The Development Authority of Fulton County (DAFC) Board of Directors announced Sarah-Elizabeth Langford as finalist for the position of Interim Executive Director.  The Atlanta native and Howard University School of Law graduate brings nearly two decades of successful experience in affordable housing development, government affairs and community relations.   

“Sarah-Elizabeth has both the experience and the drive to lead our development authority forward in our desired focus to create more economic development opportunities in South Fulton County, including quality, safe affordable housing to ensure community retention,” said Michel M. Turpeau, DAFC Board Chairman. “She understands how DAFC’s economic opportunities benefit the community beyond additional tax dollars and will work with the board as we seek to enhance our partnerships across Fulton County with all of our elected officials, business owners, educational institutions, developers and community members.” 

Through her roles as president and affordable housing developer at Five Points Development and as the former Director of Affordable Housing and Philanthropy at National Church Residences, Langford has extensive experience advancing quality affordable housing to better serve the community. From determining feasibility, obtaining financing and capital, securing partners and building consensus among stakeholder groups, she has done it all from start to finish, always ensuring developments fit within a community’s existing goals in order to be successful. Being a consensus builder, Langford was able to overcome community opposition and navigate tense political climates in various cities across the Southeast to successfully complete more than $100 million worth of affordable housing developments.   

“Years ago, I realized I had a real passion for helping to create an environment where diverse stakeholder groups could work together bringing their passion and expertise to support opportunities to better serve our communities,” said Langford. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on economic development as a means to serve people and communities. I look forward to keeping Fulton County competitive with other markets as we also seek to bring equitable economic opportunities and benefits to our diverse communities across Fulton County.”   

Langford has also served as Vice President of Government and Corporate Partnerships for Two One Technology and early in her career was a legislative affairs specialist for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and Office of General Counsel for the Government of the District of Columbia. 

She currently serves as a board member on the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. She is also a Fulton Education Foundation President’s Advisor and a 2009 Leadership Georgia graduate. 

Langford has a juris doctor from Howard University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Michigan. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. 

The DAFC Board of Directors will vote on the sole finalist at a special called meeting scheduled for September 3, 2021. More information on DAFC meetings can be found here DAFC Media|Minutes (developfultoncounty.com).