%20(1).png/:/rs=h:69,cg:true,m/qt=q:95)
our support team
gerald mcdowell | executive director
Gerald McDowell was appointed Executive Director of the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs) following his outstanding leadership at Gateway 85 CID. Under his direction, AACIDs has secured more than $50 million in grants and project funding. He oversees the operations and development of both Airport West and Airport South CIDs, overseeing a $3.7 million budget.
McDowell’s leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the South Fulton Chamber Award (2015), ABL Award (2016), the inaugural CID Professional Excellence Award (2020) and recognition as a Notable Georgian by Georgia Trend (2018–2024), Georgia 500 (2022–2023) and Georgia Titan 100 (2023–2024). A 2019 graduate of Leadership Atlanta, he continues to be recognized as an influential leader in the region.
He currently serves on the boards of the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, Council for Quality Growth, Georgia Foreign Trade Zone, New Life Community Alliance, Project ReStart, and the Georgia Titan 100.
krystal harris | Program Director
Krystal Harris is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, specializing in strategic transportation planning and project delivery. As Program Director, she oversees the capital program, managing projects from concept to construction with a data-driven approach and attention to detail.
Having joined the CIDs in 2019, Harris previously spent 12 years at the Georgia Department of Transportation in various roles in Planning and Asset Management. Known for translating complex data into clear insights, Harris drives sound decision-making and advances long-term organizational goals.
Harris has been recognized among the 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering for multiple years by the ACEC-Georgia and received the “Women Who Move Atlanta” Award from COMTO-Atlanta. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Brendan o'neil | Public Safety Director
Brendan O'Neil is the Public Safety Director for the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs), overseeing the districts safety and security. With nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience in South Metro-Atlanta, he specializes in law enforcement technology and innovative safety solutions. He holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice Leadership from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s in Public Justice from SUNY Oswego.
An active member of several prominent organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP), and the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA), Brendan is dedicated to enhancing safety, building community trust, and improving service delivery within the AACIDs. He takes a collaborative approach to addressing the region’s evolving safety needs.
kyana cannon | Executive Administrative Assistant & Office manager
Ms. Kyana Cannon, with a robust 14-year tenure in the public sector, brings her extensive expertise to the ATL Airport CIDs. Her roles have spanned from social work to project administration and program management within the State of Georgia. Currently, she serves on the advisory board for the United Way of Greater Atlanta - Clayton County and is an active member of the Shaquille O’Neal Boys and Girls Club of Henry County. Her dedication to community betterment is evident in her tireless search for solutions to local needs.
A proud alumna of Alabama State University and a dedicated member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Ms. Cannon leads by example. She orchestrates impactful events and programs that showcase her leadership in action, such as scholarship fundraisers, youth symposiums, college tours, and community baby showers. Her mentorship of college students is a testament to her commitment to cultivating leadership and excellence in future generations.
In her current role as the AACIDs Executive Administrative Assistant, Kyana, plays a pivotal role at the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs) requiring a blend of organizational, communication, and strategic skills. Kyana significantly contributes to optimizing productivity and enhancing decision-making within the AACIDs team.
robert caudill | project manager
Robby Caudill is an experienced project manager for the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDS) whose primary background is in transportation planning.
After five years with the Georgia Department of Transportation, Robby brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He has successfully managed a number of transportation projects and studies around the state.
Robby is known for his technical skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively coordinate team efforts to meet project deadlines. His dedication to quality assurance and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the AACIDS team.
Kendall Boone Jr. | Marketing & Communications manager
Kendall Boone Jr. leads the planning and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies that strengthen the organization's mission, programs and visibility. With more than 10 years of experience leading global brand development and organizational transformation for Fortune 100 companies and nonprofits, he brings expertise in DEI strategy, product marketing and stakeholder engagement.
Kendall has held leadership roles with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, McDonald’s Corporation, and Hill+Knowlton Strategies, and founded He Is Valuable, Inc., a social impact organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. He also served internationally with the Peace Corps in Ukraine and The Gambia, leading capacity-building and community development initiatives.
Danielle Bass | Director of Community Engagement
Danielle Bass is a results-driven leader who bridges strategy with execution to shape inclusive, community-centered growth. As Director of Community Engagement, she advances the impact of the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) by managing stakeholder relationships, supporting strategic planning efforts, and aligning local leadership with private-sector partners to drive public-facing outcomes. With an MBA in Entrepreneurship and a background in finance, Danielle brings a holistic, people-first approach to operational strategy and system design.
Prior to this role, Danielle spent five years as Operations Manager at Midtown Dental Center, leading high-performing teams, streamlining business operations, and driving sustainable growth. Her career spans nearly two decades of experience across healthcare operations, business consulting, and civic engagement. Danielle thrives in roles where precision meets purpose, grounded in the belief that thoughtful systems create meaningful, lasting change.