A.J. Robinson, the signature hat-wearing president and CEO of Central Atlanta Progress, announced in April 2026 that he will step down later this year after 23 years leading downtown's most influential civic organization. His departure marks a generational transition for Atlanta's urban core as the city enters its most significant development cycle in decades.
"There's a lot of really good momentum in the downtown community … but I think it's time for somebody to take us to the next level," Robinson said.
Robinson began his career with Portman Holdings, the developer behind many of downtown's iconic structures, before pivoting to civic leadership. He credits the late Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus with catalyzing downtown's revitalization through his $200 million gift funding the Georgia Aquarium — an investment that inspired Robinson to pursue the civic path.
The leadership transition will coincide with a restructuring at the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. Craig Jones, who has chaired ADID for 23 years, will move to lead the new Stitch board overseeing the Downtown Connector capping project. Robinson is expected to become Jones's successor at ADID, positioning him to mentor the next Central Atlanta Progress leader.
David Cummings, South Downtown owner and Central Atlanta Progress board chair, framed the challenge ahead: "Downtown is really complicated… one of the opportunities for the next leader is helping convert downtown from its previous life as a central business district into a new life as a walkable urban residential community."
The search committee aims to identify Robinson's successor by fall. Mayor Andre Dickens credited Robinson with having "helped attract and retain businesses, world class conventions and improve the overall quality of life in our urban core."
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
