The Atlanta Commercial Board (ACBR) has named Haley Casola executive director. She succeeds Robin Godwin, who is stepping down after nine years leading the country’s most prominent commercial real estate association.

The transition followed a succession plan years in the making. Godwin gave the board notice in the first quarter, and Casola, hired in June after a search, has worked alongside her since, sitting in on board meetings, public presentations, panels and member events.

“ACBR has a deep history in Atlanta and a legacy built by members, board leaders and staff who give their time to this industry and this region,” said Godwin. “I’m grateful the board committed to a plan, and carried it out, that let Haley and me work side by side. That kind of foresight says a great deal about this organization’s leadership. I’m excited about what’s next for me, and I know ACBR is in exceptional hands.”

“What ACBR is able to accomplish is a testament to our strong staff, and this type of transition made my year in office is not only extremely productive, but also rewarding as we look to the continued innovation and growth happening at the organization,” said Jeff Shaw, the board’s 2026 president.

Casola brings experience across government, private industry and civic life. She was most recently a statewide project manager at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, where she worked with companies, communities and development partners on business growth, capital investment and job creation across Georgia. Previously, she held an executive operations role at a private equity-backed technology company.

“ACBR’s legacy of leadership and service to the real estate community and to metro Atlanta is remarkable, and I’ve had a rare opportunity to learn it directly from Robin,” said Casola. “I’m excited to build on that foundation while bringing my own vision for where ACBR goes next.”

She is a member of LEAD Atlanta’s Class of 2026 and serves on the Alliance Theatre’s Advisory Board. She also worked with Midtown Alliance to co-found Young Professionals of Midtown, a network for emerging civic leaders.

ACBR’s board began succession planning years ago, with the aim of giving incoming presidents continuity during their one-year terms.

Casola started in June, and her first week included ACBR’s Uniting Atlanta event, which drew the city’s major commercial real estate organizations to the newly reopened Center Atlanta downtown for a World Cup celebration. Through the summer and fall she worked with Godwin and ACBR staff to absorb the association’s history and relationships. In August, Casola and Godwin traveled to Chicago for leadership training with President-Elect Heather Lamb, who takes office in December.

”It’s very exciting to me to be the first full year ACBR President for Haley, and I am so impressed by her capabilities and character,” Lamb said. “The extra time that we have been able to work with Haley and the Board this year will be invaluable as I take office in December. Both of us are poised for success and ready for a fantastic 2027.”

Shaw credited Godwin with shaping the association’s culture and its network of member relationships.

“I am extremely proud of the way that the ACBR has prepared for its future,” Shaw said. “We have been extremely fortunate to work with Robin for the past nine years, and now we are enthusiastic about the role that Haley will have in our long term success.”