Brian L. Johnson is the current city manager of Peachtree Corners, Georgia. As city manager, he is the chief executive officer of the city and is responsible for the management of all city departments and affairs. He is currently one of only 1,379 local government management professionals worldwide who have earned the prestigious credentialed manager designation from the International City/County Management Association.

During his current tenure, Peachtree Corners has gained international attention for its construction of Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, a city-owned and operated 3-mile autonomous vehicle test track and 500-acre smart city living laboratory. He has presented nationally and internationally on the economic benefits of creating a public technology laboratory and has provided advisory assistance to numerous cities considering similar projects. He is a frequent public speaker and has delivered keynote remarks about Curiosity Lab from the main stage at transportation, smart city, and technology conferences around the world.

Mr. Johnson’s professional career began in the military where he served as both a cryptologist in the U.S. Navy and as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He has also previously served as city manager of Garden City, Georgia and Anniston, Alabama.

Mr. Johnson holds a bachelor of arts in political science and a master of public administration from the University of Georgia. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government, as well as Leadership Savannah, Leadership Gwinnett, and Leadership Georgia programs. He is a Georgia Trend “40 Under 40 Best & Brightest” honoree and a two-time recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.

Mason Ailstock is a recognized leader in innovation districts and anchor-driven developments. With nearly 20 years of experience working with nonprofit institutions, governments, and industry, Mason has a track record of converging real estate, academia, and business to advance communities of innovation. Immersed in the planning and visioning of Rowen, Mason is responsible for project leadership and operations as president and CEO of Rowen Foundation, the no-profit steward that ensures the long-term vision for Rowen is never compromised. Prior to leading Rowen, Mason served as the chief operating officer of Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. Mason is the past president of the Association of University Research Parks, co-chairman of the Urban Land Institute University Development and Innovation Council, a member of the ULI Center for Leadership, Women’s Leadership Initiative, and Global Eisenhower Fellowships.

Melissa has over 25 years of experience in water resources management with an emphasis on alternative water supply research and development, workforce development, and public engagement. Melissa previously served as the CEO of the Water Research Foundation, Water Environment and Reuse Foundation, and WateReuse Association/Research Foundation and was instrumental in the merger of three critical water-related research foundations. She also served as executive director of the South Florida Water Management District and deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.