Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. has named Clyde Higgs as its interim chief executive officer following the departure of current CEO Brian P. McGowan.

Higgs has served as ABI’s chief operating officer since September 2015, working alongside the organization’s two previous CEOs. He has also served on the boards of Trees Atlanta and the City of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Commission.

“As an essential part of the ABI leadership team, Clyde has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to ensuring the BeltLine remains true to its mission and vision,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said. “The BeltLine is physically connecting Atlanta’s many diverse communities and neighborhoods, and it is important to have a leader in place who understands the significance of accomplishing this goal.”

Prior to joining ABI, Clyde served as the executive vice president of a collaborative, multi-billion dollar state-led revitalization effort in North Carolina, which improved workforce development, housing affordability and quality of life in the city of Kannapolis.

“Clyde’s impressive background in economic development and urban revitalization, coupled with his experience working cohesively with ABI’s board, staff and other key stakeholders, will allow him to transition to the interim role with ease,” said John Somerhalder, Chairman of the ABI Board of Directors. “The Board has worked with Clyde ever since he joined ABI, and we trust him to take the helm as we search for permanent leadership.”

Outgoing CEO Brian McGowan announced in July that he has accepted a role as CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, an economic development organization in Washington. His last day will be August 17, 2018, and the board of directors will conduct a national search to determine ABI’s next permanent CEO.

“Clyde has been a great colleague and he has become a friend during my short term at ABI,” said Brian P. McGowan, outgoing CEO. “Clyde embodies the values that align with ABI’s mission, and I am fully confident in his ability to continue steering this project towards a vision that connects this City and supports the Mayor’s vision of One Atlanta.”