The Cobb Chamber’s Board of Directors has named Mike Plant, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Atlanta Braves Development Company, as its 2024 Chairman of the Board.
Plant will succeed Gregory D. Teague, PE, President of Croy Engineering, who begins his term as Chairman of the Board in 2023. Plant will start his term as Chairman in January 2024.
“I am so honored to serve as the Chamber’s 2024 Chairman and have the opportunity to work with the Chamber’s leadership team, in partnership with the Board of Directors to continue advancing the organization’s mission and strategic focus to create healthy conditions for Cobb’s businesses,” said Mike Plant. “The Cobb Chamber and business community has been incredibly supportive from the beginning of our vision to create a new destination in the county that is now globally recognized.”
Plant has been a member of the Cobb Chamber and SelectCobb Board of Directors since 2015. He has also served on the Chamber’s Executive Committee, the Transportation and Mobility Committee, and as a SelectCobb investor for many years. In addition, Plant has served on the Cumberland Community Improvement District’s Board of Directors for several years. During the pandemic, Plant played a key role in the Cobb Chamber’s economic recovery efforts, utilizing Truist Park as a logistical hub for the Cobb Community Foundation’s Cobb Community Food Fleet, serving nearly 3.7 million meals to people in need.
As President and Chief Executive Officer of The Atlanta Braves Development Company, Plant oversees the Braves real estate and development holdings including The Battery Atlanta, its development and project management teams, design, financing, construction and leasing activities. In addition, Braves and Battery security, life safety, parking and government relations are all consolidated under Plant’s leadership. He also oversees the organization’s new Spring Training complex in Northport, Fla.
As part of the Braves executive leadership team, Plant was instrumental in the Braves’ efforts to secure and plan Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, which opened in Cobb County in April 2017. The creative and innovative approach Plant led since the project’s inception has been recognized as a leading example of how to structure a successful Public/Private partnership now generating substantial returns for multiple government entities. The Battery Atlanta is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after office locations in the metro area. By 2024, The Battery Atlanta will be home to four Fortune 500 companies – Comcast, Papa John’s, TK Elevator, and Truist Securities, and The Battery Atlanta is on pace to host 10.5 million fans and guests in that same timeframe.
“The Cobb Chamber is excited to announce that Mike Plant will serve in its top leadership position as its 2024 Chairman of the Board,” said Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber. “Since the Atlanta Braves announced their new home in Cobb County, Mike has served as an incredible partner and engaged member of our Chamber. His vision and tenacity have transformed what was once an unused tract of land into a dynamic lifestyle destination that serves as an economic driver for our county. I look forward to advancing our work in economic development, workforce development, and pro-business advocacy with our newly appointed Chairman.”
Plant was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Speedskating team in Lake Placid, NY, and a six-time member of the U.S. World Championship speedskating teams. Since 1980, he has been appointed to numerous committees and boards for the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), U.S. Speedskating, International Cycling Federation, and USA Cycling. Plant served on the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games (ACOG) Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees for the Salt Lake City Olympic Bid Committee for the 2002 Winter Games.
Plant served two eight-year terms on the USOC’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee (1984- 1992 and 2003-2011). He was chairman of the USOC Athletes Council, and chairman of the Athlete Performance Group (1992-1996). Plant was president of USA Cycling, the National Governing Body for Olympic cycling, from 1995 to 2002, and president of U.S. Speedskating from 2013 to 2018.
Internationally, Plant served almost 20 years on the International Cycling Federation’s (UCI) Executive Committee and was president of three different commissions. In 2009, Plant was elected U.S. Olympic Chef de Mission for the Olympic team for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.
He and his wife, Mary, have two daughters, Erika and Maddie, and a son, Drew.
