Mayor Andre Dickens has made a decisive move to bolster Atlanta's affordable housing efforts by announcing a new leadership team, with Amanda Rhein stepping up as the Chief Housing Officer. Rhein's impressive resume includes her role as the Executive Director of the Atlanta Land Trust, where she was instrumental in transforming it into a model of national prominence, managing over 100 homes in trust and 100 in development.
According to an announcement from the City of Atlanta, Rhein's experience spans two decades focusing on equitable development and affordable housing. This expertise was honed through her previous leadership at MARTA's transit-oriented development initiative and nearly a decade at Invest Atlanta. Her upcoming role, starting in January 2026, places her directly under the purview of Chief of Staff Courtney English.
Joining Rhein in her efforts to tackle housing affordability is Chatiqua Ellison, slated to be the Deputy Chief Housing Officer and Senior Advisor to the Mayor on Homelessness. Ellison, an Atlanta native, has been at the forefront of notable housing initiatives, including the Forest Cove Relocation and the Rapid Housing Initiative. Her commitment to the city and its underserved communities is marked by her tenacious work ethic and a deep-seated drive to effectuate positive change.
The team's expansion includes key positions like William Tucker, Director of the Housing Innovation Lab, and Katie Molla, who will continue as the Director of Special Projects. Tucker, who has been serving since 2021, and Molla, joining in 2023, each bring an unique set of skills and experiences that align with the city's vision. Tucker's proficiency in policy and planning meshes with Molla's focus on fresh food access and homelessness strategies, together enhancing Atlanta's approach to the multifaceted challenge of affordable housing.
Further bolstering the team, Colin Delargy takes on the role of Assistant Director, bringing an international perspective with his dual degrees from Georgia Tech and Technische Universität Berlin. Carolyn Kovar as Assistant Director of Housing Delivery, Matt Delicata as Senior Real Estate Advisor, and Chanel Ziesel as Director of Housing Policy round out the leadership team, each contributing their extensive background in real estate, finance, and policy to Atlanta’s housing strategy.
"Together, we’re not just building housing, we’re building pathways to stability, dignity, and opportunity for all Atlantans," Mayor Dickens said, emphasizing the collaborative approach of the new team.
