President & CEO
Katie Kirkpatrick is President and CEO of the 166-year-old Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC), which represents businesses, colleges and universities, and non-profits across the 29-county metro Atlanta region — the nation’s sixth-largest market. MAC works to attract and retain business, ensure a business-friendly climate through public policy efforts, and market the region as a great place to live, work, and play.
Katie is known for her public policy prowess and more than 17 years of purpose-driven impact through her work at MAC. As President and CEO, she led the adoption of a new framework for the Chamber, focusing on the three strategic imperatives of economy, talent, and community. She also catalyzed the Chamber’s historic ATL Action for Racial Equity initiative — a long-term effort that leverages the power of the region’s business community to advance racial equity. Most recently, she leads the organization’s efforts to reimagine Downtown Atlanta, convening the region’s leaders and stakeholders to rally around a strategy to transform it into a neighborhood that supports a world-class entertainment scene, a vibrant living environment, and a bustling business community.
Previously MAC’s Chief Policy Officer, she served as the link between the metro business community and local, state, and national governments. She also galvanized the Public Policy team’s priorities in business climate, talent development and education, infrastructure, and thriving community.
Before joining MAC, Katie served as Director of Environmental Engineering for Gold Kist, Inc., with responsibilities in regulatory compliance, treatment system design, strategic planning, and more. She is a registered professional engineer in several states and a proud graduate of Auburn University.
