Dan Gordon Leaving Atlanta Government

Atlanta Chief Operating Officer Dan Gordon is leaving his municipal position to take a job in the private sector as a senior executive, according to a city announcement Friday, March 9.

“I want to thank Dan for his dedication and leadership to the city of Atlanta,” Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said. “He has worked tirelessly to improve the efficiency of our daily operations and played a significant role in closing complex transactions. His compassion for our employees, constituents and the community is commendable. I am appreciative of Dan’s willingness to assist with our transition.”

Bottoms’ predecessor, Kasim Reed, hired Gordon in 2015.

“I am deeply grateful to Mayor Reed and Mayor Bottoms for the opportunity to serve our community. It has been an honor to work under such talented and visionary leaders. I am so proud of what we have accomplished,” said Gordon, who was recognized by the AJT in 2014 as one of Jewish Atlanta’s 40 Under 40.

Gordon played a key role in transactions such as the city’s annexation of Emory University, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; a 20-year lease and use agreement for Delta Air Lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, leading to $6 billion in investments at the airport; and the sale of Underground Atlanta.

During Gordon’s time as COO, Atlanta’s cash reserves rose to a record of more than $200 million, and the city achieved an AA+ credit rating from all three major agencies, Atlanta’s best rating since the mid-1970s. The city also improved results in areas ranging from information systems downtime to crime.

“Serving as COO has been the opportunity of a lifetime,” Gordon said. “I would like to thank my wife and children for all they have done to support me in this fast-paced role. To my heroes, the employees, thank you for all you are doing to keep our city safe and ascendant. I am excited about the future of our City.”

Gordon, an Emory University alum, has worked for Home Depot, the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses, the Home Service Store and North American Properties and volunteered with the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, the Grady Hospital Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Leadership Atlanta, Outstanding Atlanta, Lab Atlanta and Atlanta’s Super Bowl host committee.

Gordon is being succeeded by Cox Automotive executive Richard Cox, on loan to the city for one year.