A.J. Robinson steps down as CAP president after 23 years

Robinson will transition to chair of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) as Downtown Atlanta Inc. rebrands.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:21am

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A close-up photograph of a polished metal plaque or trophy with the engraved initials 'CAP', positioned elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background and using dramatic studio lighting to convey a sense of legacy and transition.A symbolic representation of the transition of leadership at Central Atlanta Progress, as the organization's longtime president steps down after over two decades of service.Atlanta Today

After 23 years as president of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), A.J. Robinson will step down later this year when a successor is found. Robinson will transition to chair of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), which works in partnership with CAP. Current board chair Craig Jones will transition to chair of the newly formed Stitch Board, overseeing the development of the Downtown Connector-capping park.

Why it matters

The move comes as both CAP and ADID recently rebranded under one umbrella, Downtown Atlanta Inc. The transition in leadership marks a significant shift for the influential organizations that have helped shape the future of Downtown Atlanta.

The details

A search committee led by Egbert Perry and including Craig Jones, Curley Dossman, Andrea Farley, Terri Lasoff, and David Cummings is working with BoardWalk Consulting to find the next CAP president. Robinson, who is in his 70s, said he felt now was the right time to make the transition since Downtown is in 'a really good place' with momentum from projects like Centennial Yards, South Downtown, and improvements to the Georgia State University campus.

  • A.J. Robinson will step down as CAP president later this year.
  • Robinson will transition to chair of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID).
  • Current board chair Craig Jones will transition to chair of the newly formed Stitch Board.

The players

A.J. Robinson

The outgoing president of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) who will transition to chair of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID).

Craig Jones

The current board chair of CAP who will transition to chair of the newly formed Stitch Board, overseeing the development of the Downtown Connector-capping park.

Egbert Perry

The chair of the search committee tasked with finding the next CAP president.

Curley Dossman

A member of the search committee tasked with finding the next CAP president.

Andrea Farley

A member of the search committee tasked with finding the next CAP president.

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What they’re saying

“The vitality and momentum of work at Centennial Yards, South Downtown, and the improvements to the Georgia State University campus are going to reshape Downtown. With the FIFA World Cup, the momentum is going to be exposed both locally and worldwide.”

— A.J. Robinson, Outgoing CAP President

“I've done my time, and there's an opportunity now for someone new to come in and build on this momentum with new thoughts, energy, and passion.”

— A.J. Robinson, Outgoing CAP President

What’s next

The search committee is working with BoardWalk Consulting to find the next CAP president, with the goal of having a successor in place before Robinson steps down later this year.

The takeaway

The transition in leadership at CAP and ADID marks a significant shift for the influential organizations that have helped shape the future of Downtown Atlanta. With new leadership, the organizations will have an opportunity to build on the momentum of recent development projects and prepare for major events like the FIFA World Cup.