ATLANTA - (July 28, 2009) Dan Graveline, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, will retire at the end of this year following 33 years at the helm of one of the nation’s largest convention, sports and entertainment complexes. Bob Prather, GWCCA board chairman, announced the news of Graveline’s retirement at today’s Authority board meeting.

Graveline was named general manager of the GWCC in 1976, while the facility was under construction. He led the center through its official opening in September 1976 and oversaw the completion of three expansions, in 1985, 1992 and 2003 which quadrupled the size of the Center. He also oversaw the construction and 1992 opening of the adjacent Georgia Dome, as well as the development of Centennial Olympic Park.

“It’s been a great 33 years and I believe now is the time to step aside and let the next generation take over,” Graveline said.

Under Graveline’s leadership the Authority’s three venues have generated more than $40 billion in economic impact for Georgia and the city of Atlanta

Before joining the GWCC, Graveline was assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Convention Center. He was assistant director of the Indiana Convention Center from 1970 to 1974 and assistant manager of the Southern Illinois University Arena from 1966 through 1969.

Prather has appointed a committee that will conduct a nation-wide search for a new executive director.