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AJ Robinson
President at Central Atlanta Progress, Inc.
A.J. Robinson is the President of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID).12 Here's an overview of his background and role:
Professional Experience
A.J. Robinson has been leading CAP and ADID since 2003.4 In this role, he manages the strategic functions of these organizations, which are focused on making downtown Atlanta more livable, vital, and diverse.1 His key initiatives include economic development, planning, public safety, sidewalk environment, transportation, events, and overall marketing of Downtown Atlanta.1
Previous Career
Before joining CAP, Robinson had a successful 22-year career with Portman Holdings, a multi-dimensional real estate company.13 At Portman, he served as President and was responsible for all aspects of real estate development, including:
- Identifying new opportunities
- Securing financing
- Overseeing design and construction
- Marketing
- Property and asset management
During his time at Portman, he managed significant projects such as the development of Shanghai Centre, a $200 million multi-use facility in China.1
Education and Early Career
Robinson earned a business degree from Emory University in 1977 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1980.3 Early in his career, he participated in the U.S. Department of Commerce's creation of China's first business school.1
Achievements and Recognition
Under Robinson's leadership, CAP has accomplished several notable projects, including:
- Passage of public space vending legislation
- Creation of a citywide anti-panhandling program
- Revitalization of Woodruff Park
- Securing over $80 million in New Market Tax Credits for Downtown projects1
He has been consistently recognized as one of Georgia Trend's 100 Most Influential Georgians and one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 100 Most Influential Atlantans.2
Civic Involvement
Robinson is actively involved in various business and civic organizations, serving on boards such as:
- AmericasMart, Inc.
- Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
- The Breman Heritage Museum13
A.J. Robinson's extensive experience in real estate development and urban planning, combined with his leadership at CAP, has made him a key figure in shaping the development and improvement of downtown Atlanta.
