Mr. Shannon James Sr.
President & CEO Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, Inc
A native of Albany, GA, Shannon W. James Sr. received a full Men’s Basketball scholarship to Valdosta State University. While in undergrad, he became Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc before obtaining B.B.A’s in both Management & Marketing in ’04 and ‘05. Immediately post undergrad, he would begin a 15yr career in banking and become the first African-American accepted into the Park Avenue Bank Management Trainee Program in 2005. He rose to VP, Commercial Banking with both SunTrust and BB&T Bank while being recognized as a Platinum Performance Award Winner.
In 2018, AeroATL leadership would unanimously elect Mr. James to his current role as President and CEO of Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance- 501c(6), Inc. He currently leads the non-profit mission to serve as a catalyst for regional economic competitiveness for the area surrounding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Under James leadership, the organization has grown from 5 to 15 jurisdictions inside Fulton and Clayton County, Ga. Revenues have quadrupled over the past 10 years, which Mr. James helped to create both Aerotropolis Foundation-501c(3) and Aerotropolis Committee for a Stronger Region-501c(4). AeroATL has received numerous awards and uniquely positioned itself as a change agent for the region. Mr. James was honored by Valdosta State University as Harley Langdale College of Business Most Distinguished Alumnus in 2022; Atlanta Magazine as Top 500 Most Powerful Leaders in Metro Atlanta 2021-2025;Top 500 Most Influential Georgian’s by Georgia Trend 2023-2025; “Most Notable” Georgian by Georgia Trend’s Top 100 Most Powerful Leaders 2024 & 2025.
He currently serves as Secretary for ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts, Treasure for Fulton County Schools Education Foundation, Advisory Board Member for both LISC Atlanta and Bisnow Atlanta.
