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Fuller Center for Greater Atlanta: Homes for Working Families

June 24, 2026 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Fuller Center for Greater Atlanta: Homes for Working Families

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Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta: Building Homes for the People Every Community Depends On, with Mark Murphy (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 21)

In this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, host DePriest Waddy talks with Mark Murphy, president of the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta, about what it actually takes to put a home within reach of the people most communities depend on but rarely think about housing: school bus drivers, teacher’s aides, lunch workers, and nurse’s aides. Also joining the conversation is Norma Marquez, Director of Development at the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia.

Murphy makes the affordability gap concrete. The average age of a first-time homebuyer in the mid-1980s was 27. Today it is 41. First-time buyers now account for only 21% of home purchases, down from 40%. The Fuller Center’s response is not a first-time buyer program. It is, as Murphy puts it, an ever-time buyer program for families who would not be able to own a home under any conventional financing scenario. Qualifying families earn between 50% and 80% of the area median income, must have minor children at home, and commit to 350 hours of sweat equity in place of a down payment. In return, they receive a zero-interest loan on a new three-bedroom, two-bath home, with a $100,000 forgivable second mortgage built into the structure. The organization is also zoning a 6.2-acre parcel in Cherokee County for an 18-home development, with groundbreaking targeted for early 2027.

The episode also covers the Fuller Center’s Greater Blessings program, which provides critical home repairs for elderly and disabled homeowners aging in place, and the organization’s recent decision to open an agency fund with CFNEG to manage its long-term reserves.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX, produce the show. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

The average age of a first-time homebuyer has risen from 27 in the mid-1980s to 41 today, and the share of homes purchased by first-time buyers has dropped from 40% to 21%. The numbers tell the story before anyone makes an argument.
The Fuller Center is not a first-time buyer program. It serves families who would not qualify for a conventional mortgage at any interest rate, focusing on what Murphy calls the hidden heroes of the community: the janitors, bus drivers, teacher’s aides, and nurse’s aides who keep communities running but cannot afford to live in them.
Qualifying families earn between 50% and 80% of area median income and contribute 350 hours of sweat equity in place of a down payment. They receive a zero-interest loan on a new home priced around $250,000 after a forgivable $100,000 second mortgage is factored in.
The Fuller Center’s Greater Blessings program addresses a separate and equally urgent need: home repairs for elderly and disabled homeowners who need wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and bathroom modifications to remain in their homes as they age.
Land is the hardest part. By the time a parcel reaches the market, it is priced beyond what any affordable housing model can absorb. The Fuller Center depends on city and county partnerships to access publicly held land and is currently zoning a 6.2-acre site in Cherokee County for 18 homes, with groundbreaking targeted for early 2027.
The NIMBY (not in my backyard) resistance to affordable housing often comes from fear about who might move in. Murphy’s counter is to reframe the conversation around the specific people a community already knows and relies on, rather than abstractions about housing categories.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Show intro and welcome from host DePriest Waddy
00:22 DePriest Waddy introduces Mark Murphy and the Fuller Center
00:45 The misconception that first-time buyers just need to try harder
01:53 How home prices have changed since 1985 and what that means today
03:22 Apartment rents in Atlanta and the broader affordability squeeze
03:35 Who the Fuller Center actually serves: the hidden heroes of the community
04:27 Where Fuller Center clients come from and the income eligibility range
05:30 The two service lines: new home builds and the Greater Blessings repair program
06:38 How the family selection and sweat equity process works
07:25 The zero-interest loan structure and what a Fuller Center home actually costs
08:01 Homeownership as a path to generational wealth and equity for children
09:29 Geographic focus: a 15-mile circle around Mountain Park and the Cherokee County project
11:32 NIMBY opposition and how to reframe the conversation around community heroes
13:44 The data: first-time buyer age and share of purchases then and now
14:58 Economic impact of the 18-home Cherokee County development
15:23 How the Fuller Center raises money: board contributions, foundations, corporations, and churches
16:44 The challenge of finding affordable land before it reaches the open market
18:19 The waiting list approach and timeline to groundbreaking in early 2027
19:30 The Fuller Center’s agency fund with CFNEG and why Murphy calls it the biggest, reddest easy button
21:49 How listeners can help: volunteer, donate, or join an international build trip
23:14 How to reach Mark Murphy and closing

Mark Murphy, President, Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta

**Mark Murphy, Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta**

Mark Murphy is president of the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta and a city council member in the City of Mountain Park. He holds a finance degree and spent more than 30 years as an executive in consulting and IT outsourcing, including senior roles with HP Enterprise Services, Capgemini, CIBER, and CSC Consulting.

Since retiring in 2016, he has concentrated on fundraising and service for causes including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Homestretch, and the Fuller Center. He is also the founder and director of the St. Paddy O’Pedal Ride to Conquer Childhood Cancer, which benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta

The Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta is a grassroots nonprofit working to eliminate poverty housing across metro Atlanta. The organization builds new homes for working families who cannot qualify for conventional financing, offering zero-interest mortgages and requiring partner families to contribute sweat equity in the process. It also runs the Greater Blessings program, which provides critical home repairs such as roofing, plumbing, and accessibility modifications to help elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners remain in their homes. The organization is a local Covenant Partner of the national Fuller Center for Housing, is headquartered in Roswell, and is currently pursuing a Go Big Initiative committed to building 100 homes across the greater Atlanta region over the next ten years.

Website | LinkedIn

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy is the show’s host, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most of these funds are donor-advised funds, which are similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
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Housing Affordability Tops Metro Atlanta Concerns

November 18, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Housing Affordability Tops Metro Atlanta Concerns

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Housing Affordability Tops Metro Atlanta Concerns: Inside the Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025 Survey (North Fulton Voices, Episode 15)

For the first time since the Metro Atlanta Speaks survey began in 2013, housing affordability has emerged as the region’s top concern, edging out longtime leaders like traffic, crime, and the overall economy. In this edition of North Fulton Voices, hosts Jack Murphy and Kathy Swahn have a conversation with Ann Carpenter, Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the Atlanta Regional Commission, and Bill Huang, ARC data scientist and lead analyst for Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025.

Ann and Bill walk through how the survey is conducted across 11 Metro Atlanta counties, what has changed in this year’s results, and why residents are feeling the squeeze. They discuss numbers that catch your attention: more than 4,100 respondents, a sharp rise in pessimism about the next three to four years, and a striking share of renters who say they simply cannot afford to move within their own neighborhoods. They also highlight where the public sees causes and solutions, from zoning and investors to infill development and transit investment.

The conversation then shifts to North Fulton. Kathy and Jack connect the data to the on-the-ground reality of trying to obtain a home under four hundred thousand dollars or a rental under twenty-five hundred a month on a one hundred thousand dollar household income. They offer a concrete call to action for listeners: pay attention to comprehensive planning in cities like Alpharetta and Roswell, and use this data as a starting point for informed, practical conversations about housing affordability and missing middle housing.

To access the complete 2025 Metro Atlanta Speaks survey, follow this link.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Housing affordability is now the top concern in the Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025 survey, ahead of traffic, crime, and the broader economy.
Renters are feeling the strain most acutely, although homeowners also report rising pressure on housing affordability as well.
The ARC team prefers “housing affordability” rather than “affordable housing,” since the challenge spans a wide range of incomes and situations, not just subsidized units.
Residents express openness to solutions such as infill development, housing near job centers, and better transit options.
Vocal opposition to new housing often sounds louder than it is, and the broader public may be more supportive of change than public meetings suggest.
For North Fulton, the data helps frame the difficulty of finding attainable homes and rentals for the workforce that powers the local economy.
Local comprehensive planning is a key lever for shaping future housing options, and residents have an opportunity to bring real data into those discussions.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:35 Overview of the Metro Atlanta Speaks 2025 Survey
02:06 Key Findings from the Survey
04:00 Introducing the Guests: Ann Carpenter and Bill Huang
05:34 Deep Dive into Survey Methodology
07:12 Housing Affordability: A Growing Concern
12:05 Public Perception and Policy Implications
15:00 Traffic, Transportation, and Regional Growth
17:14 Future Directions and Community Engagement
33:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

Atlanta Regional Commission

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties, as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Ann Carpenter

Ann Carpenter is the Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the Atlanta Regional Commission. She leads the team responsible for producing data, analysis, and applied research to inform long-range planning for the eleven-county Metro Atlanta region. Ann has a strong background in housing and community development research and focuses on connecting high-quality data to real-world decisions related to transportation, housing, and regional growth. Before joining ARC, she worked at the Federal Reserve Bank as Assistant Vice President and Director of Community Development Research, where she addressed issues like affordable housing and community resilience. Ann has also worked closely with ARC during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves on regional advisory boards. She graduated from Georgia Tech and is deeply committed to enhancing the Atlanta region through data-driven planning and innovation.

Bill Huang

Bill Huang is an urban data scientist at the Atlanta Regional Commission and the principal analyst for the Metro Atlanta Speaks survey. He designs and maintains data tools and analytical models that give practical advice to local governments and community leaders, helping them understand public sentiment, quality-of-life trends, and regional challenges like transportation, economic issues, artificial intelligence, and climate shifts. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Urban Analytics from Georgia Institute of Technology, Bill combines technical expertise with a multidisciplinary, people-centered approach to urban planning. He is also active in mentoring emerging urban planners, encouraging curiosity and strategic thinking in their work.

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs—and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Kathy Swahn

Kathy has resided in the North Fulton area for almost 45 years. She has watched the community evolve from what was “unincorporated Fulton County” to a six-city bustling suburban community. Her history has been characterized by a focus on children: she was a stay-at-home mother who raised two daughters, she spent years in leadership roles in school PTAs and Girl Scouts, the National Charity League, the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and she served as chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy transitioned back to work by jumping into the non-profit world. She joined the team at North Fulton Community Charities, running their Holiday Program, becoming Development Director and successfully managing the $3 million capital campaign for their Elkins Road location. Along the way, she also served on the DFACS Board and chaired the board of the Fulton County Continuum of Care for four years.

After having the opportunity to join in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Kathy was surrounded with a dynamic group of folks who worked to create The Drake House. Since 2004, she served as board chair for the first four years, executive director for nine years, and is now retired. Over those years, The Drake House served over 500 single mothers with over 1,000 children and grew the assets of the organization to over $4 million.

Kathy continues to serve The Drake House on the Advocacy Committee, along with her work for NFIN.

She spends much of her time traveling to the DC area, where her children and grandchildren reside.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John Ray is a podcast show host and producer and owns North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small-firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

Residential Real Estate in Metro Atlanta, with Garet Duff, Keller Williams

February 28, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Residential Real Estate in Metro Atlanta, with Garet Duff, Keller Williams

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Residential Real Estate in Metro Atlanta, with Garet Duff, Keller Williams (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 746)

Garet Duff, a residential real estate professional with Keller Williams, joined host John Ray on this edition of North Fulton Business Radio to discuss residential real estate trends in the Metro Atlanta market and in North Fulton specifically. Garet addressed the impact of the housing inventory shortage, and factors that drive home values, such as school district quality. Garet shared her expertise and insights on guiding clients through what she calls “The Process,” the significance of mindset and time management, and the benefits of owning property in the present market. She also highlighted how her previous experience in corporate communications has equipped her with effective listening and client-centric skills, enhancing her ability to serve her clients effectively.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Garet Duff, Keller Williams

Garet Duff is a dynamic residential real estate professional in metro Atlanta who is committed to making your real estate journey a seamless and rewarding experience.

Known for her client-centered approach, Garet’s expertise guides her clients through “The Process,” successfully selling homes and acquiring their dream properties. With 30 years of diverse business experience in negotiation, marketing, and public relations, Garet offers a unique skill set tailored to your real estate needs. Her adept negotiation skills ensure the best possible deal for your home, while her background in marketing guarantees effective campaigns to attract potential buyers. Garet’s excellent listening skills, time management, and attention to detail make the selling process smooth and stress-free.

As an Atlanta resident since 1995, she brings local expertise, providing valuable insights into the market for competitive pricing. Garet’s commitment to personalized service, high integrity, and problem-solving proficiency sets her apart, ensuring your interests are prioritized throughout the entire real estate journey. Her and her dedicated team provide you with extensive business experience and a passion for delivering exceptional results.

Garet and her husband Tim enjoy live music, traveling, and dance lessons.

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio

01:14 Meet Garet Duff from Keller Williams

01:58 Garet’s Journey into Real Estate

02:44 The Impact of Real Estate on People’s Lives

03:33 The Importance of Long-Term Goals in Real Estate

04:57 The Culture and Training at Keller Williams

06:49 Garet’s Expertise in Metro Atlanta

15:19 The Importance of Time Management in Real Estate

16:35 The Current Trends in the Real Estate Market

17:14 The Role of School Districts in Home Value

23:38 The Impact of Interest Rates on Home Buying

26:38 A Success Story and Final Thoughts

**Host John Ray with Garet Duff, Keller Williams**

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 740 shows and having featured over 1,100 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

ATL Developments with Geoff Smith: Frank Norton, Jr., The Norton Agency

November 21, 2019 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

ATL Developments with Geoff Smith: Frank Norton, Jr., The Norton Agency

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ATL Developments with Geoff Smith: An Interview with Frank Norton, Jr., The Norton Agency

Host Geoff Smith speaks with Frank Norton Jr., Chairman and CEO of The Norton Agency, on the growth dynamics of Metro Atlanta and the North Georgia regions.

Frank Norton, Jr., The Norton Agency

Frank Norton, Jr. is the Chairman and CEO of The Norton Agency. In 1986, Frank Norton Jr., joined the Norton Agency to direct the Commercial and Residential Real Estate Divisions of the Agency. His expertise, combined with his energy and creative imagination, has thrust the company forward at a faster pace. He was elected President of the firm by the Board of Directors in 1997 and Chairman in 2004.

The Norton Commercial and Acreage Group provides clients extensive resources and services associated with the purchase or sale of commercial property and large acreage tracts for development. Investment counseling, corporate relocation, in-depth development services, territory market analysis and an unparalleled customer base give clients confidence as they invest in the community.

In the field of commercial real estate, The Norton Agency’s professionalism, service and knowledge are unmatched. Investors and corporations have a wide range of real estate needs. The Norton Agency specializes in site selection for restaurants, industrial parks, retail centers, neighborhoods, resorts, multi-family and single family developments. In addition, The Norton Agency offers brokerage services for industrial sites and buildings and industrial park development.

The Norton Agency’s Commercial and Acreage Division is designed with the brokerage needs of the investor in mind. Eighty-five years of experience and unique resources unite to form the area’s most comprehensive brokerage service.

Since 1986, Frank has collected and interpreted community market research data through Norton Native Intelligence™ , and has developed consulting and strategic planning services for the firm. Norton Native Intelligence™ is a unique and powerful tool employed by Norton to power their client’s purchases, investments and portfolio strategies. This 30 year statistical database is sought out by relocating businesses, investors and developers alike. The material is modeled to strategically position banking, medical, retail, residential and industrial development and to provide a deeper understanding of ever-changing market dynamics.

Clients as diverse as Hall County School System, Valentine Farms, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, United Community Bank, Wendy’s, Walmart and Publix use the ever changing stream of data to secure strategic opportunities and better anticipate future growth directions.

Geoff Smith, Host of “ATL Developments with Geoff Smith”

“ATL Developments with Geoff Smith” covers all things economic development in the Atlanta Metro area. From everything inside the Beltline to Avalon and beyond, Geoff Smith interviews the movers and shakers making the ATL one of the best places to live, work and play. An archive of past episodes can be found here.

Geoff Smith is a mortgage banker with Assurance Financial working with Real Estate agents and homebuyers to help them get happily to their closing table. Geoff is an authority on the latest economic development trends shaping the Atlanta Metro area. His interviews reveal an inside perspective at how things get done in the ATL.

Geoff is an active member of his community serving on the Board of Directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, as well as holding the position of chairman for the Chamber’s Education Committee. He is also Secretary of the Roswell Youth Baseball Association and coaches his sons in football, baseball and basketball. Geoff enjoys golf, camping and traveling with his wife and two sons. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

“ATL Developments with Geoff Smith” is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®, located inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with approximately $12.9 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

ATL Developments with Geoff Smith: Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission and Pope & Land Real Estate

July 8, 2019 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

ATL Developments with Geoff Smith: Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission and Pope & Land Real Estate

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**Geoff Smith and Kerry Armstrong on “ATL Developments with Geoff Smith”**

ATL Developments with Geoff Smith: An Interview with Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission and Pope & Land Real Estate

Host Geoff Smith speaks with Kerry Armstrong, Chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission, on planning and growth across numerous local jurisdictions in Metro Atlanta, the problem of affordable housing, and other growth issues in Metro Atlanta.

Kerry Armstrong, Atlanta Regional Commission and Pope & Land Real Estate

Kerry Armstrong has served on the Atlanta Regional Commission since 2008, and is currently serving his second term as the ARC Board Chairman. During his tenure on the ARC Board he served on numerous Commission Committees and as Co-Chair of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board.

Professionally, as a Managing Director – Development & Investment Services Partner with Pope & Land Real Estate, Kerry is involved in the development, marketing, leasing, and management of commercial real estate investments. He joined Pope & Land in 2012, and his commercial real estate career spans three decades. Prior to joining Pope & Land, Kerry worked with Duke Realty Corporation as a Senior Vice President for nearly 22 years where he had a leadership role in building Duke Realty’s Atlanta Office portfolio from around 460,000 square feet in 1990 to more than 4.5 million square feet through development and acquisition.

He is also actively involved in leadership roles in numerous civic, educational, and charitable organizations, including the North Fulton Community Improvement District, the Council for Quality Growth, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

Geoff Smith, Host of “ATL Developments with Geoff Smith”

David Livingston with the Atlanta Legends and Joel Peskin with Big Event Productions

January 22, 2019 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

David Livingston with the Atlanta Legends and Joel Peskin with Big Event Productions

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David Livingston, Atlanta Legends

David Livingston is President of the Atlanta Legends. The Atlanta Legends are one of eight teams in the new Alliance of American Football, playing professional football in a spring (February – April) season at Georgia State Stadium. Head Coach Kevin Coyle will lead a staff with Offensive Coordinator Michael Vick and Quarterback Aaron Murray. The Alliance features a ten-game regular season, two playoff games, and a championship game in Las Vegas in late April 2019. More information on the Atlanta Legends is available at atlantalegends.com.

Joel Peskin, Big Event Productions

Joel Peskin is the Founder and CEO of Big Event Productions. Joel publishes an email networking newsletter, Joel’s List, which has a subscriber base of 13,500 business professionals in the Metro Atlanta area. Joel also operates the Greater Atlanta Business Expo, held twice a year. Joel’s company conducts monthly networking events called the “The Big Event” around the Metro Atlanta region. Joel is also Co-Founder and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Business Association, which connects business professionals throughout the metro Atlanta area rather than just one county, city or town. Joel also owns and operates a carpet cleaning company which services the Metro Atlanta Area.

Fuller Center for Greater Atlanta: Homes for Working Families