Description

Data centers are reshaping the construction landscape—but what is actually driving the unprecedented growth, and what does it mean for Georgia’s construction industry?

Join ABC of Georgia for our next Industry Trends Lunch as we break down the business case behind the data center boom and explore the forces fueling one of the most significant areas of investment and construction today.

We’ll look at the industry from both the big-picture and boots-on-the-ground perspectives. Hear how the data center market has evolved, what is driving current demand, where capital is flowing, and how the changing policy landscape could influence future development. Then, hear directly from a project leader currently working on a local data center project about what these trends look like in practice—from the realities of construction to the opportunities and challenges facing teams in the field.

Panelists Include:

John Mansour (Vice President of Development, QTS Data Centers)

John currently oversees data center development including feasibility land studies, substation/utility coordination, master planning, campus programing/design, construction, and delivery. John leads projects across four campuses totaling over 1400 acres. Prior to moving to development, John was a Project Executive for HITT Contracting, where he led mission-critical, mixed-use, office/repositioning, and hospitality teams. 

With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, John brings a unique blend of leadership, strategic communication, and superior management skills to the table. As a results-driven and creative leader, he excels in steering development projects from concept to completion, fostering collaborative environments, and empowering teams to reach their full potential. 

Erica McGill (Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Transactions, Georgia Power)

Erica McGill is the Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Transactions for Georgia Power, the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, a leading energy provider in the nation. In this role, she leads Georgia Power’s large load strategy and contracting efforts, with responsibility for the development, negotiation, and execution of large load contracts for high-demand customers, including data centers. Her scope includes overseeing commercial terms, contract governance, and cross-functional alignment with transmission, pricing and rates, legal, finance, and regulatory stakeholders to support significant load growth while protecting existing customers.

Since joining Southern Company in 2012, Erica has held several roles of increasing responsibility. She previously served as Vice President & Deputy General Counsel for Georgia Power, where she oversaw all legal practices, including litigation, environmental, transactional, real estate, and regulatory matters, as well as the company's compliance and risk management teams. Erica earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School.

Niki Vanderslice (CEO, Fayette County Development Authority)

Niki Vanderslice is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in Community & Economic Development. Prior to her current role as President & CEO of FCDA, Niki served as the Vice Chairman of the Board since her appointment to the authority in 2016. Her career has included positions with the Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia EMC and as Downtown Development Director for Valdosta and Douglas, GA. Niki’s impressive background includes degrees from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Georgia Southwestern State University, and a Master’s in Organizational Development and Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. Niki’s dedication to leadership development is evident through her participation in local, regional, and statewide leadership programs like Leadership Georgia. A Georgia native, Niki is deeply committed to her community, actively participating in multiple boards, including ABAC Foundation Board and the Fayette Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Niki, along with her husband Ed and their daughters, proudly call Fayette County home.

Adam Greenlee (Project Director, Brasfield & Gorrie)

Event Location: 

Maggiano's Little Italy Cumberland 

1601 Cumberland Mall 

Atlanta, GA 30339 

Lunch is included with registration. Lunch will be served family-style.

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