As leader of the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, Balram “B” Bheodari oversees all facets of Airport governance, including operations and a multibillion-dollar capital improvement program designed to pave the way for Atlanta’s growth over the next 20 years.

His priorities are focused on three strategic pillars: People, Purpose and Performance. Those pillars encompass a comprehensive safety and security platform, a robust customer experience program, a sustainable enterprise, healthy financial performance, innovative technology framework, and completion of ATL’s critical capital program on schedule and within budget.

A retired Army aviator, Bheodari navigated ATL through the most challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, from drawdown to resumption of its expansive operations.

He has an extensive career in aviation executive management.   In early 2009,  Bheodari commissioned ATL’s first Operational Readiness and Transition (ORAT) team, which developed and implemented the activation plan for a consolidated Rental Car Center and the ATL SkyTrain automated people mover. Two years later, he expanded the ORAT team and spearheaded the 1.2-million-square-foot Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal opening, which accommodated more than 12 million international travelers each year before the pandemic.

Bheodari holds the American Association of Airport Executives Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation. Additionally, he has earned the International Airport Professional (IAP) accreditation from Airports Council International and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Bheodari graduated from Troy University with a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management. He also completed the Emory University Executive Education Management Leadership and Development Programs. He retired from the U.S. Army with 22 years of active military service in the aviation branch as an instrument-rated aviator.