The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta region, announced the appointment of its new executive team.
“ARC is already one of Atlanta region’s most impactful organizations, and these changes will only strengthen our ability to build a better future for all metro Atlanta residents,” ARC Executive Director Anna Roach said on Monday.
A federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), ARC describes itself as “the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region.” The counties it covers includes Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale. it also includes the City of Atlanta and four other cities.
ARC Executive Director Anna Roach announced that Mike Alexander as ARC’s new chief 0perating officer (COO), which is responsible for all agency programs. Also entailed in the COO position is the ability to function as deputy executive director in her stead if needed. Alexander served as ARC’s Center for Livable Communities’ senior director before his promotion.
By Georgia law, ARC is also designated as a Metropolitan Area Planning and Development Commission as well as a Regional Commission. Therefore, ARC is subject to rules promulgated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Also, ARC named Dr. Malika Reed Wilkins as its new chief external affairs officer, responsible for the oversight of ARC’s communications and enterprise strategy. Previously, Wilkins served as Senior Director of ARC’s Center for Strategic Relations.
Brittany Zwald was named ARC’s general counsel, responsible for the oversight of day-to-day legal advisory duties. Previously, Zwald was on the ARC’s legal counsel staff.
Sheila Benefield was named chief human resources officer (CHRO), and previously, she was ARC’s managing director of talent management.
Kelly Smith was named ARC’s deputy chief financial officer (CFO), responsible for the Annual Comprehensive Financing Report. Previously, Smith served as ARC’s operations director of finance (ODF).
“Anna Roach is an inspirational leader who has brought together a top-notch executive team that is poised to take this agency to even greater heights and help shape a better, brighter future for our region,” ARC Board Chairman Kerry Armstrong said. “That we were able to find this talent in-house is a testament to the quality and effectiveness of ARC’s staff.”
ARC is responsible for the development of Atlanta Region’s Plan, a 25-year plan for the city of Atlanta’s future success, which includes an investment of $93.6 billion in transportation infrastructure through 2040.
ARC’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) has the priority of spending on transportation projects and improvements throughout the 20-county region of Atlanta.
The ARC governing board is made up of citizens from each of the 11 member counties: the county commission chair from each county, the Mayor of Atlanta, a City of Atlanta council member, a representative from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, one mayor from each of the 11-member counties, and 15 citizen members who are chosen by the ARC Board’s elected officials.
Fulton County has two mayoral representatives on the ARC Board, one from North Fulton and one from South Fulton.
According to its website, ARC’s funding “comes from a variety of sources, including grants from federal and state agencies and from private sources.” Georgia law also stipulates that local governments provide funds annually for ARC operations.
Senior Manager of ARC’s Communications & Marketing Paul Donsky told The Georgia Star News he will focus on, “ARC’s Executive Director, Anna Roach, has identified several top priorities for the agency, including housing affordability, climate change and resiliency, equity, and leveraging the new federal infrastructure law to secure additional dollars for the Atlanta region,” Donsky said on Tuesday. “This is in addition to our ongoing responsibilities, which include transportation planning, community development, water resources management, workforce development, and services for older persons and people with disabilities.”
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 Addison Basurto is a reporter at The Georgia Star and The Star News Network. Follow Addy on Twitter and GETTR. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Atlanta Regional Commission New Board Members” by Atlanta Regional Commission.
