning has significantly shaped Oklahoma City, particularly through projects like the I-40 realignment and the Core to Shore master plan, which includes Scissortail Park and the Convention Center.
Aubrey McDermid City of Oklahoma City Assistant City Manager 405-249-1391
Aubrey McDermid serves as one of four assistant city managers for the City of Oklahoma City. Aubrey oversees multiple city departments, including Development
Services, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Public Information and Marketing. Aubrey manages special assignments, such as overseeing federally funded Coronavirus relief programs and implementing strategies to address homelessness. Prior to joining the city manager’s office, she served as the city’s planning director for two decades. Aubrey is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners and is a member of the American Planning Association and Urban Land Institute. As a lifelong and multi- generational resident of the Oklahoma City area, Aubrey has developed deep roots, strong community relationships and a love for Oklahoma City that fuels her passion to affect positive change.
Brent Bushey Fuel OKC CEO 405-820-3619
Brent serves as the CEO for Fuel OKC, a new nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the number of students attending
quality schools in Oklahoma City. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and serves on a number of nonprofit boards, including the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, the Oklahoma School of Science and Math and the Statewide Independent Living Commission. Brent holds an M.A. in public administration from George Washington University and a B.A. in political theory and constitutional democracy from Michigan State University.
Brooke Haneborg Manhattan Construction Company Director of Business Development 405-550-0423 Brooke Haneborg is the director of business development for Manhattan Construction. In that capacity, she works with businesses looking for a building solution partner. Prior
to Manhattan Construction, Brooke served as the director of marketing and business development for Crowe & Dunlevy. An Oklahoma City native, Brooke is active in the community, serving on the boards of directors for Leadership Oklahoma City, SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation, Myriad Gardens Community Advisory Board, Friends of the Capitol, Free to Live, Rotary Club 29, Cristo Rey Work Study Partners and Allied Arts. Camal Pennington It’s My Community Initiative, Inc. Executive Director 405-250-0971 Camal Pennington is the executive director
of It’s My Community Initiative (IMCI), a nonprofit focused on strengthening communities through families. Before IMCI,
Camal was the director of Annual Giving, then the director of admissions at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma City University and his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Following law school, he was a congressional staffer in the U.S.
ATTENDEES 37
House of Representatives. After two years in Washington, D.C., he served as an attorney for the Oklahoma City American Federation of Teachers. Camal is the Chair and Ward 7 commissioner on the Oklahoma City Planning Commission, president of the Harding Fine Arts Academy School Board and a Northeast Oklahoma City Renaissance Board of Directors member.
Candace Baitz Pivot Project Development Partner, President of Development 312-560-5407
Candace Baitz is a partner and the president of development at Pivot Real Estate Development. While her role is to drive all aspects of the real estate development process from conception to groundbreaking, at Pivot, Candace gets to pursue her passion for building teams and empowering the people behind a project. She employs a thoughtful approach and brings a unique perspective to the real estate development process through her prior experience in architecture and design. Chase Henninger JE Dunn Construction Company Client Solutions Director 214-934-4605 continents, helping solve built environment problems for a wide range of clients. For the last seven years, he has worked in the OKC Metro and served clients from the construction management side, where he has been able to work alongside other design professionals. Chase uses his experience and passion to help JE Dunn connect with owners, designers and engineers to strategically solve problems and build a better Oklahoma. Chase also serves his community by sitting on the Central Edmond Urban District Board and volunteering with the Oklahoma State School of Architecture. Chase Henninger has worked in the AEC industry since 2008, when he graduated from Oklahoma State University’s School of Architecture. He has practiced on three
Chuck Wiggin Wiggin Properties, LLC President 405-209-1000
Chuck Wiggin founded Wiggin Properties in 1981 and has built it into a full service commercial real estate firm, managing approximately 4 million square feet of office,
retail, industrial and mixed-use projects in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The firm has pioneered the use of new markets tax credits, funding approximately $200 million in projects in low- income communities. Wiggin has chaired or sits on the boards of Downtown OKC, the Business Improvement District, Rotary Club 29, Friends of the Oklahoma History Center, Historical Preservation Inc., the OKC Philharmonic, the OKC Museum of Art and many other civic organizations. Cindy Murillo Gardner Tanenbaum Chief Operating Officer 405-410-4779
Cindy Murillo has a deep understanding of the real estate industry, including project management, risk assessment and operational efficiency. Cindy brings nearly 30 years
of experience in ground-up commercial construction, multi family, student housing and military family housing markets to Gardner Tanenbaum Holdings. Cindy utilizes her expertise in sales, marketing, development, estimating, subcontracting, customer service and operations management to foster long-term successful projects.
Dennis Bradford Dowell Properties, Inc. Managing Broker 405-235-1433 Dennis Bradford is a managing broker at Dowell Realty LLC. He is the past CEO & board ATTENDEES 39
chairman of Coachman Inc., the company he founded in 1985, and Olympia Group. He is the U.S. Western Regional chairman of the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO), past chairman of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) Oklahoma City chapter, past chairman of the U.S. Small Business Administration National Advisory Board, as well as the state boards in both Florida and Oklahoma. Dennis is a graduate of the University of Tulsa with a B.A. in business economics. Emily Taylor Boiling Point Media Chief Operating Officer 405-408-0700 segued into the film industry when she assumed the role of chief operating officer at Boiling Point Media in 2018. Emily has been featured on the Journal Record’s Film Industry Power List and Forbes Spotlight on Women Business Leaders in Oklahoma. Eric Fleske Fleske Commercial Group Owner 405-990-2509 Emily Taylor is an entertainment executive, entrepreneur, mentor, accomplished marketer, producer, wife and mother. After over a decade of building marketing technology, Emily
Eric Fleske, partner and managing broker for Fleske Commercial Group, has over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry and has represented thousands of
clients in all facets of the commercial real estate industry. He also holds a double Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) designation in both office and industrial product.
Erik Gumerson Gardner Tanenbaum Vice President of Construction 405-229-7847 Since joining Gardner Tanenbaum in 2003, Erik Gumerson has been involved in more than 40 projects, totaling more than $400 million and 3.5 million square feet. He is responsible
for developing projects from design through completion. These projects cover aerospace developments, such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) Hangers at Will Rogers International Airport, two Northrop Grumman corporate facilities, a corporate campus for Boeing and numerous industrial concrete tilt up facilities, ranging from 80,000 to 1.5 million square feet for customers Lopez Dorado, Nomaco, Kroger, UPS, Lowes and Locke Supply. Erik also brings 20 years of experience in design, construction oversight and completion of two single family and nine multifamily residential communities. Fawn Sachleben Stride Bank OKC Market President 405-706-6848 healthcare lending and private banking, Fawn has held many strategic and executive leadership roles. With a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, Fawn began her banking career in Spokane, Washington, in 2004, before moving to OKC in 2008. She then joined BOK Financial Private Bank, before spending most of her career with Simmons Bank. Fawn has served on multiple executive boards and committees, including the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, YWCA of Oklahoma City, United Way, Women’s Leadership Society and more. She was also part of the capital campaign to construct Camp Trivera, an urban camp in the Adventure District. ATTENDEES 41 Fawn Sachleben is the Oklahoma City market president for Stride Bank N.A. With a strong background in commercial real estate and construction, commercial and industrial lending,
Hagan Hunter Prairie Surf Media Executive Vice President 972-832-7676
Hagan Hunter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 18. During his nearly eight years of service, he specialized in Infantry MOSs, Martial Arts and as a Close Quarters
Battle Operator. After the Marines, Hunter attended the University of Oklahoma, pursuing degrees in petroleum engineering and petroleum geology. After graduation, his professional career began with Schlumberger International Inc. as an engineer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Upon returning to Oklahoma, Hunter enrolled in the OCCC Gray Frederickson Digital Cinema program and began working on film and television productions in Oklahoma for Lifetime, Hallmark and The Discovery Channel. Hunter is the executive vice president of studio operations for Prairie Surf, overseeing film and television production operations, as well as client acquisition and contract negotiations. Jamie Polk Oklahoma City Public Schools With more than two decades of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Polk is dedicated to enhancing student outcomes, fostering community involvement and creating nurturing learning environments for all of OKCPS’ more than 33,000 students. Jason Cotton ADG Blatt Architects Superintendent 405-587-0448
President/CEO 405-613-0022
Over the past 29 years, Jason Cotton has worked in and around the AEC community of Central Oklahoma. After graduating from
the University of Oklahoma in 1998, Jason invested over 20 years in providing professional civil engineering services to a wide range of public and private clients. Currently, Jason serves as a president/CEO of ADG Blatt. In this role, Jason provides leadership and technical assistance to local governments and other organizations on large, complex projects and programs.
Jesse Rush EMBARK Transportation and Parking Director 405-318-7176 Jesse Rush, director for the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA), began his career in Oklahoma City in 2014 as a project manager in the Metropolitan Area
Projects (MAPS) department. Here, he was the primary for the design of the Oklahoma City Streetcar, leading the design of the OKC Streetcar storage and maintenance facility and the vehicle procurement contract. Jesse was transitioned to become the city’s first streetcar manager in 2016, later becoming assistant director of operations in 2019, where he had direct oversight of all aspects of EMBARK’s 21-route bus system. Jesse is a board member for Oklahoma Transit Association (OTA) and serves as OKC Streetcar’s representative for APTA’s Streetcar Committee and the Community Streetcar Coalition organization.
Joanna McSpadden City of Oklahoma City ED Program Manager 405-474-1447 Joanna McSpadden leads the City’s tax increment finance and job creation programs. Joanna has worked for the City of Oklahoma City for over 13 years. Prior to her current role,
she held several different positions in the City’s Budget Office and served as the Public Works Department’s business manager, supervising the office in charge of bond program finances. ATTENDEES 43
John Michael Williams Williams, Box, Forshee & Bullard, PC President 405-823-9746 John Michael Williams is president of Williams, Box, Forshee & Bullard. He practices municipal, public finance, economic development and urban planning law, concentrating on
downtown and Tinker AFB economic development projects. John is also City Attorney of Nichols Hills. He now serves on the executive committee of the Oklahoma State Fair, is vice president of the Oklahoma City - County Historical Society and served for 10 years as chair of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma City Community College. John is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma School of Law. Josh Hood
Echo Investment Capital, LLC Partner, Chief Financial Officer 405-760-6154 Josh Hood is a partner and the chief financial officer at Echo, a multi-disciplinary investment firm that connects globally sourced ideas, talent, and capital to solve some of the world’s
most pressing challenges. Josh leads all asset management and investment back-office functions, including the accounting, finance and treasury teams responsible for managing private equity and venture capital assets in aerospace, energy, life sciences, media, real estate and technology. Prior to becoming CFO, Josh was the chief accounting officer overseeing all audit, financial reporting and compliance functions. Kristi Spomer Nabholz Construction Corporation Business Development Officer 405-519-2669
A native Oklahoman, Kristi L. Spomer is an accomplished business development officer with a strong focus on creating opportunities
and driving growth for Nabholz Construction. With a track record of successfully executing strategic initiatives, forging long-term partnerships and generating revenue growth, Kristi works toward expanding business operations and maximizing opportunities for the company. Kristi graduated from Oklahoma State University and contributes her time and expertise to various community initiatives and nonprofit organizations, leveraging her business acumen to support and uplift local communities and organizations that improve our state.
Krystal Harris STV Business Development Director 405-923-0104 Krystal Harris is the business development director for STV Inc. As the director, Krystal’s role is to lead the company in growth throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas.
STV is an architectural and engineering firm that has been in business since 1912. STV has over 60 offices nationwide and over 3,000 employees. STV’s markets include Aviation, Corporate and Commercial, Education, Government Facilities, Healthcare, Highways and Bridges, Justice, Transit and Rail and Water. STV believes in making communities better with Integrity, Partnership and Optimism. Kyle Ray Full Sail Capital, LLC Wealth Management Advisor 580-704-7635
A proud Oklahoma City resident, Kyle serves as a wealth management advisor at Full Sail Capital, where he assists families in meeting their financial goals, as well as those who are
fostering generational wealth.
ATTENDEES 45
Laure Majors FSB Architects + Engineers Principal 405-229-9163
As the first woman principal at FSB and a key member of the over 200-person firm’s C-Suite, Laure Majors is a proven leader who excels in strategic planning, driving growth initiatives
and building long term client relationships. Her leadership has been a key factor behind FSB’s consistent growth and success. A fourth generation Oklahoman, Laure’s influence has been pivotal in securing FSB the prestigious AIA Central Oklahoma Firm of the Year award five times. Beyond her professional achievements, Laure is deeply committed to community service, serving as a trustee and regent for Rose State College and as a board member for Leadership OKC Alumni. She also was recently named an over 55 “Inspiring Oklahoman.” Mark Beffort Robinson Park CEO 405-850-6600 several years as a successful commercial real estate broker, Mark began building a personal investment portfolio in addition to assisting several private and public entities through strategic partnerships. Marla Freeman Devon Energy Corporation Community Relations Manager 405-203-6602 Marla Freeman serves as community Mark Beffort serves as chief executive officer of Robinson Park. His commercial real estate career began in Oklahoma City in 1985, after graduating from Washburn University. After
relations manager at Devon Energy. She has a background in public relations, with prior
roles in public affairs and marketing at ONE Gas and Heartland Payment Systems. Marla earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA in leadership and organizational design from Oklahoma Christian University. She is a graduate of Leadership OKC’s inaugural LOYAL class and actively contributes to her community by serving on several nonprofit boards, including Oklahoma City Beautiful, the Foundation for Oklahoma City Community College and the South Oklahoma City Chamber.
Matt Janey GH2 Architects, LLC Business Development Director 918-706-4993 Matt is the business development director at GH2 Architects, a leading architecture, interior design and landscape architecture firm with offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Denver and
Phoenix. Since joining the firm, Matt has played a pivotal role in fostering client relationships and collaborating closely with the marketing team on proposals and marketing strategies. Matthew Payne Prairie Surf Media Chief Executive Officer 310-562-7581 Matt Payne is an Emmy award-winning
filmmaker, writer, photographer and educator. Matt, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, serves as the CEO and founder of Prairie Surf,
a creative agency, production company and sound stage facility located in downtown Oklahoma City. He is also a proud husband and father of two and currently resides in Oklahoma City.
ATTENDEES 47
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