Meet the 2026 ADID Award Winners

The CAP/ADID Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate the people who make Downtown Atlanta a more vibrant, safe, and enjoyable place for everybody. Each year, we honor three internal employees who have demonstrated exceptional passion and dedication to their work, and a Zone 5 Police Officer who has helped keep the streets safer.

ATL DTN RISING STAR AWARD | Terrance Harper, Ambassador

Mr. Terrance Harper has made a significant and immediate impact within the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) and the Downtown community. After joining the organization in July 2024 as a Public Space Clean Technician, Terrance transitioned seamlessly into a Public Safety Ambassador role in March 2025, quickly demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a strong understanding of ADID’s operations. His supervisors immediately recognized his potential as he actively sought out new responsibilities and consistently worked to understand the “why” behind the work.

Terrance’s dedication is evident through both his performance and actions. He played a key role in locating a missing hospital patient - an effort that earned commendations from peers, supervisors, and the individual’s family. His near-perfect attendance and willingness to volunteer on days off further reflect his reliability and commitment to supporting the team and the Downtown community.

When asked to pilot data tracking of daily performance metrics using a new application, Terrance was the first to step forward. Through his diligence and focus, he ultimately tripled his monthly metrics, setting a new benchmark for performance and accountability.

We look forward to Terrance’s continued growth and the continued development of his leadership skills on the second shift. For his outstanding commitment, initiative, and positive impact, we are proud to present Mr. Terrance Harper with the ATL DTN Rising Star Award.

ATL DTN COMPASSION IN ACTION | Chavon Ison, Public Space Clean Technician

Ms. Chavon Ison is the embodiment of hospitality, customer service, and hard work. To say she never has a bad day is not a cliché - it is simply the truth. Chavon shows up every day with a smile, boundless energy, and her very best effort. She represents ADID in its purest form, consistently going above and beyond in everything she does.

Chavon has a remarkable way of making even the toughest work feel meaningful and rewarding. The joy she brings to her role is genuine and unmistakable. As she moves through the district, she greets everyone - visitors, stakeholders, and our unhoused neighbors alike - with the same dignity, warmth, and respect. Her presence alone elevates the experience of Downtown Atlanta.

Chavon’s impact is felt far beyond our organization. She is frequently recognized by visitors and stakeholders who approach ADID leadership to share how meeting her was the best part of their day - or even their entire visit. Without hesitation, we know they are talking about Chavon, because she has a rare gift: she makes people feel seen, valued, and special.

Her compassion extends deeply into her work with our unhoused community. When ADID needed support compiling a list of individuals with complex needs to inform the Downtown Rising strategy, Chavon was the first to volunteer. She has built authentic relationships grounded in trust - greeting people by name, taking time to listen, and understanding what is happening in their lives. She treats every individual with the respect and dignity we all deserve.

Chavon is truly special, and she is deeply valued by her team and the Downtown community. Through her compassion, authenticity, and daily acts of service, she makes a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. For these reasons, Chavon Ison is a truly deserving recipient of the ATL DTN Compassion in Action Award.

ATL DTN CHAMPION | Neiman Beard, Ambassador Supervisor

Mr. Neiman Beard is often regarded as the silent hero of ADID - someone whose steady presence and willingness to assist never goes unnoticed. Whether a task requires an extra set of hands or a situation demands immediate attention, Neiman is consistently the first to step forward without hesitation. His initiative is so instinctive that, more often than not, he anticipates the need and takes action before anyone has to ask.

As a supervisor within the Ambassador program, Neiman leads by example every day. His dependability, humility, and teamwork set a powerful standard for those he supervises. The ambassadors he leads witness firsthand what genuine leadership looks like - grounded in service, accountability, and respect - and are inspired to model those same qualities in their own work.

Beyond his supervisory responsibilities, Neiman plays an integral role in supporting CAP/ADID’s Placemaking initiatives on a weekly basis. His ability to seamlessly transition between operational leadership and community engagement speaks to his versatility and deep commitment to the work of the Improvement District. Whether assisting with placemaking, providing guidance to visitors, or serving as a calming and steady presence during challenging situations, Neiman consistently enhances the experience and environment for residents, workers, and guests alike. His presence contributes not only to the success of these initiatives, but also to maintaining a visible sense of order, safety, and pride throughout the district.

Neiman’s professionalism and dedication have been recognized through multiple Impact Awards and Employee of the Month honors - reflections of the respect he has earned from peers and supervisors alike. His strong work ethic is matched only by his compassion, particularly in his interactions with members of the unhoused community. With exceptional communication skills and genuine empathy, Neiman builds trust, de-escalates difficult situations, and treats every individual with dignity and respect. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life strengthens relationships and reinforces ADID’s mission in meaningful ways.

Neiman exemplifies what it means to be an ATL DTN Champion. His character, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service embody the very best of ADID’s values, and we are proud to recognize him with this well-deserved honor.

ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT AWARD ZONE 5 OFFICER OF THE YEAR | Sergeant Mark McGowan

Sergeant Mark McGowan currently serves as the sole supervisor assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit within Atlanta Police Department Zone 5 (Downtown). During a period in which his direct supervisor has been on extended leave, Sgt. McGowan stepped seamlessly into an expanded leadership role, ensuring the unit continues to operate with efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness. His extensive knowledge, training, and experience have been instrumental in addressing quality-of-life issues in the north end of Downtown while aggressively combating violent crime and drug activity in the south side of the district.

The Crime Suppression Unit is uniquely trained to conduct both overt and covert operations. Officers routinely work undercover to observe criminal activity and conduct controlled narcotics purchases, while also deploying in standard uniforms and marked patrol vehicles to maintain a strong, visible presence in targeted areas. The unit further leverages a robust camera network made available through APD and partner police agencies and private sector partners, significantly enhancing its ability to identify criminal behavior and respond swiftly and strategically.

Much of the unit’s success is directly attributable to Sgt. McGowan’s leadership. Officers assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit typically transition from patrol assignments and often have limited exposure to specialized enforcement operations. Sgt. McGowan plays a critical role in recruiting, training, and mentoring these officers, guiding them through this transition and equipping them with the skills, confidence, and operational mindset needed to deliver meaningful, sustained results.

To date, under Sgt. McGowan’s leadership, the Crime Suppression Unit has made 832 arrests, including 145 felony arrests, issued 281 citations, impounded 31 vehicles - four of which were reported stolen, and recovered 25 firearms across Zone 5. Within priority areas of concern – Centennial Olympic Park district, Northside Drive, Underground, South Downtown, Castleberry Hill, and Sweet Auburn - the unit is responsible for 477 arrests, including 117 felony arrests, 230 traffic stops, and the recovery of 18 firearms.

These accomplishments reflect not only the dedication and hard work of the Crime Suppression Unit, but also Sgt. McGowan’s unwavering commitment to leadership, officer development, and maintaining a consistently high standard of performance. His impact on public safety in Downtown Atlanta is significant, measurable, and deserving of recognition. For these reasons, Sergeant McGowan is a highly deserving recipient of the ADID, Zone 5 Officer of the Year Award.