What does it take to build an award-winning chapter? If the story of AMAC Atlanta is any indication, it begins with visionary leadership, grows through collaboration, and succeeds because of a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for others.
Fresh from a historic showing at the 2026 AMAC Airport Business Conference, where AMAC Atlanta was named Chapter of the Year and President Alicia Ivey earned the prestigious Chairman’s Award, the chapter gathered at Murphy’s Restaurant in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood to celebrate a remarkable year of achievement. The evening brought together national and local board members, sponsors, airport leadership, elected officials, and community partners whose collective support has helped transform AMAC Atlanta into the nation’s largest chapter and one of its most impactful.
Among those joining the celebration were former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, who applauded the chapter for carrying forward the vision of the late Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, Jr., whose unwavering commitment to inclusion forever changed opportunities in the aviation industry. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport General Manager Ricky Smith praised the chapter’s extraordinary work over the past year, highlighting its successful advocacy against state legislation that would have negatively impacted the Airport and its business partners. He also recognized AMAC Atlanta as a model for chapters nationwide, applauding its ability to build influential relationships with elected officials at every level of government — from local leadership to the Governor of Georgia.
Another highlight of the evening was the announcement that Executive Deputy General Manager Jan Lennon, Assistant General Manager Walter Vinson, and Chapter President Alicia Ivey will serve as co-chairs of the 2027 AMAC Airport Business Conference, which will be proudly hosted in Atlanta. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause and underscored Atlanta’s growing leadership role within the national organization. Atlanta City Councilmember Michael Bond congratulated the chapter, along with sponsors and supporters who have helped strengthen the chapter’s programming and outreach throughout the year.
The celebration was about much more than receiving awards. It was an opportunity to reflect on the teamwork that made those honors possible.
During the national conference, AMAC Atlanta earned an extraordinary list of recognitions. In addition to being named Chapter of the Year and Chapter President Alicia Ivey receiving the Chairman’s Award, President Ivey also was honored with the Community Impact Award presented by Avolta. Assistant General Manager Walter Vinson was recognized nationally as Advocate of the Year, while the chapter’s innovative Runway to Success initiative was honored as the largest program of its kind among AMAC chapters across the country.
For President Ivey, however, the awards tell only part of the story.
“As I reflect on our time at the 2026 AMAC National Conference, my heart is filled with gratitude and pride for what we have accomplished together,” she shared with the board. “These honors belong to each of us. They are a reflection of our shared vision, unwavering commitment, and belief in what AMAC Atlanta could become.”
That spirit of collective leadership has defined the chapter since its founding. Under Ivey’s leadership, AMAC Atlanta has rapidly grown into the organization’s largest chapter by creating substantive programming, cultivating strategic partnerships, advocating for equitable opportunities, and fostering meaningful professional development throughout the aviation community.
The chapter’s accomplishments over the past year illustrate that commitment. From educational forums and networking events to legislative advocacy and innovative workforce initiatives, AMAC Atlanta has consistently focused on creating pathways for businesses and professionals to thrive.
Perhaps no statement better captures the chapter’s journey than President Ivey’s reflection on its rapid rise.
“Some may say we arrived late, but together we proved that excellence is not about when you begin. It is about how boldly you lead once you arrive.”
Those words resonated deeply with everyone gathered for the celebration because they reflect the culture the chapter has intentionally built, one rooted in service, innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
As Founding President, Ivey emphasized that every milestone achieved has been the result of dedicated volunteers working together for the benefit of members and for future generations of aviation professionals.
“Every success we celebrate today was made possible because we worked together for the good of the chapter and for the future of those who will follow in our footsteps,” she told the board.
As the evening concluded, the celebration became more than a recognition of past accomplishments. It marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With Atlanta preparing to host the 2027 AMAC Airport Business Conference and a proven leadership team at the helm, AMAC Atlanta is well-positioned to continue setting the standard for innovation, advocacy, and member engagement across the nation.
Award-winning chapters are built by award-winning leaders. But as AMAC Atlanta continues to demonstrate, the greatest leadership achievement is inspiring an entire team to rise together.