SynergyATL is a free, day-long conference providing information and guidance to local and regional emerging entrepreneurs and small-to-medium-sized businesses seeking to do business with the world’s busiest airport and its partners.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Loudermilk Conference Center
40 Courtland St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Circle of Influence Reception to Follow.
Connections for doing business with ATL
SynergyATL equips aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to competitively bid for business opportunities with the airport or one of its business partners.
Registration is open through September 30, 2026.
Information sessions focus on business opportunities in:
Airport Concessions
- Food & Beverage
- Retail
- Rental Car
- Specialty
- Duty Free
- Vending
Construction and A&E
- Construction
- Architecture & Engineering (A&E) Professional Services
Other Business Services
- Non-A&E Professional Services
- Technology
- Parking & Ground Transportation
- Maintenance
- Other services
A continued focus
Opportunities for local and small-to-medium-sized businesses continue to be an important focus for ATL and the City of Atlanta.
Information sessions led by subject-matter experts
Sessions will cover practical topics intended to increase local and small business participation in airport-wide contracting opportunities with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport directly or with one of its business partners.
How to do business and get started
Effective bid response
Joint venture agreements
Access to capital
Successfully operating in an airport ecosystem
Upcoming business opportunities
Anticipated exhibitors
- Airline representatives
- Prime concessionaires
- Rental car service providers
- Prime contractors
- City of Atlanta Office of Contract Compliance
- City of Atlanta Procurement
- Georgia Unified Certification Partners
- Lenders
- Strategic partners
Speakers
Mayor Andre Dickens
61st Mayor of the City of Atlanta
City of Atlanta
Andre Dickens is the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, bringing a lifelong commitment to the city and a dynamic vision to drive its progress as a global city of opportunity. A native Atlantan and product of Atlanta Public Schools, Mayor Dickens is focused on expanding opportunities, equity, and prosperity for all residents.
As Chief Executive Officer, Mayor Dickens oversees the largest budget in Atlanta’s history, managing billions of dollars in general, enterprise, trust and pension funds. Under his leadership, the City of Atlanta achieved a historic upgrade to a AAA bond rating, the highest in the city’s history. Well known for his goals of being a model employer, each of the city’s nearly 10,000 employees received pay increases annually and a $17.50/hr minimum wage.
Mayor Dickens has implemented major advancements in public safety, economic development, and community support since taking office in 2022. With a vision of One Safe City, Mayor Dickens has championed initiatives to reduce crime, such as establishing the Nightlife Division to improve safety in higher crime nightlife areas. His approach also includes community-focused programs that led to a 21% reduction in homicides in 2023, with trends indicating further reductions in 2024. Through his Light Up the Night initiative, Atlanta’s street lighting network expanded with 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights installed over three years, significantly improving visibility and safety across neighborhoods. The Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction has been instrumental in gang prevention, conflict resolution, domestic violence reduction, and more. Additionally, Mayor Dickens launched programs like the Midnight Basketball League and Year of the Youth, which provide Atlanta’s youth with positive outlets and skill-building opportunities, correlating directly with the city’s reduced crime rates.
In economic development and housing, Mayor Dickens has advanced Atlanta’s affordability and inclusivity through a $58.7 million housing bond to create and preserve affordable housing, targeting homelessness and housing instability. He set an ambitious goal of establishing 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030, including innovative projects like The Melody, which uses repurposed shipping containers to offer sustainable housing for the unhoused. The city has also established a historic $60 million Homeless Opportunity Bond, the single largest investment addressing homelessness in Atlanta’s history. These initiatives reflect his commitment to creating stable and accessible housing for all Atlanta residents.
Mayor Dickens also led a coalition to prevent Buckhead’s de-annexation, thereby maintaining the city’s integrity and resources. His Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure package, currently with $240 million in active projects, is dedicated to upgrading roads, public spaces, and neighborhood connectivity. The expanded Pothole Posse further streamlines infrastructure maintenance, addressing road issues and enhancing city responsiveness.
As a proactive climate action leader, Mayor Dickens has secured substantial grant awards to support sustainable urban development and environmental resilience. This dedication to a comprehensive approach to growth and safety reinforces Atlanta’s future as a vibrant, connected, and equitable city. Before his election as Mayor, he served eight years on the Atlanta City Council as an at-large representative. As a Council member, he championed initiatives in public safety, transportation, affordable housing, workforce development, and senior citizen programming. Key achievements include creating the Department of Transportation, advocating for a $15 per hour minimum wage for city employees, implementing BeltLine Inclusionary Zoning for affordable housing, and establishing a $40 million Housing Opportunity Bond.
Mayor Dickens holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University. Dedicated to civic and community leadership, Mayor Dickens served on numerous boards, including:
- Atlanta Regional Commission (Chairman)
- Invest Atlanta (Board Chair)
- TechBridge
- Atlanta BeltLine
- Goodwill of North Georgia
- Georgia Tech Alumni Board of Directors
- US Conference of Mayors P3 Taskforce (Chairman)
- Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Board of Directors
- National Housing Crisis Taskforce (Co-Chair, Accelerator for America)
- Center for Civil and Human Rights (previously)
In addition to his leadership roles, Mayor Dickens is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a deacon at New Horizon Baptist Church, and an alumnus of Leadership Atlanta.
In his free time, Mayor Dickens enjoys quality time with his daughter, live music, sports, and travel, while always championing Atlanta’s sports teams.
Alex Wan
Assistant Vice President of Community Affairs
Emory University
Alex currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Community Affairs at Emory University. In this role, Alex leads Emory’s efforts to build strong, supportive partnerships with local government leaders and community organizations throughout metro Atlanta, advancing Emory’s contribution, presence, and recognition as a higher education partner in the community.
Alex previously served as the executive director of Horizons Atlanta, a nonprofit organization that provides tuition-free summer enrichment programs focused on literacy, mathematics, and swim skills to K-8 students in the metro Atlanta area. Prior to joining Horizons Atlanta, he served as Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Emory University, and before that as Director of Development at Jerusalem House (now Status: Home), Atlanta’s largest HIV housing provider.
Alex previously represented the in-town neighborhoods of District 6 on the Atlanta City Council for two four-year terms from 2010-2018. During his tenure, he chaired the Finance-Executive, Zoning, and Utilities committees, and served as Council President Pro Tempore in 2015. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Piedmont Park Conservancy and previously served on the boards of Atlanta Regional Commission, Invest Atlanta, Fulton Board of Registration and Elections as chair, Leadership DeKalb, Little Five Points Community Improvement District, Olmsted Linear Park Alliance, and Organization of Chinese Americans GA.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree from Georgia Tech and an Master of Business Administration degree from Wharton Business School and has also completed educational programs at Dartmouth College and Harvard University.
After growing up in Stone Mountain, Alex now lives in Morningside where he has been a homeowner since 1994.
Ricky Smith
Airport General Manager
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
As the Airport general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the world’s busiest and most efficient airport—Ricky Smith leads one of the most critical aviation and economic hubs globally. He is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and operational oversight of an airport that serves more than 108 million passengers annually, facilitates over 2,700 daily aircraft operations, and generates more than $750 million in annual operating revenue, reinforcing ATL’s status as an economic powerhouse.
Mr. Ricky Smith most recently served as executive director and CEO of Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), where he was responsible for the management and operations of Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Martin State Airport, and regional aviation activities throughout the State of Maryland.
Smith has more than 30 years of aviation management experience working in Baltimore and Cleveland. Since returning to BWI Marshall in 2015, Smith led the airport to five consecutive record-setting years for passengers, including restoring BWI Marshall as the busiest airport in the Washington/Baltimore region and the Best Airport in North America for Customer Service according to Airport Council International.
He established a culture of performance, customer service, safety, and innovation, leading the airports to receive several other national and regional awards for customer service, capital development, and marketing including Emmy Awards in 2018 and 2019. In 2017, the LaunchPad program was started to enable minority-owned micro-businesses the opportunity to participate in BWI Marshall’s thriving food and retail program without barriers to entry. In 2015, he launched the BWI Marshall Youth Initiative aimed at introducing youth in Baltimore City to careers in aviation and transportation. To date, over 100 youths have participated in this program.
He has been recognized as the ‘Best State Executive for Minority Business Enterprise’ by the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association (2022), ‘Leon C. Watkins Guardian Award’ recipient by Airports Council International/North America (2020), ‘Man of the Year’ by Women Transportation Seminar (2019), ‘Leadership in Excellence’ by Leadership Anne Arundel (2019), ‘Power 10 CEO’ by the Baltimore Business Journal (2018), ‘People Who Move America’ by the Boys Scouts of America (2018), ‘Thomas G. Newsome Founder’s Leadership Award’ by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (2018), ‘Influential Marylander’ by The Daily Record (2017), the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association ‘Black History Hero’ award (2017), ‘Most Influential CEO in Northeast Ohio’ by Crain’s Magazine (2014, 2013), ‘National Executive of the Year’ by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (2010), and ‘Congressional Achievement Award’ from Congressman Elijah Cummings (2006).
Jan Lennon
Airport Executive Deputy General Manager
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Jan Lennon is the Airport executive deputy general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. In this role, she works directly with the general manager to lead all aspects of the Airport to include but not limited to operations, finance, strategic planning, and infrastructure. A results-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in executive management, public safety, security operations, and large-scale infrastructure development, Lennon manages a workforce to position the airport for sustained global competitiveness.
Lennon’s leadership is structured around six core operational pillars: Administration, Technology, Operations & Regulatory Compliance, Real Estate & Commercial Revenue, Finance, and Infrastructure. Under her direction, ATL is undergoing significant expansion, including concourse development, curbside enhancements, additional gates, expanded checkpoints, and terminal capacity improvements—all critical to meeting the airport’s projected 125 million annual passengers within the next five years. She also drives technology innovation, regulatory compliance, and commercial revenue growth, ensuring the airport remains a global leader in efficiency and connectivity.
Lennon has implemented cost-saving initiatives that have strengthened ATL’s financial health while maintaining peak operational performance. Her ability to make decisive, high-stakes decisions has been instrumental in navigating complex challenges, ensuring that ATL remains agile and resilient in an ever-evolving industry.
Sustainability is another key focus under her leadership. Lennon has championed green infrastructure investments, energy efficiency programs, and carbon reduction initiatives, aligning ATL’s long-term growth with responsible environmental stewardship.
Lennon is also a visionary leader in talent development and organizational growth. She has a proven track record of identifying, mentoring, and cultivating emerging leaders, ensuring leadership continuity that aligns with the airport’s long-term strategic objectives. Under her direction, high-performing teams are developed into strategic leaders, driving innovation and operational success that position ATL as a model for the aviation industry.
Before assuming the role of Interim General Manager, Lennon served as Deputy General Manager of Operations, where she directed aviation operations, public safety and security, emergency management, facility maintenance, and business services. Under her leadership, ATL enhanced its passenger experience, streamlined security operations, and reinforced its position as a leader in aviation innovation.
Recognized globally as a thought leader in airport management, Lennon represents the Department of Aviation on the Transportation Security Administration’s Aviation Security Advisory Sub-Committee and is an active member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and Airports Council International (ACI). She is a former Vice Chair of the AAAE Transportation Security Services Board and holds the prestigious International Airport Professional (IAP) certification from the Global Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP).
Prior to her tenure in aviation, Lennon had a distinguished career in corrections, including serving as Deputy Warden at a regional jail in Virginia, where she honed her expertise in crisis response, security enforcement, and operational leadership.
Lennon is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and Coppin State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Security Administration.
With a bold vision for the future of aviation, Lennon is committed to positioning Hartsfield-Jackson as the global benchmark for innovation, infrastructure expansion, financial sustainability, and customer experience—ensuring Atlanta remains a leader in domestic and international connectivity and economic growth.
Chris Crist
Airport Executive Deputy General ManagerAirport Deputy General Manager, Sr. | Chief Information Officer
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Chris Crist is the Chief Information Officer for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. In this role, he leads enterprise technology, cybersecurity, data platforms, engineering, and digital innovation supporting more than 300,000 daily passenger connections and over 140,000 permanently deployed devices across one of the most complex transportation environments in the world.
Under Chris’s leadership, the airport has undergone a significant technology transformation. He reorganized the IT organization into specialized divisions spanning cybersecurity, data, engineering, and operations, implemented DevSecOps practices, and redesigned technology workflows that reduced delivery timelines from 344 days to 20 days. His team has also led major digital modernization initiatives, including biometric passenger processing systems that reduced boarding times by 75 percent and employee screening times by 60 percent while strengthening operational resilience and passenger experience.
Chris is widely recognized as a leader in the global aviation technology community. He co-founded the Airports AI Alliance with the Cities Today Institute and works closely with airport leadership around the world on technology strategy, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He frequently advises CIOs across North America and internationally on organizational design, data platforms, and emerging technologies. Chris also serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Airport Management.
Prior to joining Hartsfield-Jackson, Chris served as Chief of Enterprise Transformation and DevSecOps for U.S. Transportation Command, where he led enterprise-scale modernization initiatives and helped establish data platforms integrating dozens of mission systems across the Department of Defense transportation enterprise. Chris began his career in the United States Air Force, serving as a combat medic before transitioning into technology leadership. He continues to serve in the Air Force Reserve as a Special Projects Officer supporting advanced digital initiatives.
Chris holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, an MBA with an IT emphasis, and a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. He is the recipient of the CIO of the Year ORBIE Award.
Augustus “Gus” Hudson
Airport Deputy General Manager, Sr., Operations
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Augustus “Gus” Hudson is the senior deputy general manager of Operations at Hartsfield-Jackson. He leads the divisions that ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and guests including Airport operations, public safety and security, law enforcement, fire and medical personnel, emergency management, maintenance, transportation and traffic enforcement. Mr. Hudson is also responsible for operation mitigation plans and security considerations for the Airport’s multibillion-dollar capital improvement program, ATLNext.
With more than 25 years of leadership in public safety, security, and emergency management, Mr. Hudson began his career in the U.S. Air Force, where his passion for aviation developed. He joined Hartsfield-Jackson in 2005 to serve as a security manager. In 2007, he accepted a position to lead a project that would bring integrated daily operations and emergency operations under one roof: the Centralized Command and Control Center, also known as C4. He rose through the ranks to Assistant General Manager, offering strategic direction for the Airport Operations Center and the Emergency Operations Center. Mr. Hudson was responsible for ATL’s emergency management program, including planning, training, testing and coordinating emergency response operations.
Before arriving at ATL, Hudson served in communications and security and security information systems roles at Memphis International Airport (MEM), coordinating with airline partners, law enforcement and federal agencies in writing and enforcing security policy and procedures.
Through the years, he has served on over 15 Airport Cooperative Research Program project panels and served on committees for the American Association of Airport Executives and the International Association of Emergency Management committees. The Memphis native has quickly become a subject matter expert in airport security, airport emergency management and airport operations.
Mr. Hudson holds a Master of Science degree in information systems from Nova Southeastern University, a dual Master of Science in Emergency Disaster Management and Homeland Security from American Public University and professional certifications from AAE, ACI, PMI, IAEM, and FEMA. He is also a doctoral candidate at Liberty University seeking a PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership.
Frank Rucker
Airport Deputy General Manager, Sr., Infrastructure
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Frank Rucker is the Airport senior deputy general manager of Infrastructure. He oversees hundreds of Department of Aviation, program management and construction management personnel to ensure that all aviation facilities meet or exceed industry standards. He has more than 40 years of experience in civil engineering design and project management, with more than 20 years of progressive experience in the aviation facilities industry, directing sophisticated, sustainable design and construction projects.
Mr. Rucker has a rich history with Hartsfield-Jackson, having served as Assistant General Manager for Planning and Development. He also served previously as Director of Engineering, Planning and Development, where he was responsible for implementing the capital development program at ATL. He oversaw the construction of ATL’s fifth runway, innovative hold baggage screening system and a multitude of other complex projects.
Prior to his return to Hartsfield-Jackson, Mr. Rucker served as Chief of Capital Programs, Planning and Innovation for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). There, he was responsible for the facilitation, execution and implementation of its capital program and transit expansion initiatives. Prior to MARTA, Mr. Rucker served in the International Division of Jacobs Engineering, managing a multidisciplinary team in pursuing and implementing worldwide aviation capital development programs, including major programs in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Qatar.
A strategic thinker, Mr. Rucker brings sound technical, analytical and engineering skills to deliver multimillion-dollar projects on schedule and within budget. His knowledge of full cycle program management builds on his considerable experience in consultant selection, contract development and working with multidisciplinary teams.
An Atlanta native, Mr. Rucker received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In addition, he is certified as a Professional Engineer, Project Management Professional (PMP), and is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Tyronia Smith
Airport Deputy General Manager, Sr. | Chief Revenue Officer
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Tyronia Smith, Esq., C.M. serves as Senior Deputy General Manager and Chief Commercial Officer for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), overseeing all aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue-generating activities for the world’s busiest airport.
In this role, Smith leads a commercial enterprise with annual gross revenue exceeding $1.5 billion. Her portfolio includes airline affairs and service retention, property management and development, business development, food and retail concessions, advertising, parking, ground transportation, and the Rental Car Center. She is responsible for driving commercial strategy, fostering industry partnerships, and creating long-term value for the Airport, its passengers, and the communities it serves.
Prior to joining ATL’s executive leadership team, Smith built a distinguished legal career spanning private practice, law firm leadership, and public service. During her tenure with the City of Atlanta Department of Law, she served as Supervisory Senior Attorney in the Business Services Division, Deputy Division Chief of the Finance Practice Group, and Senior Counsel to ATL. She served as Chair of the Professional Development Committee, leading attorney training and professional development initiatives. Prior to her public service, Smith practiced with Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs before co-founding Chester Jennings & Smith.
A respected leader in the legal and aviation industries, Smith serves as President-Elect of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) and will lead the organization during its historic centennial year beginning in 2028. She also serves as Chair of the Client Security Fund for the State Bar of Georgia, is a member of the President’s Advisory Board of the AMAC Atlanta Chapter, serves on the Advisory Board of International Airport Review, and is a member of the Board of Visitors for Wake Forest University School of Law.
Smith is a graduate of Wake Forest University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science degree and Juris Doctor. She is also a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives and a graduate of the KPMG Executive Leadership Institute for Women and other leadership development programs.
Her leadership and professional achievements have been recognized by numerous organizations. Among her honors are the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Award of Achievement for Runway to Success Programming (2026), the GAWL Leading Lady Award (2026), the Large Airport with Best Commercial Team Award from Airport Experience News (2025), the City of Atlanta Woman of Impact Award (2024), the GAWL President’s Award (2024), Atlanta City Attorney Coin of Excellence (2021 and 2022), the American Bar Association’s Rosner & Rosner Young Lawyers Professionalism Award (2013), the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division’s Ethics & Professionalism Award (2011), and recognition as a Georgia Super Lawyer, Georgia Rising Star, National Trial Attorneys Top 100, and National Black Lawyers 40 Under 40.
Known for her commitment to excellence, leadership development, and organizational stewardship, Smith measures success not only by results achieved, but by opportunities created, leaders developed, and the impact left behind.
Diana Léon Brown
Airport Deputy General Manager, Marketing and Air Service Development
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Diana Léon Brown is the deputy general manager of Marketing and Air Service Development at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where she oversees International Affairs, Corporate and Community Affairs, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, and Air Service Development. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, leading all external affairs including international and business relations, civic engagement, and marketing.
With more than 25 years of experience, Diana has built a career bridging government, business, and philanthropy through innovative partnerships that drive sustainable growth. Recognized as a compelling communicator, she is a frequent keynote speaker on women in leadership, business development, and social impact.
Her international work includes directing the Artem Leadership Institute, where she partnered with the United Nations, Organization of American States, and Women’s Global Initiative. An honors graduate of Harvard University and an MBA holder, Diana is guided by her mantra, “Do good, while doing well,” and actively mentors emerging leaders.
Michael L. Smith
Business Advisor
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Michael L. Smith serves as business advisor to the Airport general manager. Prior to his appointment, he served as senior deputy general manager for Administration at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport. He was responsible for the Department of Aviation’s day-to-day functions of Strategic Planning, Business Diversity, Government Affairs, Innovation, Sustainability, Human Resources, Law, Legislative & Policy, Marketing, Procurement, and Records Management.
Although Smith assumed his airport management role in 2014, he possesses more than two decades of municipal government experience as a longtime aviation law expert for the City of Atlanta. He served in two other capacities: private practitioner and senior assistant City attorney for 17 years early in his tenure. In these roles, he worked with all aspects of local government law, including litigation, contracts, property use and development, business, and employment issues. During Smith’s tenure as Atlanta’s lead counsel representing the Department of Aviation, while overseeing the operations of ATL, he prepared and negotiated terms of agreements related to the airlines and other airport tenants. He also helped prepare intergovernmental agreements with surrounding jurisdictions to implement airport projects such as the fifth runway, Runway 10-28.
Previously, Smith served as county attorney for Clayton County, Georgia, from 2005 to 2011. As lead attorney, he advised the board of commissioners, employees, and other elected officials on all legal matters of the county.
From 2000 to 2005, Smith joined Delta Air Lines as regional director for Corporate Real Estate, representing the airline’s interests across multiple cities. In this role, he oversaw matters related to airport budgets, rates, charges, and long-term expansion planning. He also chaired the Airport Airline Affairs Committee throughout the region, serving as the collective voice for all operating airlines in discussions with airport managers and authority boards.
Smith began his legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable Clarence Cooper, then judge in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. During law school, he interned for the late Honorable Horace T. Ward in the same court.
In addition to serving metro Atlanta citizens via law, Smith also maintained a strong commitment to community-based programs, such as the Fulton County Juvenile Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Board of Directors, Our Common Welfare Inc., a corporation that assists adults with AIDS and substance abuse, Caring for Others Inc., and the Community Empowerment Development Corporation. Smith is also a former president of the Metro Atlanta Chapter of Kiwanis. He presently serves on the board of the Atlanta Area of the Scouts of America.
A native Atlantan, Smith is a proud product of Atlanta Public Schools. He graduated from Duke University with a degree in political science and received his law degree from North Carolina Central University. Smith is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
John Smith
Director Risk Management
City of Atlanta Office of Enterprise Risk Management
John W. Smith is an accomplished risk management leader with more than 15 years of experience guiding enterprise risk, insurance, and claims programs for complex public-sector organizations. As Director of Risk Management for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, he oversees risk financing strategies, multi-line insurance placements, and a $1B+ exposure portfolio while partnering with brokers, actuaries, and executive leadership to strengthen organizational resilience. Known for his collaborative approach and strategic foresight, John has built high-performing teams, enhanced risk culture, and led initiatives spanning aviation risk, regulatory compliance, claims oversight, and enterprise risk assessment. He holds degrees in business economics and school administration, along with professional credentials including the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation.
Rocsean Spencer
Director of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Compliance
City of Atlanta
Rocsean Spencer, MPA, MCA, is the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Compliance for the City of Atlanta, a program that was established 50 years ago by the Honorable Mayor Maynard Jackson. In this role she provides strategic leadership over the City’s Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) and Small Business Opportunity (SBO) programs, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) overseeing compliance with more than 750 contracts valued at over $6 billion. In this role, she ensures accountability, transparency, and equity in public contracting while expanding meaningful participation for small, minority and women-owned businesses and safeguarding the integrity of the City’s procurement process.
Prior to joining the City of Atlanta, Spencer served as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, where she led DEI initiatives and signature programs including the Mentor Protégé Program and the inaugural Morial Award. She also directed the Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program, advancing supplier diversity and supporting disadvantaged businesses. In her capacity she managed compliance across a $1 billion dollars portfolio.
Spencer began her career with the City of New Orleans’ Office of Supplier Diversity, where she progressed into a leadership role overseeing certification and compliance operations for the Small and Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SLDBE) Program. In this capacity, she managed regulatory compliance across a $500 million contract portfolio, ensuring equitable access, accurate certification determinations, and effective participation of small and disadvantaged businesses in public contracting.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master in Contract Compliance. She is actively engaged in the small business community and is a devoted Christian, wife of 31 years, and mother of three adult sons.
Alicia Ivey
President & CEO
AMAC Atlanta Chapter & Goldbergs Concessions Corporation
Alicia M. Ivey, trailblazing business woman, strategic innovator and purposeful change agent, has a track record of nearly 30 years of success. She currently serves as President & CEO of Goldbergs Concessions Corporation, an airport concessions and hospitality company and Chairman of Phoenix Drilling Corporation, a full service environmental and geotechnical drilling firm that was established in 1993. Alicia has established a commendable track record as an expert negotiator, tactful collaborator and trusted advisor with domestic and international influence. Her areas of expertise are transportation (bus, rail and air), business development.
Ms. Ivey has played crucial roles with a number of corporate entities and worldwide brands to include– but not limited to–Focus Brands, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, The Patricia Nash Brand, Heinemann Americas Corporation and Bacardi USA. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Goldbergs Concessions, the company has exclusive rights to the iconic Atlanta Braves All Star Grill, Goldberg’s Bagel and Deli, Subway and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Center Exposition at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Dr. Darrell Anderson, L.H.D.
President/CEO
A-National Limousine
Darrell Anderson is an Atlanta native, entrepreneur, and respected transportation industry leader whose professional legacy is rooted in A National Limousine (ANL). Founded in 1982, A National has grown from a one-vehicle operation in a downtown Atlanta hotel basement into the largest minority-owned transportation company in the Southeast, with a fleet exceeding 100 vehicles.
Under Anderson’s leadership, A National provides a full spectrum of ground transportation services, including executive transportation, limousines, SUVs, shuttles, vans, mobility services, luxury rentals, mini-buses, motor coaches, party buses, airport and airline crew transportation, and mobile advertising. The company’s longstanding reputation is built on timely service, operational excellence, customer care, and a reported 98% customer satisfaction rating.
A National’s client portfolio includes Delta Air Lines and other major airlines and cargo carriers, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the City of Atlanta, Spelman College, MARTA, regional hotels, movie productions, political campaigns, the National Football League, GMSDC, and NMSDC. Over more than four decades, the company has secured multiple governmental and airport contracts in Atlanta and other cities, establishing A National as a trusted provider in public-sector passenger care and ground transportation.
Beyond A National, Anderson owns several companies providing transportation, entertainment, and logistics services. He has also served on national, state, and local boards focused on ground transportation, including serving as President of the Minority Limousine Operators Association. His leadership reflects a commitment not only to business growth, but also to strengthening opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
A National’s honors include two Delta Air Lines Star Awards recognizing the company as a top minority supplier and the Maynard Jackson Legacy Award, presented by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to a leading small-business supplier.
“The resources the Council offers to its constituents are invaluable. The GMSDC has made a major contribution to
Atlanta’s legacy of giving birth to minority millionaires through business opportunity. This organization is serious about helping MBEs to grow.”
Rob Crews
Managing Partner/Chied Development Officer
Crews Hospitality
Rob Crews is a Managing Partner and Chief Development Officer of Crews Hospitality, one of the nation’s most experienced and respected airport concessions operators. Rob is a second-generation owner of Crews Hospitality with a legacy who’s beginnings led to a pivotal role in the founding of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) during the ACDBE program’s infancy; forging a path for minority and women owned businesses in the airport concessions space for over 45 years. Rob’s lifelong immersion in the airport concessions industry has positioned him to continue and expand the organization’s legacy of operational excellence and innovation.
Growing up in the business, Rob developed a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of airport concessions long before assuming formal leadership roles. Over the past eighteen (18) years, he has worked full-time within the organization, gaining hands-on experience across every aspect of the business, including front-line operations, finance, design, construction, concept development, contract management, business development, and executive leadership.
In 2019, Rob and his brother Nick completed the transition to second-generation ownership, becoming the sole owners by raising capital and purchasing the company from their parents, Bob & Debi Crews. Since assuming ownership, he has deeply been involved in every facet of the company across their portfolio at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX) Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles (IAD), and soon to be in Baltimore International (BWI).
Crews Hospitality remains one of the airport concessions industry’s few independent ACDBE Prime Operators, at its peak, owning and operating thirty-four (34) locations with a diverse mix of nationally recognized brands, regional favorites, and local community intrenched concepts. Crews Hospitality has been graciously recognized by the industry with accolades such as The Moodie Davitt Report FAB Award, USA Today Top 10 Best and Airport Experience News as the ACDBE operator of the year in 2023.
Exhibitors
The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Contract Compliance (OCC) effectively serves as a liaison, linking Small, Minority, Female and Disadvantaged Businesses with City of Atlanta related business opportunities and encourages equal opportunity for all businesses and individuals in the Atlanta workplace.
The City of Atlanta Department of Procurement is responsible for facilitating the procurement of commodities and services for all City Departments, City Council, and the Mayor’s Office.
The AMAC Atlanta Chapter is dedicated to advancing minority and women’s participation in aviation and aerospace employment and contracting opportunities through leadership, collaboration, and networking.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is the state agency responsible for planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and improving Georgia’s state and federal roadways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure, while also supporting multimodal systems such as rail, transit, aviation, and waterways.
Citizens Trust Bank is a 1921‑founded, FDIC‑insured, full‑service bank and one of the largest African American‑owned financial institutions in the U.S., offering personalized banking solutions, community investment, and financial empowerment programs across 49 states.
Lendistry is a Black‑led, minority‑owned Community Development Financial Institution that provides fair, tech‑enabled small business loans and financial education to underserved urban and rural entrepreneurs, with a mission to expand economic opportunities and progressive growth for minority, women, and veteran‑owned businesses.
AREAS USA concessionaires are the owner‑operators of the nearly 400 restaurants, travel retail stores, and food & beverage outlets across 27 U.S. airports and 12 travel plazas, delivering high‑quality, locally partnered dining and retail experiences to millions of travelers each year.
Holder Construction is a nationwide, full‑service general contractor founded in 1960 in Atlanta, Georgia, known for delivering high‑quality commercial construction projects through a trusted, team‑based approach and consistently ranking among the top contractors in the U.S.
McCarthy Building Companies is a 160‑year‑old, 100% employee‑owned general contractor recognized for delivering complex, high‑quality construction projects nationwide with a focus on safety, innovation, and client‑centered solutions.
The ATLNext initiative is a $11-billion-dollar capital improvement program at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport designed to modernize aging facilities, expand service capacity, and enhance the overall passenger experience.
GVSA is a dynamic, innovative architecture and planning firm founded in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, known for delivering award‑winning, $450 million‑valued projects across diverse sectors, blending creative design with community impact and sustainable solutions,
Recap & Gallery
Coming Soon
Event highlights and gallery content will be added after the event.
