[NativeAtlantan]

Terry Montague, ABI CEO, just resigned....

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Atlanta, GA, May 12, 2009 – Atlanta BeltLine Inc. (ABI) will begin a transition in
leadership from its founding President and Chief Executive Officer Terri Montague who
will depart that position on September 1, 2009. The ABI board will establish a process to
identify a successor, and Montague will continue in a consulting role through the end of
the year to help assure a smooth transition.
“It has been my privilege to serve the City and the BeltLine team in this capacity and to
help the project achieve its early milestones and momentum over these nearly three
years,” said Montague, who was appointed to the position in July 2006. “BeltLine
implementation has come a very long way in a very short time—thanks in part to the
project’s many partners and supporters.”
Over the past three years, the BeltLine has moved forward with:
������ acquisition of 4.6 miles of Northeast Corridor Right-of-Way;
������ opening of the first mile of trail in the West End;
������ breaking ground for Historic Fourth Ward Park;
������ funding of the first dollars in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund;
������ completion of master plans for five BeltLine sub-areas; and
������ land acquisition, planning and design of five BeltLine parks or park expansions.
“We are grateful for Terri’s leadership in taking the BeltLine so far so quickly,” said
Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. Chair Cal Darden. “We are also grateful for her successful
recruiting of directors of Community Engagement, Communications, Design, Finance,
Real Estate and Program Management, comprising a leadership team that will serve the
BeltLine well under her successor.”
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin added: “Terri is smart, thoughtful and has been dedicated
to the success of this innovative public project, which she brought national recognition
and acclaim to. Her reputation for being a critical thinker was important as I sought
someone who could bring that experience to the development of all the complex issues
significant to the Beltline’s success. She has been an invaluable asset to this
administration and to the City and there is no doubt in my mind that the Beltline exists
today because of her leadership.”
“The BeltLine is blessed with not only broad public support but a vast array of public and
private partners who all contribute leadership to this visionary initiative,” said BeltLine
Partnership Chair John Somerhalder. “As Terri has demonstrated, the leader of ABI is
crucial to orchestrating the efforts of such diverse talents and interests. We’re fortunate
to have benefitted from her talents in these critical start-up years.”