ATLANTA (Sept. 17, 2024) – Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
(ACVB) will recognize four new individuals during the 25th annual
Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame ceremony Monday, Nov. 11 at The Westin
Buckhead Atlanta. The event will honor the late Dr. Brian Davis, Bobby
Donlan, Donata Russell Ross, and Mark Vaughan.
“Our new inductees have had a remarkable impact on not only our
visitors, but also those who call Atlanta home,” said William Pate,
President and CEO, ACVB. “We are thrilled to welcome these individuals
into the 2024 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame and celebrate their
life’s work.”
Davis, Ph.D., served as president and CEO of Georgia Aquarium, where he
made a profound impact on educational and zoological fields from 2003
until his passing in 2024. Joining the Aquarium as one of its first
employees, Dr. Davis was integral in its 2005 opening, where he held the
role of director of education. He later served as vice president of
education and executive vice president of operations. The Aquarium’s
designation marked his leadership as a Certified Autism Center and
acknowledgment as a Top Workplace of 2024 by Atlanta
Journal-Constitution. Due to his dedication to the organization’s
culture, the Aquarium also received the DEI award for its
diversity, equity, and employee inclusion accomplishments. Dr.
Davis served as chair of Central Atlanta Progress and sat on the boards
of ACVB, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the Georgia Tourism Board, of which
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed him.
Donlan served as the managing partner of New York Prime from its
opening in 2003 until his retirement in 2020. During his time with New
York Prime, Donlan played a fundamental role in establishing the
restaurant as one of Atlanta’s premier steakhouses. Upon moving to
Atlanta in 1979, he was a key member of the opening team at Bones
Restaurant, where he held various positions during his 24-year tenure.
Donlan has continued to make significant contributions to Atlanta’s
hospitality industry through his leadership within Georgia Restaurant
Association where he has been actively involved in advancing local
charitable endeavors and community initiatives.
Russell Ross is CEO of Concessions International, LLC, one of the
largest airport food and beverage operators in the country with
facilities at more than eight major national airports. For more than 40
years, Russell Ross has held pivotal roles within the company’s
management team, previously serving as president. Her efforts have led
to significant growth for the company and have shaped and implemented
its vision, mission, and strategic plan. Russell Ross also serves as
President of the Herman J. Russell Foundation and is on the board of
directors of H. J. Russell & Company, Concessions International, LLC,
Early Learning Property Management and Russell Innovation Center for
Entrepreneurs (RICE).
Vaughan served as executive vice president and chief sales officer of
ACVB, where he led efforts to boost tourism to Atlanta from 2005 until
his retirement in 2023. Under his leadership, ACVB’s sales team
secured hundreds of major citywide conventions and sporting events,
increasing visitation to metro Atlanta from 35 million to 57 million
visitors annually. He held prominent positions on the board of directors
for the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE), the ASAE Foundation,
Association Forum and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He was also a member of
the Federal Reserve Bank’s Tourism Advisory Council and chair of
Atlanta Sports Council. His extensive career in hospitality included 23
years in various sales and marketing roles with Marriott International.
In addition to honoring the 2024 Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees,
ACVB will present the Spurgeon Richardson Member of the Year Award to
Dart Transportation Solutions LLC.
Atlanta Business Chronicle, Delta Air Lines, and The Coca-Cola Company
serve as presenting sponsors for this year’s Hospitality Hall of Fame.
Individual tickets or tables are available for purchase at
DiscoverAtlanta.com/HHOF [1].
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About Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Established in 1913, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is
the official destination marketing organization for the city and serves
to favorably impact Atlanta’s economy through conventions and tourism.
Visit discoveratlanta.com [2] and @discoveratlanta on social media
for more information.
