Atlanta Airport Celebrates GM’s Decade of Leadership

Ben DeCosta (left) and Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue at Delta Air Lines Inc.'s Atlanta-Shanghai flight opening. CLICK HERE or on the photo above for a video of Mr. DeCosta's speech at the event.

A decade ago on June 22, Benjamin DeCosta took the helm of what is now the world’s busiest airport by passenger volume. 

This week, officials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are recognizing the general manager’s achievements, just as many publications and airport associations have done in recent years.

In addition to serving on a variety of national and international task forces and boards, Mr. DeCosta has received numerous individual accolades, and the airport has racked up awards under his headship.

Hartsfield-Jackson has been named the most efficient among airports worldwide for several years by the Air Transport Research Society, a global think tank.  In 2007, Mr. DeCosta earned Airport Revenue News’ designation as the “Best Airport Director of the Year.” 

The airport is a prime economic development engine for the City of Atlanta, and its growth has helped raise Atlanta’s profile on the international stage. 

Mr. DeCosta has traveled abroad on numerous occasions, taking a proactive approach toward developing the airport’s global recognition and leveraging it for the benefit of the city and Georgia.

And the work hasn’t stopped. The airport is currently spending $25 million to upgrade security checkpoints and reduce wait times. 

Mr. DeCosta has also overseen the airport’s $6 billion capital improvement program.  

The program led to the construction of a fifth runway in 2006 and will provide $1.1 billion for construction of the Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. International Terminal, which is set to substantially increase the airport’s capacity for international travelers when it opens in 2011.  More on the international terminal…

A consolidated rental car facility is also planned.

In a statement, Mr. DeCosta credited the airport’s staff with much of the its past success and said he anticipates even better outcomes in the future. 

 

Georgia Hispanic Chamber Names New President and CEO

The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Tisha Tallman as its president and CEO. 

Ms. Tallman, an attorney and active member of the state’s Hispanic community, replaces the late Sara Gonzalez, who died in February at 72 years old.  More about Ms. Gonzalez…

Effective July 14, Ms. Tallman will assume responsibility for all operational aspects of the chamber.  She will be charged with advancing business growth and collaboration between Georgia’s Hispanic businesses and corporate community at large. 

Ms. Tallman’s experience working with Latin American non-profit organizations contributed to the board’s decision to select her as the chamber’s new leader.

“Her strong background in the private, academic and governmental sectors will provide a foundation for her leadership to our members growing businesses and our supporting organizations,” Gabriel Vaca, the chamber’s chairman, said in a statement.

Ms. Tallman has practiced law in several states and recently served as the Southeast regional counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF, an organization aimed at protecting the civil rights of Latinos in the U.S.

She has pocketed numerous awards in her efforts to champion Mexican nationals in the U.S., including a designation as one of the most influential Hispanics in Georgia by Nuevo Impacto magazine.

Visit www.ghcc.org.

Israeli Consul Sends Off Outgoing Jewish Federation Chair

Mr. Kogon receives a gift from Consul General Reda Mansour (right).

Israel’s top diplomat in the Southeast was on hand at the Jewish Federation of Atlanta’s 102nd annual meeting to recognize and send off the organization’s outgoing chair. 

In a speech at the event, Reda Mansour, Israel’s consul general in Atlanta, honored Marty Kogon, who presided over his last meeting as board chairman. 

“Marty helped me understand the powerful combination of personal success and community activism.  He was always volunteering his precious time for the benefit of others,” Mr. Mansour said.

Mr. Mansour said the consulate often works on community programs with the federation, which represents the interests of Atlanta’s 100,000 Jews.

The group provides specific information and programming about Jewish life in Atlanta, including, among other topics, supporting Israel’s social and economic vitality, according to the organization’s Web site.

Carol Cooper will take over for Mr. Kogon and serve a two-year term.

Visit www.shalomatlanta.org.