The Lowdown: Steve Koonin

As CEO, Steve Koonin oversees all business, financial and strategic operations of the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena, and represents the owners as the head of the organization.

Koonin joined the Hawks after spending the previous 14 years with Turner Entertainment Networks, most recently as division president. Prior to that, Koonin led the marketing and worldwide advertising operations at The Coca-Cola Company.

A lifelong resident of Atlanta, Koonin is a former SportsBusiness Journal Sports Executive of the Year and has been named one of: The 100 Most Influential Atlantans by Atlanta Business Chronicle; Atlanta magazine’s Most Powerful People Shaping Atlanta; Smartest People in Television by Entertainment Weekly; and was selected for The Power List by TV Guide.

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Get to know him better here:

What was your first job?

When I was 13, I worked for a barber and beauty supply company in Toco Hills. I delivered supplies to the inner city on weekends.

What advice would you give a 20-year-old Steve Koonin?

Believe in your dreams (and keep your shirt tucked in).

What makes me anxious is …

Being late.

My comfort food is …

My wife’s homemade spaghetti.

What’s your favorite vacay spot?

Long Boat Key, Fla. Actually, my daughter just got engaged there.

I am currently reading …

“The Making of Caddy Shack.” I usually read biographies.

My latest DIY project …

I changed my own flat tire. Unfortunately, the car caught on fire.

What’s your secret guilty pleasure?

Streaming Bravo shows on Netflix like “Below Deck.”

If you could be a professional athlete, what position would you play?

Point guard for the Hawks, of course!