Gerald McDowell, a well-respected and acclaimed industry expert in community and city improvements, lives by the mindset that “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible,” a belief attributed to Walt Disney. This mindset has played a crucial role in Gerald’s success and his dedication to raising the collective value of communities. With an impressive professional experience spanning over 30 years, Gerald remains humble and committed to providing strong, safe, attractive, and vibrant communities for South Metro Atlanta.

Having graduated from DeVry University in Atlanta with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems in 1987, Gerald spent over 18 years evolving in the IT industry. During this time, he effectively managed more than 75 projects and approximately 120 employees across more than 40 states and 12 countries. His adaptability to handle diverse cultures and lead people and projects successfully has garnered him praise and respect.

However, Gerald made a significant career transition when he merged his IT skills and leadership capabilities with community improvement and development. He began his journey with the Gwinnett Village CID, later known as Gateway 85 CID, and the Gwinnett Village Community Alliance, where he served as a Director of Community Development for four years. His accomplishments included engaging more than 250 commercial property owners, resulting in over $700 million in property value, and establishing the Gwinnett Village Merchant’s Association.

Currently, Gerald serves on the boards for several organizations, including the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, Council for Quality Growth, Georgia Foreign Trade Zone, New Life Community Alliance, Project ReStart, and the Georgia Titan 100. His commitment to community improvement and his remarkable leadership continue to make a significant impact on the region and its development.

A Remarkable Journey in Driving Positive Change

Gerald’s exceptional achievements caught the attention of the Lilburn Community Improvement District, and he was recruited as their first Executive Director, a position he held for five years. During this time, he secured over $2 million in grant funding for the district. After working in the IT industry for nearly 20 years, Gerald made a significant career transition in 2005 to join a Community Improvement District. This change proved to be highly rewarding for him as he found himself involved in making meaningful improvements in the community, benefiting not only businesses but also residents and local governments.

His exemplary leadership as a community leader led to another opportunity in 2015 when he was approached to serve as the Executive Director of the Airport West CID. Under his guidance, this organization merged with the Airport South CID to become the Aerotropolis Atlanta CIDs, now known as ATL Airport CIDs. Thanks to Gerald’s leadership, the ATL Airport CIDs received more than $100 million in grants and project funding. He currently oversees the operations and development of both Airport West and Airport South CIDs, managing a significant operational budget of $3.5 million.

Gerald’s expertise in community improvement topics, including technology, transit and transportation, safety, infrastructure, and wayfinding, has earned him opportunities to speak at various domestic and international events. He has been a keynote speaker or participated in panel roles at events such as the 2016 Sustainable Airport Area Seminar, the 2016 Aerotropolis Asia Conference in Singapore and Malaysia, the 2017 Automated Driving Systems event in Washington, D.C., the 2017 Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit, and the 2018 State of Aerotropolis in Atlanta, GA.

Gerald’s dedication and passion for creating positive change in the community have been evident throughout his work in the Community Improvement District, where he continues to strive for the betterment of the region and the well-being of its inhabitants.

His exceptional leadership has been recognized through numerous awards and acknowledgments. Notable accolades include being a member of the inaugural USDOT Leadership Academy conducted by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, a 2008 graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, a 2009 graduate of the Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute, and recipient of awards such as the 2015 South Fulton Chamber Award, the 2016 ABL Award, and the 2018-2023 Notable Georgian by Georgia Trend. He also graduated from Leadership Atlanta in 2019 and received the inaugural CID Professional Excellence Award in 2020. Additionally, he has been listed in the 2022 Georgia 500 and 2023 Georgia Titan 100.

About AACIDs

The ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs) have a profound commitment to building an economically strong, safe, attractive, and vibrant community around the world’s busiest passenger airport. Serving as a catalyst for infrastructure enhancements, the AACIDs actively seek new investments, engage in comprehensive project planning, manage resources effectively, and foster valuable partnerships. Their key focus areas revolve around Beautification, Public Safety, Transportation Infrastructure, and Wayfinding, all of which contribute to the collective effort of elevating the value of the community’s commercial properties. As a result of their ongoing efforts, the AACIDs have transformed into a desirable destination for new businesses, residents, and visitors alike, thereby fostering sustainable growth and development in the region.

Exemplary Leadership

Gerald embodies the characteristics of a servant-leader, striving to set an example of exemplary work behavior for those he collaborates with. He firmly believes in the power of a team approach, ensuring that each team member comprehends their role and contributes accordingly. One of his core principles is to “do for others what you wish would be done for you,” demonstrating his commitment to empathy and understanding in leadership.

Meeting people where they are is another essential aspect of Gerald’s leadership style. He recognizes the value of individuality and tailors his approach to suit the needs and capabilities of each team member. By ensuring everyone understands their role and accepts responsibility, Gerald fosters a well-functioning and cohesive team dynamic.

To support the team’s success, Gerald provides the necessary tools and flexibility to execute tasks effectively. He draws inspiration from his experience with sports coaches who emphasized the importance of mastering fundamentals. This belief guides his leadership philosophy, understanding that by continuously revisiting and reinforcing the basics, team members gain the guidance needed to fulfill their responsibilities and achieve collective goals.

Adapting to Modern Work Dynamics

According to Gerald, the workplace and work dynamics have undergone significant transformations in the past decade. One of the primary challenges faced by management-level employees is managing a generation of workers who have different work styles and learning approaches than those who came before them. This disconnects between generations can disrupt the workplace and hinder productivity.

To address this issue, Gerald emphasizes the need for adaptability and swift, radical changes in the way companies and organizations operate. Embracing technology is a crucial aspect of this adaptation process. Technology is continuously evolving, and it is essential for businesses and individuals to integrate it into every aspect of their operations, both personally and professionally.

Gerald emphasizes that the mistake lies in not embracing technology early on, as it can lead to difficulties in adapting later. By incorporating technological advancements into their workflows, organizations can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Message for Aspiring Leaders

Gerald places great value on family time and community involvement, recognizing their importance in his life. As time has passed, these aspects have become even more of a priority for him, highlighting their significance in fostering meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the world around him.

For aspiring leaders, Gerald offers valuable advice based on his experiences. He emphasizes that dwelling on the past and trying to change it is not productive. Instead, he encourages them to focus on the future and work collaboratively with others to bring about positive change. Breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes are essential steps in building a more inclusive and understanding society.

Gerald firmly believes that people share more common ground than they may initially realize. By recognizing our shared values and aspirations, individuals can come together, bridge differences, and work towards creating a better and more harmonious future for everyone. Collaboration and empathy are key qualities that aspiring leaders should embrace in their journey towards making a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.

Website: https://aacids.com/