John Souter and Ed O’Connor to continue serving three-year terms on the Lilburn CID Board
Lilburn, GA ‐ June 25, 2025 – The Lilburn Community Improvement District (LCID) held its annual Caucus of Electors on Wednesday, June 11, resulting in the re-election of two board members. The LCID is comprised of commercial property owners within the district who invest in their community by paying additional property taxes to support enhancements in safety, transportation, infrastructure and landscaping.
Board member John Souter was re-elected to a three-year term representing Post 3. A lifelong Lilburn resident, Souter is a graduate of South Gwinnett High School and West Georgia College. He is the founder and CEO of Comet National Shipping Corp, which was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine in 1995 as the 26th fastest-growing small business in America. Souter has been an active member of the Gwinnett County Rotary Club since 1999 and is deeply involved in real estate investment and commercial property ownership throughout the Lilburn area.
Ed O’Connor, who holds Post 6 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the board, was also re-elected to a three-year term. A Senior Director at Lavista Associates, Inc., O’Connor has been a key figure in Atlanta’s commercial real estate industry since 1996. His extensive experience working with developers and property owners across metro Atlanta is complemented by his membership in the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR). O’Connor has earned the prestigious Silver Phoenix Award from the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, recognizing 25 years of Million Dollar Club membership. He is also a multiple-time Top Producer and has been named a CoStar Power Broker. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Illinois State University.
“John’s entrepreneurial experience and strong connections within the Lilburn business community make him an invaluable asset to our board,” said Tad Leithead, executive director – Lilburn CID. “Ed’s expertise in commercial real estate has been instrumental in advancing our economic development efforts. We’re grateful to have both continue in their roles as we work together to enhance and grow the district.”
The LCID board meeting, also held on June 11, included updates on key initiatives, including progress on the Bryson Park/Hood Road Roundabout and the upcoming launch of the new LCID website. During the meeting, the board also voted to maintain the district’s self-imposed millage rate at 5 mills for the upcoming fiscal year.
