The College Football HOF in Atlanta "will have a leadership change," as President & CEO JOHN STEPHENSON will "leave on Nov. 9 and be replaced on an interim basis" by Exec VP & COO JOHN CHRISTIE, according to Tim Tucker of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. The HOF’s BOD "plans to conduct a search for a permanent successor to Stephenson, who has accepted a position" with Chick-fil-A as Dir of Strategic Partnerships & Special Projects. Stephenson, an attorney, served in his current position through the HOF's "construction and first year-plus of operation" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/27). In Atlanta, Maria Saporta noted the HOF during its first year of operation has "garnered national awards for architecture, design and museum experience." It has also "hosted hundreds of events, ranging from 150 to 3,500 guests." Starting Dec. 10, it will be the "new home of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show, historically staged at Disney World, which will be broadcast live worldwide on ESPN." Stephenson prior to joining the HOF was a corporate partner at Troutman Sanders LLP, "serving clients in the hospitality, sports and entertainment industry." Christie originally joined the HOF project in '10 as VP/Marketing & Communications and "later served" as CMO. Prior, he served as XOS Digital and Collegiate Images Exec VP and CLC VP (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/26).
