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Carol Naughton
Nationally recognized nonprofit leader | Change agent, leading from the lens of racial equity | Chief Executive Officer at Purpose Built Communities
Carol R. Naughton is the Chief Executive Officer of Purpose Built Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving racial equity, economic mobility, and health outcomes in neighborhoods across the United States.12
Career Background
Carol has been with Purpose Built Communities since its founding in 2009, initially serving as Senior Vice President and then President before becoming CEO in 2020.13 Prior to joining Purpose Built Communities, she had a 25-year career in holistic community development, including:
- Executive Director of the East Lake Foundation
- General Counsel and Deputy Executive Director at the Atlanta Housing Authority
- Commercial real estate lawyer in private practice in Atlanta2
Role and Vision
As CEO, Carol sets the strategic vision for Purpose Built Communities, focusing on:
- Growth and development of the organization
- Impact of Purpose Built Communities and its network
- Supporting local leaders in implementing resident-centered, holistic neighborhood revitalization initiatives2
Carol is passionate about creating neighborhoods that lift people out of poverty and promoting racial justice in society.3 She believes in investing in people and neighborhoods that have suffered from systemic racism to address the racial wealth gap and disparities in life expectancy.3
Expertise and Recognition
Carol is nationally recognized as a leader in place-based partnerships and community development. Her work has been featured in various publications, including:
- Huffington Post
- TEDx Atlanta
- Federal Reserve of San Francisco
- Nonprofit Finance Fund's book "Investing in Results"2
Education
Carol holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Colgate University and a J.D. from Emory University School of Law.2
Highlights
I had the privilege of speaking at the Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC) Annual Meeting last Friday, where we focused on the critical issue of housing public policy from a national perspective. It was an honor to be part of a fireside chat alongside esteemed colleagues:
Cullum Clark, Ph.D. – Director for Economic Growth, George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas (Moderator) Shane Phillips – Manager of the Randall Lewis Housing Initiative, UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies, Los Angeles Ashley Flores – Chief of Housing, Child Poverty Action Lab, Dallas
Our discussion centered on how cities across the country are effectively tackling the housing crisis through solid public policy and smart administrative decision-making. The insights shared were invaluable, and it was a powerful reminder of the impact that thoughtful policy can have on communities nationwide. A big thank you to the GDPC for organizing this event and bringing together such a knowledgeable group of leaders. I look forward to continuing these important conversations and driving meaningful change in housing policy. #HousingPolicy #AffordableHousing #Leadership #PublicPolicy #CommunityDevelopment
Reflecting on an inspiring day at the East Lake Women’s Leadership event at East Lake Golf Club this past Wednesday. I had the privilege of attending one of the best leadership panels I’ve seen in a long time. Shannon H. Longino, CPM® was exceptional in moderating and interviewing the legendary Annika Sorenstam, who is undoubtedly the best woman golfer of all time. Annika not only shared her wisdom but also gave back by hosting a golf clinic for Charles R Drew Charter School students in the afternoon. The panel, featuring Chloe Barzey, Robin Boren, and Sandhya Pillay, offered candid, vulnerable, and incredibly relevant advice that left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance. A big thank you to The TOUR Championship Women’s Leadership Event presented by Southern Company and The Coca-Cola Company for bringing together such an influential group of women from the metro Atlanta community. This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership, both on and off the course. #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Community #Inspiration #AnnikaSorenstam #EastLake
