So excited to have Steve Stroud and Andy Williams as our speakers this week! If you are interested in Roswell Tourism and Business  (and aren't we all?), this is a no-miss meeting!

Steve Stroud is the Executive Director of Roswell Inc, a 501c6 nonprofit that promotes economic development through a public-private partnership with the City of Roswell. Since the organization's inception in 2012, Stroud has held this position, and under his leadership, Roswell Inc has developed networking, educational and support programs for small businesses, and worked one-on-one with business owners, entrepreneurs and state project managers to retain, expand and recruit businesses to Roswell. Additionally,  in 2021, Roswell Inc became an accredited economic development organization (AEDO) through the International Economic Development Council.

Over the last 5 year’s Roswell Inc has worked on more than 550 recruitment, retention and expansion projects, creating or retaining more than 6,200 jobs. Notable projects include GM Innovation Center, GreyOrange, Southern Post mixed-use development, Enterprise Super Center, Brixmor Property Group, PGA Superstore, Delta Dental, McKesson, SpringHill Suites and Home2 Suites. Stroud and his team continue to position Roswell as one of the premier cities in the region for innovative, community-minded businesses and entrepreneurs.

Prior to Roswell Inc, Stroud owned and operated his own small business in Roswell, Stroud’s Printing & Design, for 30 years. An active member of the community, Stroud has been involved with civic and nonprofit organizations throughout North Fulton for more than 20 years, currently serving on the board of the North Fulton Community Improvement District , Greater North Fulton Chamber, North Fulton Community Charities, Computer Museum of America and Synovus (Atlanta region). Stroud attended Georgia State University, with a focus in political science. A Roswell native, he remains residing in the city with his wife and daughters.

Community Involvement 

● North Fulton Community Improvement District, 2022 – Present

● Greater North Fulton Chamber, Board Member, 1990 – Present; Chairman in 1995

● North Fulton Community Charities, Board Member, 2016 – Present

● Computer Museum of America, Board Member, 2017 – Present

● Synovus – Atlanta Region, Board Member, 1995 – Present

● United Way of North Fulton, Board Member, 2015 – 2020

● Roswell Rotary, Board Member, 1986-Current; President from 1993–1994

● City of Roswell Recreation and Parks Commission, 2011-2016

● Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau, Board Member 1992-2011; Chairman from 1998-2011

● Roswell Historical Society, Board Member 1986-1990

● Brandon Hall School, Board Member 2003-2010; Chairman in 2008

● North Fulton Child Development Association, Board Member 1986-1998; Chairman in 1995

● STAR House, Board Member 2005-2012

● Roswell Olympic Committee, 1996

Professional Development 

● IEDC Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Strategies, 2024

● IEDC Basic Economic Development Course, Georgia Tech, 2014

● GDEcD Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Class of 2012

● Georgia Chamber of Commerce Leadership Georgia, Class of 1998

● ARC Regional Leadership Institute, Class of 1995

● GNFCC Leadership North Fulton, Class of 1989

Andy Williams serves as the President/CEO of the Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Roswell). He is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP). Before joining Visit Roswell in 2019, he held positions at Destination South Meetings + Events, the Dunwoody Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Madison-Morgan Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

Key points about Andy Williams:

Current role: Executive Director of Visit Roswell. 

Industry experience: 14 years in the hospitality industry. 

Certifications: CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and TMP (Travel Marketing Professional). 

Prior roles: Director of Sales at Destination South Meetings & Events, Director of Sales at Dunwoody Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Project Coordinator at Madison-Morgan Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

Education: Graduate of Young Harris College and Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in tourism & commercial recreation. 

Family: Married to Ryan, and they have two children, Addie and Morgan. 

Community involvement: Served as President and Public Relations Chair of the Rotary Club of Morgan County in Madison, Georgia.