On Wednesday, February 13, the Board of Directors for Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. announced that Clyde Higgs was appointed to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following an extensive national search. Clyde has been serving in the Interim CEO capacity for the last six months, and has continued to provide stable stewardship of the organization since September 2015, when he joined ABI in the role of Chief Operating Officer.

“Clyde Higgs’ leadership has served as a valuable asset during a critical time of transition for the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “I look forward to continuing our work together in advancing the goals of this transformative project.”

“Clyde Higgs stepped up to fill the role of Interim CEO in addition to his duties as Chief Operating Officer, seamlessly steering the organization through transition,” said John Somerhalder, Chairman of the ABI Board of Directors. “Clyde’s leadership in moving the project forward, his focus on people and neighborhoods, and uplifting the ABI team give us confidence in his selection as the next Chief Executive Officer.”

“It is an honor and a privilege to continue serving the people of Atlanta through a project that is fundamentally about providing access to opportunity,” said Clyde Higgs, incoming CEO. “The Atlanta BeltLine is leveraging world-class infrastructure to advance mobility, economic development, and housing in a manner that helps pave the way for the city’s future and supports the Mayor’s vision of One Atlanta.”

In his short tenure as Interim CEO, Clyde has ushered through several design and construction projects, such as the Southside Trail, Enota Park, and the Eastside Trail’s southern extension. He was also instrumental in the acquisition from the Antioch Baptist Church North, a stretch of corridor connecting the “Kudzu Line” with Northside Drive, and the ongoing procurement of a developer for Murphy Crossing job creation. Additionally, he has overseen the ninth season of Art on the Atlanta BeltLine, the production of 121 additional affordable housing units, community engagement for Subarea Master Plan updates, the launch of the IoT ATL Ag Tech pilot program, and the introduction of BeltLine University.

Prior to joining ABI in 2015, Clyde served as the Executive Vice President of a collaborative, multi-billion dollar revitalization and economic development effort led by the state of North Carolina and real estate developer Castle & Cooke.  Today, Clyde continues to foster his commitment for equitable redevelopment and improving the overall quality of life for Atlanta residents through his appointments to the Boards of Trees Atlanta and the City of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Commission.