After 23 years as president of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), A.J. Robinson will step down later this year when a successor is found.
But he’s not leaving Downtown Atlanta just yet.
Robinson will transition to chair of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement (ADID), which works in partnership with CAP. Current board chair Craig Jones will transition to chair of the newly formed Stitch Board, overseeing the development of the Downtown Connector-capping park.
The move comes as both organizations recently rebranded under one umbrella, Downtown Atlanta Inc.
The search for the next president is being led by an appointed Search Committee chaired by Egbert Perry and includes Craig Jones, Curley Dossman, Andrea Farley, Terri Lasoff, and David Cummings. The committee is working with BoardWalk Consulting, an Atlanta-based firm with deep experience in nonprofit and civic leadership searches.
Robinson, who is in his 70s, said he felt now was the right time to make the transition since Downtown is in “a really good place.”
“The vitality and momentum of work at Centennial Yards, South Downtown, and the improvements to the Georgia State University campus are going to reshape Downtown,” Robinson said. “With the FIFA World Cup, the momentum is going to be exposed both locally and worldwide.”
Robinson spent more than 20 years with Portman Holdings before joining CAP. “I’ve done my time, and there’s an opportunity now for someone new to come in and build on this momentum with new thoughts, energy, and passion,” he said.
While Centennial Yards and the revitalization of South Downtown will be game changers for the district, Robinson said The Stitch will bring in a “sea-change similar to the 1996 Olympics.”
“I remember what Downtown was like before Centennial Olympic Park and the western side of Downtown was just empty lots and decaying buildings,” he said. “The reconnecting of both sides of Downtown over the interstate will be a rebirth.”
Robinson said the revitalization of Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, the Westside and the creation of the Atlanta Beltline is proof that people are having “love affairs” with these neighborhoods, and now it’s Downtown’s turn.
He said his favorite memories of his time as president of CAP will be “all the great people” he’s worked and interacted with in the pursuit of making Downtown a thriving space again.
