ATLANTA—Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has selected four individuals as the newest inductees to Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame: the late Brian Davis, Ph.D., Bobby Donlan, Donata Russell Ross, and Mark Vaughan.
Davis served as president and CEO of Georgia Aquarium, where he made a profound impact on educational and zoological fields from 2003 until his passing in 2024. As one of the aquarium’s first employees, Davis was integral in its 2005 opening, first as director of education and later as vice president of education and executive vice president of operations. His leadership was marked by the aquarium’s designation as a Certified Autism Center and acknowledgement as a Top Workplace of 2024 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Due to his dedication to the organization’s culture, Georgia Aquarium also received the DEI award for its accomplishments in diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees. Davis served as chair of Central Atlanta Progress and sat on the boards of ACVB, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Georgia Tourism Board.
Donlan was a key member of two of Atlanta’s top steakhouses, having helped open Bones Restaurant, where he held various positions during his 24-year tenure, and serving as managing partner of New York Prime from its opening in 2003 until his retirement in 2020. During his time with New York Prime, Donlan played a fundamental role in establishing the restaurant as one of Atlanta’s premier steakhouses. Donlan has continued to make significant contributions to Atlanta’s hospitality industry through his leadership within Georgia Restaurant Association, advancing local charitable endeavors and community initiatives.
Russell Ross is CEO of Concessions International, LLC, one of the largest airport F&B operators in the country, with facilities at more than eight major national airports. For more than 40 years, Russell Ross has held pivotal roles within the company’s management team, previously serving as president. Her efforts have led to significant growth for the company, shaping and implementing its vision, mission, and strategic plan. Russell Ross also serves as president of Herman J. Russell Foundation and is on the board of directors of H. J. Russell & Co., Concessions International LLC, Early Learning Property Management, and Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs.
Vaughan served as executive vice president and chief sales officer of ACVB, where he led efforts to boost tourism to Atlanta from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. Under his leadership, ACVB’s sales team secured hundreds of major citywide conventions and sporting events, and increased visitation to metro Atlanta from 35 million to 57 million visitors annually. He held prominent positions on the board of directors for American Society for Association Executives (ASAE), ASAE Foundation, Association Forum, and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He was also a member of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Tourism Advisory Council and chair of Atlanta Sports Council. His extensive career in hospitality included 23 years in various sales and marketing roles with Marriott International.
“Our new inductees have had a remarkable impact on not only our visitors but also those who call Atlanta home,” says William Pate, president and CEO of ACVB. “We are thrilled to welcome these individuals into the 2024 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame and celebrate their life’s work.”
The 25th annual Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame ceremony will be held Nov. 11 at The Westin Buckhead Atlanta. In addition to honoring the 2024 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees, the event will include presentation of Spurgeon Richardson Member of the Year Award to Dart Transportation Solutions LLC.
