A New Chapter for Buckhead: Katharine Kelley to Head the Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead CID
Katharine Kelley. Photo: Julian Alexander
After nearly two decades helping lead Buckhead’s growth, Jim Durrett will step down as head of the Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead Community Improvement District in early 2026. His retirement marks a major transition for two organizations that have defined Buckhead’s rise as one of Atlanta’s most vibrant districts.
Durrett’s work brought millions in funding for infrastructure and helped launch projects like HUB404, the planned park above GA 400. Working with civic and business partners, Durrett helped guide Buckhead through a period of growth focused on development, collaboration, and its enduring connection to Atlanta.
“Jim has shaped Buckhead in ways that will be seen for generations,” said former CID chair Thad Ellis.
The boards have now chosen Buckhead native and real estate executive Katharine Kelley to lead both organizations beginning in January 2026. President of Green Street Properties, Kelley has helped transform Atlanta with projects like Ponce City Market, Glenwood Park, and Post Riverside, developments that set new standards for walkable, mixed use neighborhoods.
“As a Buckhead native and resident, my DNA is rooted in this community,” Kelley said. “This brings together so many of the threads in my life, and it’s truly a dream come true to help shape Buckhead’s next chapter.”
Kelley’s leadership blends deep local roots with national expertise. A graduate of The Westminster Schools with degrees from UNC, Columbia, and Harvard, she has spent her career turning ambitious ideas into thriving places that connect people and community.
“I’m grateful for all the history that precedes me, whether it’s Sam Massell or Jim Durrett, and I’m eager to build on that strength while helping chart Buckhead’s next chapter,” Kelley said.
Livable Buckhead Executive Director Denise Starling said the organization looks forward to collaborating closely with Kelley. “Katharine’s experience in urban development and her understanding of how people connect to place make her an incredible addition to Buckhead’s leadership,” Starling said. “We’re excited to work with her on projects that continue to make Buckhead more livable, sustainable, and connected.”
Durrett’s departure and Kelley’s arrival symbolize a passing of the torch, a moment that links Buckhead’s past achievements with its next wave of innovation and growth. Both leaders share a common vision: a Buckhead that remains connected, forward thinking, and firmly rooted at the heart of Atlanta.
