Clyde Higgs. Image via ABI.

Clyde Higgs was officially appointed as President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine Inc. (ABI), yesterday. He has been serving in an interim capacity for the past six months as CEO.

“Clyde Higgs’ leadership has served as a valuable asset during a critical time of transition for the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.,” Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing our work together in advancing the goals of this transformative project.”

Clyde first joined ABI in Sept. 2015 as the organizations chief operating officer, and while acting as CEO, he oversaw several design and construction projects, including the Southside Trail, Enota Park and the Eastside Trail’s southern extension, according to BeltLine materials. He was also instrumental in the $6.3 million procurement of the Kudzu Line – 1.8 miles of former railroad corridor on Atlanta’s west side where spur trails will potentially connect Bankhead, English Avenue, Knight Park and Howell Station.

“Clyde Higgs stepped up to fill the role of Interim CEO in addition to his duties as Chief Operating Officer, seamlessly steering the organization through transition,” John Somerhalder, Chairman of the ABI Board of Directors, said in a statement. “Clyde’s leadership in moving the project forward, his focus on people and neighborhoods, and uplifting the ABI team give us confidence in his selection as the next Chief Executive Officer.”

Prior to joining ABI, Higgs served as the Executive Vice President of a multi-billion-dollar revitalization and economic development project in North Carolina, according to ABI materials.  He also sits on the board of  Trees Atlanta and Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Commission.

“It is an honor and a privilege to continue serving the people of Atlanta through a project that is fundamentally about providing access to opportunity,” Higgs said in a statement. “The Atlanta BeltLine is leveraging world-class infrastructure to advance mobility, economic development, and housing in a manner that helps pave the way for the city’s future and supports the Mayor’s vision of One Atlanta.”