Atlanta Housing Authority’s chief of governmental affairs retires

After a decade with the Atlanta Housing Authority, Barney Simms announced his immediate retirement. Simms, the agency’s chief of governmental and external affairs, submitted a letter citing health challenges and a desire to attend to his health and well-being.

Simms joined the AHA in August 2002 after years as an Atlanta community and civic leader. Simms currently serves as chairman of several organizations, including the Fulton County DFCS Advisory Board and the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA. He was the longtime leader of Atlanta's License Review Board, which handles alcohol licensing in the city.

“Barney was an impact player,” said AHA chief executive Renee Glover. “He will be deeply missed by his colleagues.”