Partner, Atlanta
303 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 5300
Atlanta, GA 30308

TEL: 404.527.4676
FAX: 404.527.4198
EMAIL: sgay@mckennalong.com

PROFILE

Sharon Gay concentrates her practice in state and local government law, particularly in the areas of land use and zoning, tax allocation district financing and other economic development incentives, public-private partnerships, and procurement. She has obtained zoning and permitting approvals and economic incentives to accomplish urban, mixed-use development projects and redevelopment of industrial and infill properties. Sharon has worked with developers and local governments to create tax allocation districts to provide funding for redevelopment projects throughout metro Atlanta. She has worked with both public sector and private sector clients to accomplish revisions in state legislation and local laws to facilitate economic development and water and waste water privatization projects.

Prior to joining McKenna Long & Aldridge, Sharon served as Vice President - Governmental Affairs for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and as deputy chief of staff and executive counsel to the Mayor of Atlanta.

In addition, Sharon clerked for Judge Horace Ward, United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia and also for Chief Judge Jack Sognier, Georgia Court of Appeals.

Sharon has been recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer in Atlanta Magazine for her Environmental/Land Use work. In addition, JAMES Magazine named Sharon as one of Georgia's Most Influential People, and she was named a “Legal Eagle” by Atlanta Woman Magazine.

• Sharon is active in civic, governmental, and political affairs. She chairs the board of Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership. She recently completed a five-year term as a founding board member and Vice Chair of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Board. Sharon chaired a task force appointed by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin to examine a proposed expansion to Piedmont Park. She also served on Mayor Franklin's Ethics Task Force and assisted in drafting the new Code of Ethics adopted by the City. She is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta and the Regional Leadership Institute.
• Sharon speaks frequently to business, civic, and governmental groups on economic development and tax allocation district financing.