RYAN WILSON

Ryan Wilson, the Co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, is a visionary entrepreneur and recognized thought leader. His transformative approach at The Gathering Spot has made it a vibrant hub for collaboration, connections, and experiences. Ryan's work as a community builder and his dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity have established him as a distinguished figure in business and community engagement.

​

At the age of 24, Ryan and his business partner successfully raised capital to launch The Gathering Spot in Atlanta. The company quickly grew, becoming a home for creatives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. More than a club, TGS is best understood as a movement, hosting culturally significant events, making meaningful connections, and fostering groundbreaking ideas. Ryan's strategic vision propelled the club's physical expansion to Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, with further growth in New York City, Detroit, Charlotte, Houston, and Chicago.

​

In 2022, The Gathering Spot's acquisition by a fintech company was recognized as one of the most influential deals of the year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. As a testament to their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Ryan and his co-founder reacquired The Gathering Spot in late 2023, reaffirming their commitment to its mission and future.

​

Ryan's accomplishments have been recognized extensively. He was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, listed among the 40 Under Forty honorees and 100 Most Powerful Leaders, and celebrated by Goldman Sachs as one of the Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs. He has been consistently recognized among Georgia’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders by Georgia Trend. The Mayor of Atlanta awarded him the Phoenix Award, the city's highest honor, and in 2023, he was honored as the Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. He has also been named to The Root 100 and Ebony Power 100 as one of the country’s most influential African Americans.

​

Beyond his business accomplishments, Ryan is a dedicated advocate for economic empowerment and civic engagement. He served as a leader in the Economic Freedom Talks, a national initiative under Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, where he addressed 75,000 people on the importance of small business support and equity. He has also been a featured speaker for BET’s national voting program. In addition, Ryan is a co-chair for Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens' re-election campaign. His impact has also been recognized by Georgetown University, where he received the Marcia G. Cooke Award, honoring alumni who have made a significant impact within 15 years of graduation.

​

A sought-after speaker and moderator, Ryan has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., The New York Times, Black Enterprise, and Bloomberg Businessweek. He has delivered keynote presentations for Goldman Sachs, Delta, Google, Meta, Ford Motor Company, Nike, White & Case, Coca-Cola, and at top universities including Georgetown Law, Duke, Dartmouth, Northwestern, and Wharton.

​

A native of Atlanta, Ryan is deeply involved in civic and community organizations. He serves on the boards of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Goodwill of North Georgia, The Woodruff Arts Center, The Carter Center, The Atlanta Business League, The Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce, and Usher’s New Look. He is also a member of the Atlanta Chapter of the 100 Black Men and the Atlanta Rotary Club.

​

Ryan graduated from Georgetown University and Georgetown University Law Center, where he serves on the Board of Regents. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and two children.