Downtown Atlanta Inc. has officially chosen longtime Atlanta Food Bank President and CEO Kyle Waide to take over as their new President and CEO, heading up the nonprofit centered on Atlanta’s urban core.
The organization announced its new leader on Sept. 14. Starting in December, Waide will run Downtown Atlanta Inc., an “umbrella organization” for the two groups formerly known as Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID.) The group works to drive economic development, local improvements and revitalization to the downtown area.
“Downtown is central to Atlanta’s identity and the face we present to the world,” Waide said. “This is a moment of great possibility, and I am humbled by the opportunity to build on AJ Robinson’s extraordinary legacy. And the work Downtown Atlanta Inc. has already accomplished.”
Waide is the nonprofit’s first new leader in 23 years. In April, longtime CEO AJ Robinson announced his retirement. It kicked off an intensive search for the new nonprofit head, led by longtime CAP member, former board chair and Integral Group CEO Egbert Perry.
“When we met Kyle [Waide], we saw his vision and his plans for Downtown Atlanta,” Perry said. “It became clear that Kyle is the right person at the right time to lead Downtown Atlanta.”
Waide will take on the job at a critical moment for Downtown Atlanta, and he recognizes the landscape. The neighborhood is home to several revitalization efforts and major developments: Centennial Yards, South Downtown, Georgia State University, The Stitch, The CTR and Underground Atlanta.
“I think we have a once-in-a-lifetime kind of opportunity right now, given all the momentum in downtown, to really leverage that to attract even more investment and really deliver an incredible downtown experience for everybody who comes here,” Waide said.
But the incoming CEO also recognizes downtown’s challenges. He cites homelessness, safety, cleanliness, connectivity and underutilized office space as some key areas for downtown improvement. He has a specific focus on housing and adding “residential density” to the area.
“That will be a critical part of our long-term success,” Waide said.
Former CEO AJ Robinson threw his support behind Waide. Robinson said his successor brings “expertise” from the Food Bank that will benefit downtown. “I have known Kyle for many years and have long admired his leadership,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to supporting him as he leads downtown into this next chapter.”
Waide joined the Atlanta Community Food Bank in 2012, and became the organization’s second-ever CEO in 2015. He took over the role from founder Bill Bolling. Waide is no stranger to succeeding longtime leaders.
As the Food Bank CEO, Waide oversaw major growth and expansion, including a move to their new 345,000 square foot East Point facility. Waide said it gave him experience in leading “transformational change.”
According to the new CEO, he is also experienced in building coalitions among diverse stakeholders “around a big vision,” driving fundraising growth, building trust, working with public officials and building a great team and culture.
“All of that is in the service of getting things done,” he said. “Of delivering great results.”
But first, Waide wants to listen. He said there is a lot to learn in the new role. “I have a lot of listening to do, to our team and to our network of stakeholders,” he said. Waide plans to meet them on the ground downtown, visiting local businesses and chatting with organization members to learn the landscape before developing a “compelling vision and plan” for the area.
“What I imagine is we make the kind of investments downtown that ensure that we provide a world-class experience for anyone who comes downtown to live, work or play,” Waide said.
In the meantime, the Atlanta Community Food Bank will begin its own search for a new President and CEO. Food Bank Board Chair Althea Broughton said the nonprofit is “stronger today than at any point in its history.”
“The Food Bank is a very special place to me,” Waide said. “I know that I’m really sad to leave that team, but I know they are well positioned for success in the long term.”
