Myrna White manages the Office of Public Affairs for the Department of Aviation at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This diverse business unit at the world’s busiest airport is comprised of Intergovernmental Affairs, Media Relations, Community Relations, Special Events, Creative Services (Web coordination, graphics and editorial) and Public Relations.

With an aviation career spanning more than 16 years, White has achieved success at every level in which she has served the Department, whether as part of the Planning & Development team or the Public Relations unit. She began her tenure conducting public information workshops to educate the community about the Airport's plans for a fifth runway. She was charged with gaining the community's acceptance of this critical project. The $1.1 billion runway dubbed "The most important runway in America" opened in May 2006.

Her most recent assignment prior to being named Director of Public Affairs was manager of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department. Her responsibilities included developing and executing the Department's legislative strategy, liaising with elected officials on local, state and federal issues. Additionally, she led the Department's community relations agenda.

Both the Georgia Senate and House passed resolutions in 2006 commending White for her professional leadership and service to the community. She has served on the board of directors for the Regional Leadership Forum, the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, Arts Clayton and Women Looking Ahead news magazine. She also serves on the American Red Cross Minority Recruitment Advisory Board and is the only African-American woman to have been elected chair of the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

White is a graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute and Leadership Clayton. She is a former Big Sister of the Year (Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Inc.), an Outstanding Georgia Citizen (Secretary of State Cathy Cox), and named among Georgia’s Most Powerful and Influential Women in Government (Women Looking Ahead magazine). White also made the 2006 List of Atlanta’s Top Women of Influence (Atlanta Business League).

She is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Journalism and a former bureau chief for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer newspapers.

Last updated: 02/2008