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our support team
gerald mcdowell (executive director)
Gerald McDowell's outstanding contributions as a community leader for Gateway 85 CID resulted in his appointment as the Executive Director of the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs). Under his leadership, AACIDs successfully secured over $50 million in grants and project funding. McDowell manages the operational and developmental aspects of both Airport West and Airport South CIDs, overseeing a budget of $3.7 million.
McDowell's leadership abilities have been lauded by numerous organizations, including the 2015 South Fulton Chamber Award, 2016 ABL Award, 2018-2024 Notable Georgian by Georgia Trend, 2019 graduate of Leadership Atlanta, the inaugural CID Professional Excellence Award 2020, 2022-2023 Georgia 500, and 2023-2024 Georgia Titan 100.
McDowell 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 extensive experience in strategic transportation planning and high-level project management. She currently manages the ATL Airport CIDs capital program and has a deep understanding of projects from conception to construction, with the ability to grasp content data quickly and easily.
With exceptional communication skills, Krystal can bridge the gap between data and decision-makers, making her an asset to her team. Her strategies have achieved objectives for project implementation from various studies within her organization.
Krystal has nearly 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, with her last 12 years spent at the Georgia Department of Transportation in various roles in Planning and Asset Management. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Krystal is a highly skilled professional who can help organizations achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.
franklin allen (Public Safety Director)
With 38 years of law enforcement professional experience and 4,800 hours of certified training from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, Franklin Allen, Jr. brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as our new Public Safety Director.
Franklin is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College class 5, and Class 123 of the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development and the International Chiefs of Police Organizational Leadership.
Franklin has also received training as an Active Shooter Instructor, ASP Weapons System Instructor, Georgia POST Departmental Training Officer, as well as an instructor in Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Speed Detection, and TASER Electrical Control Device.
kyana cannon (Executive Assistant)
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.
Vanesha Cooper (Marketing manager)
Introducing Vanesha Cooper, a Marketing Project Manager at the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs). Possessing over 15 years of experience in marketing, media, and communications, she is well-equipped to handle any challenge that comes her way.
With a bachelor's degree in mass communications and certification in marketing, Vanesha is a formidable force in the industry. Her proficiency in developing innovative marketing solutions, sets her apart from the rest. Respected by her peers and subordinates, she leads with integrity and efficiency.
Renowned for her creativity and consistent hard-work, Vanesha is a dynamic individual who consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating her unwavering determination. With her impressive communication abilities and creative flair, Vanesha is an invaluable addition to the AACIDs team.