Meet the Sales Team

Kim Allison

Kim joined Georgia World Congress Center Authority in 2019 and serves as Vice President of Convention Sales. In her role, she oversees sales strategy, processes, protocols, and training while supporting the convention sales leadership team. Kim works closely with teams across the organization to ensure a seamless and positive customer experience from the initial booking through the final day of each event.
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Kim enjoys Atlanta’s vibrant energy and opportunities to explore the city. One of her favorite ways to spend time outside the office is walking and discovering new spots along the Atlanta Beltline.
Kim’s favorite part about working at GWCCA is the people — she values the collaboration across the campus and the shared commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for clients and guests.

April Russell

April joined Georgia World Congress Center Authority in July 2022 and serves as Director of Sales, where she collaborates with colleagues and industry partners to help position Atlanta as a top destination for meetings and events.
An Atlanta native, April has a deep appreciation for her hometown and enjoys seeing how the city has grown into a world-class destination while staying true to its roots of diverse culture and Southern hospitality.
Outside of the office, she enjoys trying new restaurants and exploring Atlanta’s art and history museums.

Sarah Wilburg

Sarah joined Team Authority in 2016 and serves as a National Sales Manager. In her role, she works with meeting planners and organizations across the country to showcase Atlanta as a premier destination for meetings and conventions.
Sarah began her career in hospitality as a front desk agent at a hotel and worked her way up through the industry. She joined GWCCA as an administrative assistant while balancing college and motherhood, and over time grew into her current role in national sales. Her journey through the hospitality industry has given her a strong appreciation for customer service, relationship-building, and the details that help make events successful.
Originally from New York, Sarah values Atlanta’s unique blend of Southern hospitality and big-city energy. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her two children, traveling, and exploring different cultures.
As a first-generation American with family roots in Guyana, she especially appreciates opportunities to connect with diverse communities around the world.

T.J. Rogers

T.J. joined the Authority in 2018. She enjoys Atlanta because she is close to her hometown but still has that big city feel. Her favorite thing about working at GWCCA is seeing an event come to life from start to finish.

Cimani Robbins

Cimani joined Georgia World Congress Center Authority in November 2024 and serves on the convention sales team. With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, her background includes hotels, restaurants, and event planning, with much of her career spent in Atlanta’s downtown market.
A graduate of Spelman College, Cimani also earned her master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. Her experience across multiple areas of hospitality gives her a well-rounded perspective on creating meaningful and successful event experiences.
As an Atlanta native, Cimani loves that the city embodies true hospitality through its people, food, and culture. Outside of the office, she enjoys trying new restaurants, cooking, hosting gatherings, and spending time with her family.

Laine Hartman

Laine joined Georgia World Congress Center Authority in October 2022. Before joining Team Authority, she worked with AMB Sports & Entertainment/Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the corporate partnerships team, supporting initiatives at the Home Depot Backyard. Today, she’s excited to remain on the same campus while helping bring even more events and experiences to Atlanta.
Atlanta’s blend of cultures, strong sense of community, and signature Southern hospitality are what make the city especially meaningful to Laine. She loves being part of a destination that welcomes people from all over the world.
Outside of the office, Laine enjoys traveling and exploring new cities and countries, playing tennis, and spending time on the Beltline.

Derrick Palms

Derrick joined Georgia World Congress Center Authority in 2025 as a Sales Manager, bringing with him a background in operations and venue management. Throughout his career, he has helped produce everything from festivals and block parties to collegiate and international sporting events. Derrick is passionate about turning traditional events into memorable experiences that guests truly connect with.
Atlanta stands out to Derrick for its big ideas, Southern charm, and vibrant culture. He appreciates the city’s energy and the way every event here feels alive and uniquely connected to the community.
Outside of work, Derrick enjoys spending time on the golf course, trying his hand at improv, and supporting the arts with his wife and two daughters. He’s also a proud #girldad.

Angelica Childs

Angelica joined Team Authority in April 2024 and serves on the convention sales team, where she focuses on bringing new business and introducing clients to all that the Championship Campus has to offer. An Atlanta native, she loves contributing to a city that continues to attract visitors while staying true to its vibrant culture and community.
Outside of the office, Angelica enjoys visiting Six Flags Over Georgia, attending concerts, cheering on Atlanta’s sports teams, and exploring local festivals throughout the city.

Dree Porter

Dree joined Team Authority in April 2016 and serves as Revenue Strategy Manager, where she helps support strategic revenue initiatives and pricing efforts across the campus. In her role, she focuses on data-driven insights that help guide decision-making and maximize opportunities for events and clients.
Prior to joining GWCCA, Dree worked at a law firm in Washington, D.C., where she served as an Accounts Receivable Manager. Her background in financial operations and analytics brings a strong strategic perspective to her work in revenue management.
Dree appreciates Atlanta’s rich culture, wide range of activities, and especially the weather. Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking, running, and spending time connecting with nature. She also holds certifications in Revenue Analytics and Price Optimization from the Wharton School of Business.

Sharde Glore

Sharde’ joined Georgia World Congress Center Authority in 2018 and serves as a Sales Coordinator, partnering with the sales team to help support the successful planning and delivery of events. In her role, she works closely with sales leadership to ensure clients and events are set up for success from the start.
Working in hospitality since 2004, Sharde’ brings extensive experience in customer service, event operations, and venue coordination. Her background gives her a strong understanding of how thoughtful planning translates into seamless execution, with a consistent focus on collaboration and the overall client experience.
Outside of the office, Sharde’ enjoys spending time with her daughter, going on new adventures together, and creating meaningful family memories.