Our History and Purpose
Our Vision
and Mission
Vision
Mission
Our Values
We are
Accountable.
We are
Authentic.
We are
One.
Economic Impact
Driving Georgia’s Economy Forward
GWCCA’s impact reaches far beyond its campus. As one of the top convention, sports, and entertainment destinations in the country, we serve as a powerful economic engine for the state of Georgia. Each year, events hosted across our facilities generate billions in economic impact — supporting local and regional businesses, creating jobs, and driving tourism.
From the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Centennial Olympic Park and Signia by Hilton Atlanta, our venues attract millions of visitors annually. These guests contribute to hotel stays, restaurant visits, transportation, and retail — fueling growth throughout the region and state
The Authority doesn’t just host events; we help power prosperity.
Did You Know
$1.94 Billion
Visitors, exhibitors, and organizers spent $1.08 billion directly, generating a total economic impact of $1.94 billion—meaning each dollar spent added 80 cents to Georgia’s economy. Out-of-state visitors accounted for $1.68 billion, or 86 percent of this total.
$127.5 Million / $93.7 Million
In addition, this economic activity generated additional tax revenues for state and local governments. The Authority contributed $127.5 million in tax and fee revenues to the State and $93.7 million to local governments. The latter figure includes $29.9 million in hotel/motel taxes.
2.6 Million Visitor Days
About 1.15 million visitors – 33 percent of all attendees to GWCCA’s campus – came from out of state. The 152 events held during the fiscal year created more than 2.6 million out-of-state visitor days, fueling significant economic impact.
GWCCA Leadership Team
Vice President, Convention Sales
Chief Commercial Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Vice President, Campus Safety Operations
Vice President, Legal Counsel
Chief Human Resources Officer
Senior Vice President, General Manager, Savannah Convention Center
Chief Legal Officer
Vice President, Assistant General Manager, Savannah Convention Center
Vice President, Government Relations
Vice President, Campus Operations
GWCCA Directors
Director, Guest Experience
Director, Operations – Event Logistics and Fulfillment
Director, Purchasing
Director, Accounting
Director, Business Intelligence
Director, Event Services
Chief of Police, Director, Public Safety
Director, Sports Engagement and Community Impact
Director, Human Resources
Director, Facility Managment
Director, Communication
Director, Finance
Director, Sales
Director, Talent Development and Communication
Director, Emergency Preparedness
Savannah Convention Center Directors
Senior Director, Sales & Marketing
Senior Director, Operations & Special Projects
Director, Finance and Administration
Director, Event Services
Director, Human Resources
GWCCA Partners
General Manager, Edlen
Market Leader, SP+ a Metropolis Company
General Manager, Levy Convention Centers
Director, Premium Services, Levy Restaurants
Director, Operations, Levy Restaurants
Managing Director, CCLD
General Manager, Signia by Hilton Atlanta
Paul Guerrucci
Vice President, Campus Safety Operations
Paul serves as Vice President ofCampus Safety Operations for GWCCA, where he leads safety and security efforts across the Authority’s 220-acre campus. He is responsible for all aspects of campus safety— including emergency planning and response, crime prevention, policy implementation, coordination of campus police and off-duty officers, and the development of customer safety plans for events.
An Atlanta native and seasoned public safety leader, Paul spent 20 years with the Atlanta Police Department(APD), where he held key roles including assistant commander at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, interim director of theAtlanta Police Academy, and commander of the special enforcement section. He was named APD’s Police Officer of the Year in 1999, U.S Attorney’s OfficeCommitment to the Pursuit of Justice 2017, and Georgia State University JudgeAndrew A. Mickle Outstanding Instructor Award 2024 recognizing his outstanding leadership and service. Paul is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a master’s in public safety leadership from Mercer University also severing as an Adjunct Instructor at Georgia State University teaching criminal justice courses.
Governance
In 1978, the Georgia General Assembly established a six-member legislative overview committee to monitor GWCCA activities. In 2003, this committee was expanded to 12 members, equally divided between the Georgia House of Representatives and the Senate.
GWCCA Board of Governors
Brian Daniel
Doug Tollett
Dexter Warrior
Maxine Burton
Steve Adams
Omar Ali
Natasha Bell
Ben Garrett
Glenn Hicks
Bill Jones
Rachel Little
Aaron McWhorter
Butch Miller
Bill Rice
Bill Russell
GWCCA Legislative Overview Committee
Sen. Larry Walker
Sen. Drew Echols
Sen. Steve Gooch
Sen. Sonya Halpern
Sen. Chuck Hufstetler
Sen. Ben Watson
Rep. Chris Erwin
Rep. Scott Holcomb
Rep. Chuck Martin
Rep. Butch Parrish
Rep. Ron Stephens
2026 Meeting Schedule
27
24
31
28
19
30
28
25
16-18
27
9
SEPTEMBER meeting typically cancelled in lieu of an Authority planning retreat
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER meetings combined
