Jim George
Development Program Manager
- 46 years of experience
- 10 years at KDC
Jim George has witnessed several real estate cycles throughout his 40-year career. He’s seen booms and busts and everything in between. He brings a seasoned and highly experienced perspective to commercial real estate projects, making him a valuable development program manager for KDC.
I find joy in what I do. The challenges that we deal with, the problems that we solve, the teamwork that’s involved—it’s just a lot of fun.
Based out of the Atlanta office, he is responsible for all physical development elements of projects. He oversees all aspects of a project from concept to occupancy, including master planning, zoning, budgeting, design, construction, and real estate issues such as easements and condominium documentation development.
“It’s not work to me,” Jim says. “I find joy in what I do. The challenges that we deal with, the problems that we solve, the teamwork that’s involved—it’s just a lot of fun. Our team works daily to leave a legacy of well-planned, well-designed and well-constructed projects.”
Prior to joining KDC, Jim worked for a prominent REIT for 30 years. During his time there, he managed the development of many large, complex projects that transformed the Atlanta skyline. Very early in his career, he focused on regional malls and all kinds of shopping centers. Most of his career has revolved around high quality office buildings, medical office buildings and mixed-use and multiple-use large projects.
He retired from the REIT in 2009, during the height of the Great Recession. He started his own consulting business in 2010 to help people navigate the difficult economy. When KDC expressed an interest in him assisting with the State Farm Project in 2013, he eagerly embraced the opportunity.
In addition to his development experience, Jim served 31 years in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserves. He retired as a Captain, CEC, U.S. Naval Reserve (Seabees).
“I experienced and learned things in the military I never would have experienced in civilian life,” Jim says. “It was a tremendous honor to serve in the Navy. It was my Navy connections who invited me into the world of real estate development."
Jim, a native of Meridian, Miss., was the first person in his family to go to college. He started out at Meridian Community College and transferred to Mississippi State University to obtain his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering. After his active duty Navy years, he obtained a Master’s in Construction Management from Georgia Tech. He also holds a Master’s in Real Estate from Georgia State University, is a registered Professional Engineer in several states, a registered Structural Engineer, and holds a State of Georgia Real Estate License.
Jim has been married to his wife, Patti, for 44 years. Together, they have two adult sons and one grandson. Jim and Patti's most recent travels were driving tours of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. They look forward to more great trips, post-Covid.
