Invest Atlanta has appointed Dawn Luke as chief operating officer of the agency, according to a press release from Invest Atlanta.

“A longtime employee of Invest Atlanta and member of its Executive Team, Ms. Luke brings substantial knowledge of Invest Atlanta and all facets of the agency’s operations to the position,” a press release from Invest Atlanta says.

In her new role, Luke will oversee the agency’s finance, information technology, human resources and investment services departments, while also working with Invest Atlanta’s community development programs, according to the release.

“I could not be more proud to announce Dawn Luke as our new COO,” Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, said. “She is a proven leader and a passionate advocate for community development and affordable housing. I look forward to working alongside her as we strive to make Invest Atlanta more efficient, responsive and innovative than ever before.”

According to the release, Luke has spent over 20 years with Invest Atlanta and the Urban Residential Finance Authority, focusing on affordable housing and community development. She also previously served as Invest Atlanta’s senior vice president of Community Development, as well as the managing director of Housing Finance for five years.

Luke has worked with several other housing agencies, too, the release said. She currently serves as president emeritus of the board of directors of Georgia Sustainable Committee Alliance and chairwoman of the Southwest Atlanta Partnership board of directors. She is also an active member of the board of directors for the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA), the Atlanta Land Trust as well as Partners for Prosperity.

“It is an honor and privilege to accept this position,” Luke said. “Over the years, I have seen Invest Atlanta grow into one of the premier organizations of its kind in the world, thanks in large part to our talented and dedicated staff. Under the leadership of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Dr. Klementich, our organization will continue to play a key role in fostering growth, equity and inclusion in Atlanta. I cannot wait to get started in this role.”