Downtown Atlanta's Top Cheerleader to Step Down After 23 Years

A.J. Robinson, president and CEO of Central Atlanta Progress, announces his retirement from the influential civic organization.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:37pm

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still-life featuring a collection of polished, geometric objects arranged on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the various aspects of downtown development and community-building that A.J. Robinson has championed during his tenure at Central Atlanta Progress.The departure of A.J. Robinson, a longtime champion of downtown Atlanta, marks a significant transition for the city's civic leadership.Atlanta Today

A.J. Robinson, who has led the influential civic organization Central Atlanta Progress for the past 23 years, announced on Wednesday that he will be stepping down from his role as president and CEO. Robinson, known for wearing distinctive hats featuring Atlanta landmarks, has been a passionate advocate for downtown Atlanta's development and community.

Why it matters

Central Atlanta Progress is a powerful organization that has played a major role in shaping the direction of downtown Atlanta over the past two decades. Robinson's departure marks the end of an era and signals that the city is entering a new phase of growth and evolution that will require new leadership and a fresh perspective.

The details

During his 23-year tenure, Robinson has overseen numerous initiatives and projects aimed at revitalizing and promoting downtown Atlanta. Under his leadership, Central Atlanta Progress has worked to attract new businesses, improve public spaces, and foster a stronger sense of community in the city's urban core.

  • A.J. Robinson announced his resignation on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Robinson has served as president and CEO of Central Atlanta Progress for the past 23 years.

The players

A.J. Robinson

The outgoing president and CEO of Central Atlanta Progress, a influential civic organization focused on downtown Atlanta's development and community.

Central Atlanta Progress

A nonprofit organization that has played a key role in shaping the direction of downtown Atlanta over the past two decades.

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What they’re saying

“It's time for a leadership change to match a city that's entering its next chapter.”

— A.J. Robinson, President and CEO, Central Atlanta Progress

What’s next

Central Atlanta Progress will begin a search for a new president and CEO to lead the organization into the future.

The takeaway

A.J. Robinson's departure from Central Atlanta Progress marks the end of an era for downtown Atlanta, as the city prepares to enter a new phase of growth and development that will require fresh leadership and a renewed vision for the urban core.