ATLANTA—ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the destination marketing organization for the cities of College Park, Hapeville, and Union City, has appointed Mercedes Miller to succeed Cookie Smoak as its new president, following Smoak’s retirement in September.
A well-known local community leader and hospitality industry veteran, Miller most recently served as executive director for Gateway Center Campus, which encompasses Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), Gateway Center Arena, and the Historic College Park Golf Course.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead operations for ATL Airport District, a destination I am extremely passionate about,” says Miller. “This is not the beginning of my relationship with the ATL Airport District team— I was born and raised on Atlanta’s southside, and my experience working with the City of College Park and leading Gateway Center Campus gives me a deep appreciation for, and understanding of, the wonderful communities of College Park, Hapeville, and Union City. I am eager to continue my work here in this new role, engaging with the district team on a new level, working with our network of amazing partners, and following in Cookie’s footsteps.”
Miller brings nearly 30 years of hospitality industry experience to ATL Airport District leadership team. Much of Miller’s experience was with GICC, starting there as a marketing analyst in 1995 and advancing to executive director in 2011.
Throughout her career, Miller has been recognized for her leadership style and knowledge of the industry. Her many accolades include being named to the “Top 100 Leaders in Hospitality” list by Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia Trend’s “500 Most Influential Leaders,” as well as recently being inducted into the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc.
