Dr. Alan Ferguson - Chief Housing Officer

BIO – DR. ALAN FERGUSON, SR.

Dr. Alan Ferguson, Sr., is the inaugural Chief Housing Officer for DeKalb County, a position established by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to advance her administration’s commitment to addressing affordable housing and homelessness. In this role, Dr. Ferguson leads the County’s comprehensive housing strategy—focusing on expanding affordable housing options, reducing homelessness, and fostering equitable community development throughout DeKalb.

A nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and community revitalization, Dr. Ferguson brings more than two decades of experience in real estate, public finance, and neighborhood investment. As the former Chief Housing & Real Estate Officer for Atlanta Housing, he spearheaded efforts that delivered more than 3,200 affordable housing units in FY25 alone, significantly contributing to the agency’s 10,000-unit goal and the City of Atlanta’s 20,000-unit target.

Previously, Dr. Ferguson served as President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta, where he restored the organization’s full production capacity post-COVID, diversified funding sources, and expanded development strategies to better serve families in need. During his eight years with Invest Atlanta, he directed community investment and housing policy initiatives that advanced inclusive economic growth. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at The American Opportunity Foundation and Fannie Mae’s American Communities Fund, where he structured innovative debt and equity investments to support neighborhood revitalization.
Dr. Ferguson is a proud alumnus of Morehouse College, Emory University, and Georgia State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from the University of the Cumberlands, solidifying his expertise at the intersection of housing policy, economic mobility, and sustainable development.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in South DeKalb, Dr. Ferguson brings both professional expertise and a personal connection to his new role. He resides in Edgewood with his wife of 30 years, is the proud father of two.