Atl Culture

Government Affairs, Legislative Relations, and Community Engagement executive with more than 30 years of progressively responsible leadership experience spanning federal, state, regional, county, and municipal governments — including direct, sustained engagement with MARTA and regional transit stakeholders. Brings a deeply established bipartisan network across the Georgia Congressional Delegation, Georgia General Assembly, county commissions, and Atlanta City Council. Proven success directing governmental affairs programs, coordinating legislative agendas, building political coalitions, securing public funding, and advising executive leadership and boards on policy matters that drive organizational priorities.

Possesses a strong working knowledge of transportation policy, capital investment funding mechanisms — including Capital Investment Grants (CIG), state bond programs, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) — and the federal, state, and regional political environments that shape public transit. Recognized for uniting government, business, and community interests around transportation access, infrastructure investment, economic development, and sustainability.

Director of Government Affairs & Community Relations - Natson Hotel Group - Georgia

(2024-01)

Serve as the lead Government Affairs and Community Relations executive for Georgia's largest private hotel ownership group, representing more than 150 hotels across Georgia and a multi-state portfolio.

• Direct governmental affairs strategy and community engagement across the State of Georgia, leading all legislative activity during Georgia General Assembly sessions.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Georgia General Assembly, local governments, county commissions, economic development authorities, and community stakeholders — including direct engagement with Atlanta City Council and the DeKalb, Fulton, and Clayton County Boards of Commissioners.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory activity affecting transportation, economic development, workforce mobility, public safety, housing, tourism, and infrastructure investment; advise executive leadership on policy impacts and government relations strategy.
• Created and launched the organization's Government & Community Affairs Office and quarterly stakeholder communication platform.
• Build and manage coalitions among elected officials, industry associations, business leaders, and community organizations in support of organizational priorities.
• Lead government affairs coordination associated with FIFA World Cup 2026 planning and regional transportation readiness — interfacing with Atlanta-area government and transit partners on venue access, mobility, and public safety.
• Develop governmental funding strategies and strategic partnerships supporting workforce development, housing, transportation access, and economic development.
• Lead advocacy efforts with Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, and Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

City Councilman - City of East Point, Georgia - East Point, Georgia

(2020-01 - 2023-12)

Elected official responsible for legislative decision-making, policy development, budget oversight, constituent services, economic development, and community engagement.

• Championed transportation accessibility, sustainability, workforce development, and economic growth initiatives on behalf of East Point residents and businesses.
• Worked closely with MARTA, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and regional transportation stakeholders to align municipal priorities with broader mobility and infrastructure goals.
• Collaborated with the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the National League of Cities (NLC) to advance legislative priorities related to transportation, infrastructure investment, sustainability, workforce housing, and community development.
• Passed Green Communities Resolution through the Atlanta Regional Commission Green Communities Program.
• Led public engagement efforts involving residents, business leaders, neighborhood associations, and community organizations; appointed board and commission members and participated in regional planning initiatives.
• Developed strong working relationships with elected officials and governmental partners throughout metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia.

Deputy Chief of Staff / Special Assistant to CEO - DeKalb County Government - DeKalb County, Georgia

(2000-01 - 2006-12)

Held one of the highest-ranking positions in one of Georgia's largest county governments, serving as senior advisor to the Chief Executive Officer across governmental affairs, intergovernmental relations, public communications, and policy strategy.

• Coordinated executive-level engagement involving MARTA governance matters, regional transportation planning initiatives, and key stakeholders directly impacting DeKalb County residents and businesses — providing sustained, senior-level exposure to MARTA's operational and political environment.
• Served as primary liaison between county administration and major regional partners including MARTA, Georgia Power, BellSouth, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and chambers of commerce.
• Coordinated relationships with county commissioners, municipal governments, state agencies, federal agencies, and regional authorities including the Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority.
• Advised executive leadership on public policy, governmental affairs, and strategic communications; oversaw media relations, public information campaigns, and community engagement efforts.
• Supported transportation, economic development, infrastructure, and quality-of-life initiatives impacting DeKalb County residents.

Executive Director - National Black & Latino Council USA

(2007-01 - 2019-12)

Led national nonprofit organization focused on public-private partnerships, sustainability, economic empowerment, civic engagement, and multicultural business development.

• Managed relationships with elected officials, Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations.
• Developed strategic partnerships with Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, UPS, Novelis, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, and governmental entities at multiple levels.
• Organized major regional conferences, public policy forums, sustainability summits, and economic development initiatives; built coalitions among government, corporate, nonprofit, and community stakeholders.

Regional Media Director / Lead Media Specialist – Southern Region - United States Census Bureau - Department of Commerce - Georgia, Florida, and Alabama

• Directed public communications, governmental outreach, and media engagement throughout Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
• Developed strategic partnerships with government agencies, media organizations, and community stakeholders; managed crisis communications and regional public awareness campaigns.

Executive Leadership Certificate - Cornell University

Policy Strategy Development Certificate - Harvard Business School Online

Sustainable Business Strategy Certificate - Harvard Business School Online

Mass Communications - Mass Communications (Minor: Business Management) - Lamar University