For nearly five decades, FCS has been a catalyst for neighborhood transformation in Atlanta. Now, at a pivotal moment in our history, the Board is proud to announce that Marvin Nesbitt Jr. has been unanimously selected to lead FCS into its next chapter of transformative community development in Historic South Atlanta, Thomasville Heights, and beyond.
Over the past year, Marvin has served as our Senior Director of Community Development and Interim President, leading with both vision and humility. He’s helped guide our budget, led initiatives, and built strong partnerships, all while keeping FCS’s commitment to neighbors at the center of everything we do.
“Marvin embodies everything we were looking for in our next President,” said Dr. Christopher Gray, Board Chair. “His deep understanding of FCS’s mission, combined with his extensive experience in community development and his genuine commitment to our neighbors, makes him the perfect leader to guide us through this pivotal moment in Historic South Atlanta’s and Thomasville Heights’ transformation.”
Marvin isn’t new to this work. With over 20 years of experience in community development, housing, and social services, he has led programs that have opened doors of opportunity for thousands of families across Atlanta. From his time at the Atlanta Housing Authority and Action Ministries to his work in higher education and consulting, Marvin has consistently focused on one thing: helping communities flourish.
As President, Marvin’s vision for FCS is both bold and rooted. He is passionate about expanding affordable housing options, including single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use so that neighbors can stay and thrive in Historic South Atlanta and Thomasville Heights. He aims to strengthen our cradle-to-career partnerships with schools, expand economic opportunities, and preserve the unique character of our neighborhoods even as property values rise.
“Marvin’s combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, and genuine heart for community makes him uniquely qualified to navigate this complex landscape,” noted Dr. Gray. “His track record of building bridges between residents, stakeholders, and funding partners will be essential as we work to ensure that longtime residents can continue to thrive alongside newcomers.”
With both opportunities and challenges ahead, Marvin is the kind of steady, visionary leader we need to walk with us into the future.
“I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue the incredible work that FCS has been doing for 47 years,” explains Marvin. “Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of our holistic approach – from Carver Market providing fresh food access to our housing initiatives creating pathways to homeownership – I’m excited to expand our impact while preserving the affordability and character that make Historic South Atlanta and Thomasville Heights special.”
We are grateful for Marvin’s leadership, and hope you’ll join us in celebrating this new chapter for FCS. Together with Marvin, our staff, board, partners, and neighbors, we are continuing the work of building communities that truly flourish.
