By the numbers, Denis Blackburne has been instrumental in developing 40 affordable housing developments, providing approximately 2,600 homes in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
But, the senior vice president of development at the Woda Cooper Cos., has also made a big difference outside the numbers. Blackburne has been a strong team builder and patient mentor, guiding many young developers through the complexities of affordable housing.
“Everywhere we go, Denis seemed to know someone, and he has never missed an opportunity to introduce me,” says Nicholas Pack, development specialist at Woda Cooper Cos. “He consistently leads with humility, choosing to uplift and spotlight others, especially newer team members, even in moments when the recognition could rightfully be his.”
When Pack was awarded one of his first low-income housing tax credit projects, Blackburne heavily credited the young developer.
“But the truth is, he walked with me through every step of the process, providing steady guidance and support during some of the most challenging moments,” Pack says. “His mentorship made all the difference.”
Not only does Blackburne take time to answer questions, he has invited younger team members to city or planning council meetings where one of his project’s will face scrutiny. “Lead by example,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to explain to the public that the negative perception they may have about affordable housing is not what we do. … This is housing for the junior nurse or the technician at the hospital. Take the negativism people came in with and make it into something they have to agree with.”
Blackburne has also been a leader in creating and championing sustainable communities. The Southface Institute, a nonprofit focused on sustainability and building science, recognized him with its Volunteer of the Year award.
Forming Bonds
For his many efforts, Blackburne has been named the inaugural recipient of the Nathan D. Taft Award for Leadership & Character in Affordable Housing.
The award was established by the Jonathan Rose Cos. and Scott Alter, co-founder of Standard Communities, along with Affordable Housing Finance. Taft, a longtime partner and chief investment officer at Jonathan Rose Cos., died in February. He was a force in the industry, acting as a mentor to countless young people entering the field and serving on numerous industry boards.
Blackburne, who joined Woda Cooper in 2010, exemplifies many of the same qualities that defined Taft’s legacy. “Perhaps one of Denis' greatest talents is that he is a master at collaboration,” says company founder and CEO Jeff Woda, citing Blackburne’s work on a number of projects with multiple stakeholders in Atlanta and beyond.
The company, with partner Parallel Housing, will soon open Prior Farms in Madison, Georgia, a charming town about an hour outside Atlanta. The new community marks Woda Cooper’s fourth development in a place where some residents were once resistant to affordable housing. Thanks in large part to Blackburne’s efforts and the relationships he’s built, the company has successfully developed affordable multifamily housing for both seniors and families—and now, Prior Farms will add 40 affordable single-family rental homes to the mix.
"The city of Madison has been fortunate to work with Denis,” says Monica H. Callahan, the city’s planning and development director. “Professionally, he is forthright, positive, and pragmatic. He listens like a local and plans like a pro, helping us strike that rare balance between community fit and developer vision. Integrity and good humor? He brings both to the table."
Blackburne has served on the boards of his area United Way and American Red Cross.
When he’s not working, he likes to travel. Blackburne grew up in Geneva, Switzerland, and has lived on three continents. He and his wife have two sons and two grandchildren.
“I am very grateful and excited to see others doing well by taking lessons from my own experience, both successes and disappointments,” he says. “It motivates me to know that some of my younger colleagues have learned from my experience. In fact, I now get as much satisfaction mentoring my colleagues than achieving such results alone.”