Lee & Associates - Atlanta today announced that Dan Wagner will become President & CEO of its Atlanta office, succeeding Dave Howard. The transition follows six years of growth and investment in the people, services and platform that support the firm’s clients and brokers.

Dave Howard’s tenure has been defined by building a stronger, more capable Atlanta firm. Recruited to Atlanta by Dick Bryant in 2020 to grow the company, Howard brought that mission to life by building an exceptional team, recruiting ambitious emerging brokers and seasoned professionals, and investing in an entrepreneurial platform designed to help brokers serve clients and grow their businesses. He also managed the firm thoughtfully to support sustainable growth.

Under his leadership, Lee & Associates - Atlanta assembled a deep team of brokers and support professionals, strengthened its marketing and research capabilities, and moved into a new office.

Howard’s focus on people, culture and an entrepreneurial operating model helped drive record-breaking years throughout his tenure, with 2026 setting the firm’s all-time record in gross commissions.

During his six-year tenure, Howard has overseen a 60% expansion of the firm, introduced medical office as a new service line, and positioned Atlanta among the top five offices across Lee & Associates nationwide. Under his leadership, Atlanta’s Marketing and Research teams have each earned their respective companywide awards twice, competing among 85+ offices. Howard’s recent individual achievements include receiving the 2024 Leaders of Lee Award and the prestigious 2026 Bill Lee Award, the highest honor bestowed by Lee & Associates.

Howard’s success and standing within Lee & Associates nationally have made him a trusted advisor to offices across the country. Among his many accomplishments, he opened the Nashville office in 2021 and helped establish its foundation before bringing in the current management team. He will remain associated with Lee & Associates in Atlanta while providing strategic planning services to other Lee offices. His 20 years of experience building and growing offices across the United States will benefit the broader Lee & Associates network.

“I was brought to Atlanta to grow this company, and I’m proud of what our team has accomplished,” said Howard. “We have built a strong, entrepreneurial platform with exceptional people and support for our clients and brokers. I’m grateful to everyone who helped advance that mission. Dan is the right person to lead the next chapter, and I look forward to supporting the firm and helping our people continue to grow.”

The 60% expansion Dave helped build and oversee since 2020 has been driven in significant part by the Junior Associate Program. The program is a lasting part of his legacy, creating a path for emerging professionals to build their careers. Since joining the firm in 2022, Wagner has taken an active role in nurturing the program and will continue to guide its growth. The Junior Associate Program’s impact is evident in the 16 program alumni currently with the firm, including two who have become Principals and are preparing to become Partners, two Directors, and as many as 12 Associates progressing along a similar path.

Wagner’s vision builds on the firm’s foundation while preparing it for changing client needs. He plans to strengthen the use of technology and market intelligence, while preserving the high-touch, white-glove service that differentiates Lee & Associates - Atlanta. He also sees opportunity to broaden the firm’s platform selectively, including by growing in additional asset types and complementary areas that support its core commercial real estate work.

“Dave has built an exceptional foundation for this office, and I’m grateful for his confidence, mentorship and partnership,” said Wagner. “Our opportunity is to keep investing in our people and our knowledge-based platform, using technology to help clients make better decisions while delivering the personal service they expect. We will grow thoughtfully, incrementally expand our service offering, and keep the needs of our clients at the center of every decision.”

Wagner brings more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience across strategic operations, data intelligence, recruitment and training, client advisory and business development. He has served as Chief Data Officer at Lee & Associates - Atlanta since 2022.

Before joining Lee & Associates, Wagner held senior research and leadership roles at CBRE, where he served as Vice President and Head of U.S. Field Research and Data Intelligence. He led U.S. research strategy and operations across the Americas, and managing a team of more than 300 researchers. His earlier positions at CBRE included Director of Research and Analysis and Manager of Southeast Research. He also held research leadership roles at Grubb & Ellis, now part of Newmark, and GVA Advantis.

“Lee & Associates - Atlanta has grown tremendously over the last several years, and Dan has been an important part of that progress,” Howard said. “I chose him as my successor when I brought him to the firm nearly five years ago. I’m confident he will preserve what we have built and continue growing
the office, and I’m excited to see where he takes it.”