The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) today announced Katie Kirkpatrick’s promotion to president and CEO. Kirkpatrick is known for her public policy prowess, courageous leadership and more than a decade of driving impact through her work at MAC. Over the years, Kirkpatrick has built strong relationships with CEOs across the region and amassed deep knowledge of their businesses. She is poised to help galvanize the region’s economic recovery and guide the 160-year-old Chamber forward.

Kirkpatrick will begin her new role on June 15, succeeding Hala Moddelmog who in February announced plans to step down from her post at MAC. Moddelmog entered the role in January 2014 as the first woman to lead the organization and is credited with bringing business-savvy and a next-generation approach to MAC’s work.

“Our search committee set out to find a leader with roots in the business community and experience successfully navigating a changing environment. Katie fits the bill and more. She joined the Chamber in 2007 and helped it navigate the Great Recession. She has been the architect of countless public policy successes that have driven the region forward,” said MAC’s 2020 chair Marty Flanagan, president and CEO of Invesco. “Katie has earned the respect of our business community and our partners in government and the nonprofit community. We know she will bring fresh energy as she guides the Chamber to new heights and helps us navigate the region’s path to recovery.” 

“I joined the Chamber to make a difference in my community, and I look forward to this new role with the same intention,” said Katie Kirkpatrick. “The Metro Atlanta Chamber has a rich history. We have been the driving force behind critical milestones in our region while remaining true to our core mission and having the courage to reimagine ourselves. Now is the time to lean in and fulfill that vision. We will tackle the tough issues – equity, disparities and others – while leveraging our strengths to help restore our economy and position our region for continued growth and success.” 

Since joining the Chamber, Kirkpatrick has served as the link between the metro Atlanta business community and local and national government. She has forged strong relationships with the region’s business leaders and has equally solid ties around the state through her public policy work on behalf of the region and the entire state of Georgia. She has led key initiatives strengthening the region’s higher education ecosystem and workforce development and battled discriminatory legislation that would have damaged the state’s business-friendly reputation. Her work has also included environmental policy and water-related issues. 

Kirkpatrick’s impact runs deeper than business and industry – she is committed to today’s most relevant social issues. She currently serves on the GRACE Commission, comprised of public officials, law enforcement, businesses and nonprofit organizations, committed to ending human trafficking in the State of Georgia and the City of Atlanta. She is a vice-chair for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and a past board chair for the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership. She is also a member of the board of directors for the Atlanta Track Club.

“Katie has stepped up over the years and quietly made a significant difference at MAC and in our community. I have watched her build an extensive list of accomplishments. Among them, her work on innovation and entrepreneurship, environmental affairs and legislation that has helped maintain Atlanta’s standing as a diverse and welcoming community earned my deep respect and admiration,” said Moddelmog. “She is the next generation leader the Chamber needs as it looks to the future.” 

In the next phase of her career, Moddelmog will remain a passionate champion for diversity on boards and women in leadership as well as an ambassador for metro Atlanta. She will continue to serve on public and private boards and in various strategic advisory roles and participate in community work.

Marshall Guest, MAC’s senior vice president of public policy, and Dave Williams, MAC’s senior vice president of public policy, will co-lead the organization’s public policy team and join MAC’s senior leadership team when Kirkpatrick moves into her elevated role.

For more information about MAC and to view Kirkpatrick’s bio, visit MetroAtlantaChamber.com.