(Atlanta - February 26, 2008) William Shannon has been named director of public safety of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. As director of public safety, Shannon is responsible for the safety and security of the 200-acre campus, which includes the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. The GWCCA is one of the few convention and entertainment venues that boasts its own police force.

The GWCCA has its own bike, Segway and foot patrol, covering all 200 acres of its campus, including parking lots, plazas and thoroughfares. The officers not only provide a visible police presence, they also are available to offer directions and provide information. They work hand in hand with the Atlanta Police Department to ensure visitors are safe and comfortable while downtown.

Shannon joins the GWCCA team with more than 30 years of experience with the Atlanta Police Department. At the time of his retirement, he served as Deputy Chief of the Administrative Services Division for APD.  Shannon was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief after serving five years as the commanding officer of the Special Investigations Section. He was responsible for setting the operational policy for narcotics, vice, organized crime, intelligence, gangs and guns and permit investigations. Prior to that command, Deputy Chief Shannon served eight years as commanding officer of the Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport police section.

Shannon is no stranger to the GWCCA campus. For over five years, he was the liaison for APD for events at the Georgia Dome while serving as Deputy Chief.

Chief Shannon attended Georgia State University majoring in accounting. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. He has also successfully completed numerous administrative management courses and seminars. He is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

"With our commitment to customer service and dedication to the safety and security of our guests, Chief Shannon’s extensive experience makes him an asset to our campus and team,” said Dan Graveline, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. “In addition to his experience with APD, his familiarity with our campus is valuable.”

 

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