BCM Georgia Announces Shirley Anne Smith as President and Chief Executive Officer

New leadership to steward statewide need for housing

BCM Georgia (formerly Buckhead Christian Ministry) is the leading nonprofit committed to housing stability and security to prevent homelessness 

ATLANTA (October 3, 2023) – Today, BCM Georgia announced Shirley Anne Smith as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Bell Oaks Executive Search conducted the extensive recruitment process to refine and fill the role. They sought a candidate with diversified fundraising acumen and dynamic leadership abilities to help the 36-year-old organization fulfill its statewide mission.

“We welcome Shirley Anne’s dynamic leadership and versatile experience as we turn the corner toward the next milestone in our statewide growth, said Roy F. Jenkins III, Chair, BCM Georgia. “We have a housing crisis in our country, and we need a strong anchor to prepare and charge our organization with what is needed to fully support all Georgians.” 

Shirley Anne’s nonprofit executive leadership experience includes Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, LaAmistad Atlanta, and most recently as President & CEO of Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation. She’s a respected presence across civic, corporate, and community entities throughout Georgia and specifically in her advocacy work for the Latinx community. At BCM Georgia, she oversees a 16-member staff and a 16-member board of directors. 

“I recognize this as an incredible opportunity to lead our team and to deliver fair and equitable housing to individuals and families of our great state,” said Shirley Anne Smith, President & CEO, BCM Georgia. “The time is now, and we are at a critical impasse in housing stability and housing security. We will work smart and with diligence to answer the call for our community.” 

Shirley Anne Smith is a proud Puerto Rico native. She is a sought-after public speaker and was recently named for the third time to the “50 Most Influential” Latinos in Georgia. She is the Chair of the GALEO Impact Fund and on advisory boards for the American Heart Association and public radio station, WABE. Recently, she was selected to attend the YWCA Women’s Policy Institute. A graduate of Georgia State and Nova Southeastern Universities, she holds a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) and undergraduate degrees in journalism and sociology. She’s a mother of three and the wife of a fire department inspector.