BeltLine confirms departure of CEO

The Atlanta BeltLine Inc. is in the market for a new CEO.
On Friday afternoon, July 6, the entity that manages the Beltline project confirmed that Brian McGowan is leaving Atlanta for a gig in Seattle as CEO of Greater Seattle Partners.
McGowan took over the job less than a year ago when he was hired to replace Paul Morris, who was ousted following a report published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution outlining how the Atlanta Beltline has failed to achieve its goals of providing affordable housing.
Atlanta BeltLine Inc. did not immediately respond to a question about who would be the interim CEO.
Here is the full announcement from ABI:
It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) President and CEO Brian McGowan has taken a new role as CEO of Greater Seattle Partners (GSP), in Seattle, Washington.
Brian has made an immense impact not only on ABI, but on the city of Atlanta as a whole. From his instrumental role in transforming Invest Atlanta, to his leadership at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Brian has brought economic development experience on a global scale to his role as head of ABI.
Brian has a deep understanding of community development, and under his guidance, the Atlanta BeltLine has moved forward with a new vision and renewed purpose, reigniting the project’s transformative potential and rekindling the public’s trust in the organization.
“As President and CEO of the Atlanta Beltline, Brian McGowan has carried forth the vision of one of the most transformative urban redevelopment programs in America,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “His leadership and expertise in economic growth and community revitalization has made him a valuable asset to our city. We are certain he will bring the same energy and creativity to his new position in Seattle. We wish him and his family all the best in this new exciting chapter in their lives.”
In his short term, Brian cultivated a collaborative culture and welcomed ABI’s partners and stakeholders to the table. He augmented the staff with strong leaders, creating a solid, healthy organization that is poised to succeed even in his absence.
We at ABI are confident in the Mayor’s vision for One Atlanta and look forward to her leadership as we begin the search for the next CEO.