Buckhead Coalition & Buckhead CID Name Katharine Kelley as CEO to Guide Buckhead’s Growth and Vibrant Future

Experienced urban development and civic leader appointed to lead both Buckhead organizations

 

ATLANTA, October 15, 2025 – The Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead Community Improvement District (CID) announced today that Katharine Kelley, Atlanta-based urban development and civic leader, will take the helm as CEO of both organizations starting January 2026. With a distinguished career of over 30 years in innovative urban development and community leadership, Kelley brings a visionary approach to advancing Buckhead’s economic prosperity and role within the City of Atlanta.

In this joint leadership role, Kelley will oversee collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening Buckhead’s infrastructure and quality of life, while cultivating strategic relationships with stakeholders across metro Atlanta to continue to position Buckhead as a thriving and welcoming community. The appointment marks a pivotal moment for both organizations as they align efforts to help shape the future of Buckhead’s over 40 neighborhoods.

“I am thrilled to step into this leadership role with two organizations so committed to Buckhead’s progress and vitality. As a Buckhead native and resident, my DNA is rooted in this community,” said Katharine Kelley. “Buckhead is poised to play a great role in Atlanta’s future, and I’m excited to work alongside our Coalition members, the Buckhead CID board, civic partners, and residents to drive growth that benefits both our community and the broader metro Atlanta region.”

Kelley, who will step down as President of Green Street Properties, has led the development of more than $2 billion of properties while serving in senior positions at Jamestown, Post Properties, Newport, and Green Street. Her work includes some of Atlanta’s most transformational mixed-use projects, including Ponce City Market, South Downtown, Post Riverside (now MAA Riverside), and Glenwood Park. Katharine currently serves on the board of directors of Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. (NYSE: IVR). Katharine is a graduate of The Westminster Schools and holds a BA from UNC as a Morehead Scholar, a Masters in Real Estate Development from Columbia – where she wrote her thesis on community improvement districts – and an MBA from Harvard.

“We are excited to welcome Katharine as the new leader of the Buckhead Coalition,” said Jonathan Rodbell, Chair of the Buckhead Coalition. “Having worked closely with her over the years, I’ve seen firsthand her deep commitment to civic engagement and her impressive track record in urban development. Katharine’s experience and vision make her uniquely qualified to lead the Coalition into an exciting new chapter.”

Kelley has a deep commitment to civic leadership, previously serving as President of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, member of the City of Atlanta Zoning Review Board, and immediate past Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Westminster Schools. She is also a proud 2023 recipient of the Atlanta Urban Land Institute (ULI) ChangeMakers Award.

“Katharine’s appointment reflects our continued dedication to thoughtful growth and community-centered development,” added Matt Rendle, Chair of the Buckhead CID. “I’ve long admired Katharine’s work, professionalism, and keen judgement – equally in matters of commercial real estate and stakeholder engagement. Her leadership will be instrumental as we work together to develop and implement strategies that ensure Buckhead remains a vibrant and inviting destination for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.”

Kelley succeeds Jim Durrett, a long-time Atlanta civic and transit leader, who announced his retirement in early 2026.

“I am delighted that Katharine has accepted the call to lead both Buckhead organizations, which I’ve had the privilege of serving for many years,” said Jim Durrett, President & CEO, Buckhead Coalition and Executive Director, Buckhead CID. “Her appointment signals a promising and exciting trajectory for the Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead CID, and her leadership will bring tremendous benefit to each.”

The Buckhead Coalition executive committee voted to appoint Katharine Kelley as CEO on October 14, 2025. The Buckhead CID Board will formally vote on appointing Katharine Kelley as its Chief Executive Officer at its meeting on October 30, 2025.

 

About the Buckhead Coalition

The Buckhead Coalition is a member-led organization committed to advocating for the Buckhead community within the City of Atlanta and the broader metropolitan region. Comprised of 125 senior business executives and civic leaders, the Coalition works to improve the quality of life for Buckhead residents, businesses, and visitors. By convening leaders from the public and private sectors, it fosters collaboration and drives strategic partnerships that address the community’s most pressing issues. Learn more at: https://thebuckheadcoalition.com

About the Buckhead CID

The objective of the Buckhead Community Improvement District (BCID), working with the City of Atlanta and its community partners, is to meet the challenges resulting from Buckhead’s rapid, primarily automobile-based growth, including improving safety, traffic mobility, enhancing the pedestrian environment, creating better access to public transit, initiating intra-district transportation alternatives, encouraging better integration of land uses and improving linkages to the region’s automobile, transit and bicycle networks. For more information about the Buckhead CID, visit www.buckheadcid.org.