Leadership

Michael L. Smith

Airport Senior Deputy General Manager

Michael L. Smith is the senior deputy general manager of Administration at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He manages the department’s day-to-day functions, including government affairs, sustainability, business diversity, law, human resources, records management, GIS and procurement.

Mr. Smith has nearly two decades of municipal government experience, having served 17 years with the City of Atlanta as a senior assistant city attorney. During that time, he practiced all aspects of local government law, including litigation, contracts, property use and development, business and employment issues.

He also served as Atlanta’s lead counsel representing the Department of Aviation. He was responsible for negotiating agreements related to the airlines and other airport tenants. He played a crucial role in preparing intergovernmental agreements with surrounding jurisdictions to implement airport projects such as the fifth runway.

Before joining the Hartsfield-Jackson team, Mr. Smith was a private practice attorney specializing in local government law, airport and aviation matters. He served as county attorney in Clayton County and also held positions with Delta Air Lines.

Mr. Smith began his legal career as law clerk for the Honorable Clarence Cooper, a former judge in Fulton County Superior Court.

A native Atlantan, Mr. Smith earned a political science degree from Duke University and a law degree from North Carolina Central University.