ATLANTA (May 30, 2002) - Carl Adkins has been named the general manager of the Georgia Dome, effective June 1. Dan Graveline, Georgia World Congress Center Authority executive director, announced the appointment this month. Adkins succeeds Khalil Johnson, who will become the Georgia World Congress Center Authority's chief operating officer.

Adkins will be responsible for managing the overall operation, maintenance and repair of the facility. Adkins' responsibilities also include establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the Dome's many customers, sports organizations, convention and trade show organizers, local civic groups, government entities and contractors.

Previously, Adkins had been the Dome's assistant general manager since July 1995. In that position, he assisted Johnson in overseeing all the day-to-day operations of the 71,500-seat facility, and was responsible for all event coordination, guest services, medical services, housekeeping, parking and engineering. He was also the facility's liaison with suppliers such as Georgia Dome Productions and MGR Food Services, Inc. Prior to joining the Georgia Dome, Adkins was assistant general manager of the adjacent Georgia World Congress Center for four years. He oversaw the facility's Phase III expansion and the development of Georgia International Plaza.

Before joining the Georgia World Congress Center, Adkins helped open the Nashville Convention Center. During his five years with the facility, 1986 to 1991, he saw the center through its final phase of construction, its opening and its first years of operation serving as the facility's executive director. Adkins has additional event and facility experience includes the opening and early operations of the Orange County Convention/Civic Center in Orlando, Fla., and the opening and operation of the Huntington Civic Center in Huntington, W.Va.

Adkins is a member of the International Association of Assembly Managers, where he serves as Chair of the stadium committee; the Stadium Manager's Association; and the International Association of Exposition Management. A native of Huntington, W.Va., and Marshall University alumnus, Adkins lives in Roswell with his wife, Sarah, and two children.