Atlanta Housing (AH), the largest public housing authority in Georgia, has officially appointed Maya Hodari as its new Chief Real Estate Officer. The decision follows her successful tenure as the interim chief and Senior Vice President of Real Estate, during which she demonstrated significant leadership in advancing the organization's development goals.
Hodari brings 25 years of dedicated experience in affordable housing and public sector development to the permanent role. Her appointment is seen as a move to solidify the agency's strategy for increasing the availability of quality, affordable homes across the city of Atlanta.
Key Takeaways
- Maya Hodari has been promoted to the permanent position of Chief Real Estate Officer at Atlanta Housing.
- She possesses 25 years of experience in affordable housing and public sector development.
- In the last 18 months, Hodari was instrumental in closing 14 of the 16 development transactions in the agency's pipeline.
- The appointment reinforces Atlanta Housing's commitment to expanding affordable housing options for Atlanta families.
A Strategic Leadership Appointment
Atlanta Housing has formalized its real estate leadership by promoting Maya Hodari to the chief officer position. Hodari had been serving in the role on an interim basis, alongside her duties as Senior Vice President of Real Estate. This promotion places a seasoned professional at the forefront of the agency's real estate strategy during a critical time for housing in the metropolitan area.
The move is a clear endorsement of Hodari's performance and leadership within the organization. Her deep understanding of the complexities of public sector development is expected to drive Atlanta Housing's mission forward. According to the agency, her focus will be on delivering high-quality, affordable homes and strengthening communities throughout the city.
Proven Results in a Demanding Market
One of the key factors in Hodari's appointment is her recent and measurable success. In a statement, Atlanta Housing President and CEO Terri Lee highlighted Hodari's direct impact on the agency's progress.
"In just the last 18 months, she has led and played a critical role in closing 14 of the 16 development transactions in our active pipeline — an extraordinary achievement for any public housing authority," Lee said.
This accomplishment underscores her ability to navigate complex real estate deals and bring critical housing projects to fruition. Lee further praised Hodari's contributions, which have been central to the organization's current momentum.
By the Numbers: A Record of Achievement
- 14 out of 16 active development transactions closed in the last 18 months under Hodari's leadership.
- 25 years of professional experience in affordable housing and public development.
- 20+ years since being named a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fellow.
"Maya brings deep expertise, steady leadership and a proven track record of results," Lee added. "Her strategic focus and ability to deliver results have been central to Atlanta Housing’s progress and momentum. I am confident she will continue to elevate our real estate strategy as we deliver on the promise of more affordable, quality housing for Atlanta families.”
Decades of Experience in Public Service
Hodari's career in public service and affordable housing spans a quarter of a century. Her expertise is built on a foundation of hands-on experience in one of the most challenging sectors of real estate. A significant milestone in her career came in 2001 when she was named a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fellow.
The Role of Atlanta Housing
Atlanta Housing is the largest housing authority in the state of Georgia. As a public entity, its primary mission is to provide affordable housing options for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The Chief Real Estate Officer plays a pivotal role in managing and expanding the agency's property portfolio, which includes developing new housing, rehabilitating existing properties, and forming partnerships with private developers.
This fellowship from a premier federal housing agency recognized her early potential and provided a platform for her to develop the skills she now applies to Atlanta's housing landscape. Her extensive background provides her with a unique perspective on the long-term strategies required to address systemic housing shortages and create sustainable communities.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Atlanta's Communities
In her new capacity, Hodari will oversee all real estate development activities for Atlanta Housing. This includes managing the existing property portfolio, identifying new development opportunities, and fostering relationships with public and private partners to create mixed-income communities.
Responding to her appointment, Hodari emphasized the collaborative nature of the work ahead and the importance of the agency's mission.
"Atlanta Housing is a key player in shaping the city’s future," Hodari stated. "I am honored to continue this work alongside our partners and dedicated team as we deliver more high-quality, affordable homes and strengthen communities across Atlanta."
Her statement reflects a commitment not just to constructing buildings, but to fostering vibrant neighborhoods. With this permanent leadership structure in place, Atlanta Housing is positioned to continue its efforts to address the city's pressing need for more accessible and affordable housing under an experienced and proven leader.





