Tom Cousins was, at his core, an old-fashioned gentleman. He was kind, humble, and guided by deep faith. For 69 years, his greatest partner was his wife, Anne. Together, they built a family and a legacy grounded in love, responsibility, and service.
As founder of the Cousins Foundations, Tom believed that real opportunity should not depend on ZIP code. He dedicated his life to strengthening Atlanta through long-term partnership and sustained investment in community.
A Vision Beyond Real Estate
Tom founded Cousins Properties in 1958. His early work in homebuilding reflected an entrepreneurial spirit, but his vision soon expanded. He believed cities could be strengthened when leaders took responsibility for the well-being of their neighborhoods.
In the early 1990s, inspired by his hero Bobby Jones, Tom restored East Lake Golf Club under a simple but powerful principle: golf with a purpose.
For Tom, that purpose extended far beyond the game. He believed every child and family deserved access to high-quality housing, strong schools, wellness resources, and economic opportunity.
The East Lake Transformation
From that belief, the East Lake Foundation was established in partnership with residents, civic leaders, public agencies, and private investors. Together, they implemented a comprehensive approach rooted in mixed-income housing, cradle-to-college education, community wellness, and economic opportunity.
The Villages of East Lake became a thriving mixed-income community. Schools achieved excellence. Early learning centers, financial services, and neighborhood institutions strengthened family stability. What was once marked by disinvestment became a place of pride and possibility.
East Lake demonstrated that sustainable change requires more than funding. It requires partnership, commitment, and trust built over time.
Watch the East Lake Foundation’s tribute to Tom Cousins.
A Model That Inspired Others
In 2009, Tom co-founded Purpose Built Communities to replicate the East Lake model across the country. Today, communities nationwide draw on those lessons to create pathways to prosperity for families and children.
Tom’s ideas were often bold. Many believed they were impossible. East Lake became enduring proof that they were not.
Continuing the Work
As we remember Tom’s life and extraordinary contributions to Atlanta, we also look ahead. In recent years, the Cousins Foundations have welcomed new board members and strengthened leadership to carry this work forward. Today, second- and third-generation family members serve alongside dedicated staff and trustees, ensuring that Tom’s values of faith, humility, partnership, and long-term commitment remain at the center of our mission.
Ann Woodward, Vice President of Programs and a third-generation member of the Cousins family, plays an active role in guiding grant strategy and community partnerships. She works alongside Tiffany Padolsky, Office and Grants Manager, and a committed board and leadership team who continue to steward the Foundations’ resources thoughtfully and responsibly.
While we honor Tom’s passing, we are equally committed to advancing the work he began. His legacy is not only remembered — it is actively lived through the continued leadership of the Cousins family and the broader Foundations community.
A Legacy That Endures
Tom Cousins’ legacy is measured not only in institutions built, but in lives strengthened and neighborhoods transformed. His work reflected the principles that continue to guide the Cousins Foundations: faith, humility, partnership, and long-term commitment to community.
His vision continues to shape our work. And with the leadership of the next generation and our committed partners, we remain focused on expanding opportunity and strengthening communities for years to come.