For Immediate Release
August 11, 2021
Contact:
Office of Communications and Public Affairs
(678) 920-0857
Hartsfield-Jackson Promotes Communications Executive
Spokesperson, former journalist, tapped to lead Airport Communications and Public Affairs unit
ATLANTA – Andrew Gobeil has been named Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Gobeil, who served as Deputy Director of the Airport’s Office of Policy and Communications, was promoted to the Director’s position in July. In his new role, he governs public affairs outreach for North America’s busiest and most efficient airport.
“Andrew is a standout communicator,” said Airport General Manager Balram “B” Bheodari. “His counsel on Airport policies and public opinion is invaluable and we look forward to his continued leadership.”
A former journalist, Gobeil oversees worldwide media coverage of Hartsfield-Jackson. Since arriving at ATL in 2015, he has coordinated crisis communications efforts, supervised social media messaging, and served as an Airport spokesperson. Additionally, he was responsible for facilitating the production of two international documentaries highlighting successful operations at ATL.
Journalism was the communication veteran’s first calling; he began his career in broadcasting before he was old enough to drive. As a reporter, Gobeil walked into forest fires, flew into hurricanes, participated in White House press conferences, and pulled a nine G maneuver in a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16. In his 20s, he was named one of the youngest NPR affiliate news directors in the country and ran a Washington, D.C.-based television news bureau in his mid-30s.
Gobeil earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts. In 2018, he was named an International Airport Professional after completing the rigorous Global ACI-ICAO Airport Management Accreditation Programme.
A native of Cape Cod, Gobeil is an inveterate Boston sports fan which, sometimes, doesn’t go over too well with his colleagues. A father of two adult sons, he lives in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) is one of the world’s busiest and most efficient airports. Owned and operated by the City of Atlanta, ATL provides nonstop service to 150 U.S. destinations and 70 international locations in more than 50 countries. ATL was the first airport in history to serve more than 100 million passengers in a calendar year and continues to top passenger totals worldwide. In response to the current pandemic, Hartsfield-Jackson has pivoted to focus on implementing heightened safety protocols while maintaining efficiency and financial stability. The Airport normally boasts a direct economic impact of $51.5 billion in metro Atlanta and a total direct economic impact of $82 billion across the Southeast. A frequent recipient of awards of excellence, ATL is recognized for its leadership in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering and construction. For more information, visit www.atl.com.
