Four New Honorees selected for Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame

September 17, 2024

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) will recognize four new individuals during the 25^th annual Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame ceremony Monday, Nov. 11 at The Westin Buckhead Atlanta. The event will honor the late Dr. Brian L. Davis, Bobby Donlan, Donata Russell Ross and Mark Vaughan.

“Our new inductees have had a remarkable impact on not only our visitors, but also those who call Atlanta home,” said William Pate, president and CEO, ACVB. “We are thrilled to welcome these individuals into the 2024 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame and celebrate their life’s work.”

Dr. Davis served as president and CEO of Georgia Aquarium, where he made a profound impact on educational and zoological fields from 2003 until his passing in 2024. Joining the Aquarium as one of its first employees, Dr. Davis was integral in its 2005 opening where he held the role of director of education. He later served as vice president of education and executive vice president of operations. His leadership was marked by the Aquarium’s designation as a Certified Autism Center and acknowledgement as a Top Workplace of 2024 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Due to his dedication to the organization’s culture, the Aquarium also received the DEI award for its accomplishments in diversity, equity and inclusion for employees. Dr. Davis served as chair of Central Atlanta Progress and sat on the boards of ACVB, Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Georgia Tourism Board, of which he was appointed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

Donlan served as the managing partner of New York Prime from its opening in 2003 until his retirement in 2020. During his time with New York Prime, Donlan played a fundamental role in establishing the restaurant as one of Atlanta’s premier steakhouses. Upon moving to Atlanta in 1979, he was a key member of the opening team at Bones Restaurant where he held various positions during his 24-year tenure. Donlan has continued to make significant contributions to Atlanta’s hospitality industry through his leadership within Georgia Restaurant Association where he has been actively involved in advancing local charitable endeavors and community initiatives.

Russell Ross is CEO of Concessions International, LLC, one of the largest airport food and beverage operators in the country with facilities at more than eight major national airports. For more than 40 years, Russell Ross has held pivotal roles within the company’s management team, previously serving as president. Her efforts have led to significant growth for the company and have shaped and implemented its vision, mission and strategic plan. Russell Ross also serves as president of the Herman J. Russell Foundation and is on the board of directors of H. J. Russell & Company, Concessions International, LLC, Early Learning Property Management and Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE).

Vaughan served as executive vice president and chief sales officer of ACVB, where he led efforts to boost tourism to Atlanta from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. Under his leadership, ACVB’s sales team secured hundreds of major citywide conventions and sporting events and increased visitation to metro Atlanta from 35 million to 57 million visitors annually. He held prominent positions on the board of directors for American Society for Association Executives (ASAE), ASAE Foundation, Association Forum and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He was also a member of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Tourism Advisory Council and chair of Atlanta Sports Council. His extensive career in hospitality included 23 years in various sales and marketing roles with Marriott International.

In addition to honoring the 2024 Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees, ACVB will present the Spurgeon Richardson Member of the Year Award to Dart Transportation Solutions LLC. 

Atlanta Business Chronicle, Delta Air Lines and The Coca-Cola Company serve as presenting sponsors for this year’s Hospitality Hall of Fame. Individual tickets or tables are available for purchase at DiscoverAtlanta.com/HHOF. 

Headshots are available for download here.