Alan Ferguson appointed Chief Housing Officer for DeKalb County

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Alan Ferguson, Sr., Ph.D., as the County’s new Chief Housing Officer.

“Dr. Alan Ferguson is one of the most accomplished housing leaders in the country,” said Cochran-Johnson. “His ability to deliver large-scale results while staying grounded in community values makes him the perfect choice to lead DeKalb’s housing strategy. We are honored to welcome him home.”

A native of South DeKalb, Ferguson most recently served as Chief Housing & Real Estate Officer for the Atlanta Housing Authority, where he led efforts that delivered over 3,200 affordable housing units in fiscal year 2025, making major strides toward the agency’s 10,000-unit goal and the City of Atlanta’s broader 20,000-unit target.

Previously, he served as President & CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, where he restored the organization’s full production post-COVID, diversified funding streams, and expanded development strategies to better meet the needs of working families. During his eight-year tenure at Invest Atlanta, Dr. Ferguson led teams that advanced housing policy and directed millions in community investment across the city.

Ferguson has also held leadership roles at the American Opportunity Foundation and Fannie Mae’s American Communities Fund, where he structured debt and equity investments to support neighborhood revitalization nationwide.

In his new role as Chief Housing Officer, Ferguson will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive housing strategy for DeKalb County. His work will focus on expanding affordable, workforce, and transitional housing options; strengthening partnerships with developers and nonprofits; and unlocking innovative financing tools to support sustainable growth.

“As someone raised in South DeKalb, this role is deeply personal,” said Ferguson. “DeKalb County shaped who I am. I’m committed to ensuring families across our county have access to stable, affordable housing and the opportunity to thrive.”

Ferguson holds degrees from Morehouse College, Emory University, and Georgia State University, and earned his Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from the University of the Cumberlands. His expertise spans real estate development, public finance, and equitable investment.