Shannon James, Sr. a graduate of Valdosta State University, received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing. James spent 15-years in the banking industry, receiving several accolades such as: becoming the first African-American accepted into the Park Avenue Bank Management Trainee Program (MTP), a two-time recipient of the Platinum Performance Award for the Diversified Commercial Division with SunTrust and offered profitable results while serving as Vice President of Commercial Banking with Branch Banking & Trust.

Currently, he is the President/CEO of the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, a 501(c)(6) Public/Private Partnership, led by a Board of 38 trusted advisors, where the collective goal is to make the Aerotropolis Atlanta area a world-class destination for business, connectivity, and living. Within a short time frame, James has helped the organization create a 501(c)(3) AeroATL Foundation, receive the 2018 Development of Excellence “Great Place Award” from the Atlanta Regional Commission and created the “AERO ATL Podcast”.