John Stephenson Named President & CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Atlanta native brings a strong track record of success and a deep understanding of all the local forces in the region.
IRVING, Texas - Feb. 12, 2013 - The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today that John Stephenson has been named the president and chief executive officer of Atlanta Hall Management, Inc., (AHM) the Georgia not-for-profit corporation tasked with constructing and operating the national College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The announcement was made locally last week by AHM after its board of directors unanimously approved a three-year contract for Stephenson in late January.
“We are very fortunate that John has agreed to lead the Hall in Atlanta. His presence puts us on a trajectory for success now and well into the future,” said Steve Hatchell, the president & CEO of the NFF, which launched the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951 and controls its rights. “John has clearly established himself as a tireless worker with amazing connections. He was the key person in getting everybody on board, throughout Atlanta and the state, including the support of all of the major CEOs headquartered in the region. He’s done a great job, and we are fortunate to have him in this role.”
An Atlanta native and previously an attorney with the law firm of Troutman Sanders, Stephenson had been serving in the role on an interim basis since December 15, 2011, and he played a critical role in taking the final steps in securing the funds for the $66.5 million project, which is being built in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Park. Troutman Sanders has served as counsel since the project’s earliest stages, ultimately “loaning” Stephenson out as the interim chief in 2011.
“John’s leadership of the Hall of Fame project has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Archie Manning, chairman of the board of the National Football Foundation. “His guidance has taken a shared vision and ushered it to the point where we can all see the finish line. There is no question in my mind that he is the right man to continue leading this endeavor.”
As president and CEO of Atlanta Hall Management, Stephenson will be responsible for guiding the broader efforts to construct and operate the Hall attraction. Continual construction began Jan. 28, and the 94,256 square foot facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014. Stephenson has been at Troutman Sanders LLP since graduating from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2000. He has been a partner at the firm since 2007. Having served as counsel to a number of clients in the hospitality, sports and entertainment industry, he was retained by the project organizers in 2009 to assist with efforts to move the Hall to Atlanta.
“I’m honored to have this opportunity, and I’m blessed to be surrounded by a remarkable team of stakeholders and partners that have never wavered in their commitment to bring the Hall to Atlanta,” said Stephenson. “We have a lot of work to do, but I’m thrilled to be part of such an exciting project here in my hometown. Everyone involved is focused on ensuring that this facility exceeds expectations as the Hall’s home, as a marketing and community asset for the city and state, and most importantly as an unforgettable experience for fans from across the country.”
In addition to his law degree, Stephenson also holds his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, and he played football at the Lovett School, growing up in Atlanta. He currently lives in Atlanta with his wife, Megan, and children, May and Jack.