OUR TEAM
PHIL ELLEN
President
Phil Ellen founded Georgia Communities, Inc. in 2015 with a vision for catalyzing targeted, place-based strategies for underserved communities in Georgia. Phil brings extensive experience in affordable housing finance and development, having directed the successful development and ownership of 35 affordable properties across the Southeast since 2002. Through Phil's leadership, more than 1,300 of critically needed workforce and senior homes have been delivered using a range of funding programs, including Housing Tax Credits, the Home Investment Partnership Program, Affordable Housing Program funds, and funding through the Federal Home Loan Bank.
JESS HOFER
Project Manager
Jessica Hofer joined Georgia Communities with extensive experience in project management, process improvement, and operational efficiency. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Jessica has led large-scale system implementations and business transformation initiatives for a leading digital healthcare company. Prior to that, she managed multiple project teams and process improvement efforts with one of the nation’s largest management consulting firms.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with a Minor in Business Administration from Clemson University.
JOE COLLUMS
Executive Director
Joe Collums has helped structure and deliver 15 affordable senior and workforce housing communities in collaboration with local governments and community partners. Joe's experience spans affordable housing policy, development finance, project underwriting, and strategic advisory services, giving clients a unique perspective on navigating public funding programs and structuring successful development partnerships.
Prior to joining Georgia Communities, Joe served as Senior Policy Analyst at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, where he administered Georgia's Housing Tax Credit Program and underwrote multifamily affordable housing developments. He later joined Brailsford & Dunlavey, where he advised colleges and universities on complex public-private partnership (P3) transactions, helping execute more than $500 million in campus capital improvement projects.
