Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Shean Atkins served as the Vice President of External & Governmental Affairs and Corporate Communications for Atlanta Housing (AH). In this role, he led the development of strategic plans and built innovative partnerships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including governmental agencies, educational institutions, and social services providers. His work focused on fostering economic and social self-reliance for AH-assisted families through employment, job training, and adult literacy programs. Shean also acted as a spokesperson for AH, crafting effective communications strategies that aligned with the agency’s mission and goals.

 

Prior to his tenure at AH, Shean Atkins was the Chief of Staff and Senior Legislative Advisor for the longest-serving member of the Atlanta City Council. He managed all operational aspects of the district office and its staff, further demonstrating his leadership and administrative skills. Before his role at the City Council, Shean worked as an Architectural Designer and later as the Director of Business Development for a local architectural firm.

 

Shean’s dedication to community engagement is evident in his extensive civic involvement. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., serving on the Leadership Circle and the Design Committee for the fraternity’s new national monument project, and served as the financial secretary of his local chapter. He is currently the chair of the East Point Planning and Zoning Commission, where he has served for 22 years, is an inaugural and current board member of Community ImPACT – the community development corporation for Impact Church, and is the former trustee vice chair for his church – Zion Hill Baptist Church. Additionally, he has served on the Alliance Theatre Advisory Board, is past chair of the Villages at Carver YMCA Board, and was a board member of the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (now WorkSource Atlanta).

 

Shean Atkins holds a professional degree in Architecture from Howard University’s School of Architecture and City Planning, where he received several leadership accolades and a scholarship from the American Institute of Architects. His interests include politics, history, traveling, and various forms of art and culture.