Mayor Kasim Reed formally announced two key appointments this week. Claire Collobert Angelle will serve as the Director of International Affairs and LaRonda Sutton will serve as the Director of the Office of Entertainment.
As Director of International Affairs, Angelle will plan, develop and implement international activities on behalf of the city. In addition, her duties will include facilitating trade, economic development, tourism and cultural initiatives with local, national and international agencies.
As Director of the Office of Entertainment, Sutton is tasked with streamlining the permitting process for film productions and assisting with facilitating employment of local talent, creating production-related educational and training opportunities, and working with community leaders to safeguard the interests of residents and businesses affected by film productions.
“Claire Collobert Angelle and LaRonda Sutton are exceptional leaders and tremendous assets to our Administration,” said Reed. “Mrs. Angelle brings the experience necessary to ensure that the City of Atlanta continues to develop and cultivate relationships with international partners that boost tourism and drive economic development in today’s global market. Under the leadership of Ms. Sutton, Atlanta will continue to attract more film and television projects that create jobs, attract talent and boost our city and region’s economy.”
Claire Collobert Angelle worked in Europe, South America and North America in international affairs, public relations, communications and business development. Prior to working for the City of Atlanta, Angelle worked as Press Attaché for the Consulate General of France in Atlanta, where she was in charge of public relations, communications, special events and political analysis.
Originally from Nantes in the Northwestern region of France, Angelle graduated from the University of Nantes and holds a master’s degree in International Business and Trade. She is fluent in French, English and Spanish.
“It is an honor to join the Office of International Affairs,” said Angelle. “I look forward to advancing the international activities of the City of Atlanta, home to more than 70 foreign consular and trade offices, as well as 18 sister city committees.”
With more than two decades of experience as an entertainment executive, Sutton has worked in the music, film, television and new digital media industries. As former Vice President, Music Development and Production for Foxx/King Entertainment, Sutton managed the music careers of Jamie Foxx, Ronald Isley, and Lalah Hathaway. Her work included management of touring/production, music publishing, licensing, artist development, film/television/radio music supervision, marketing/branding, and endorsements.
Prior to her tenure at Foxx/King Entertainment, Sutton served as Senior Vice President, Urban Creative, for Universal Music Publishing and General Manager of Atlanta-based Hitco Music Publishing, where she worked with Antonio “L.A” Reid, establishing Atlanta’s flourishing music community. She was also a founding partner in a New York/Detroit based marketing company.
She is a member of the National Academy of Recording Artists and Sciences (NARAS), the National Association of Black Females Executives in Music and Entertainment (NABFEME), and Women in Film.
“I am pleased to join Mayor Reed’s administration directing the Office of Entertainment,” said Sutton. “The City of Atlanta is the entertainment and media capital of the Southeast, and I look forward to working with residents, business owners and industry representatives to advance Atlanta’s thriving film and production industry.”
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