Don Childress co-founded Childress Klein with Fred Klein in 1988 and leads the firm from Atlanta. As Managing Partner, he provides executive leadership, with a focus on revenue growth, client relationships and new development opportunities.

Don joined Trammell Crow Company in 1971 after earning a B.S., cum laude, from Washington and Lee University and an MBA with special distinction from the University of Texas. He moved to Atlanta in 1976 as Regional Partner, overseeing commercial development across the Southeast, and was later named National Partner and a member of the Management Board.

Over more than five decades, Don has developed, leased and managed more than 35 million square feet of real estate. CK’s Atlanta portfolio is anchored by the Atlanta Galleria, the six-tower office park at I-75 and I-285, where the firm has also planned Galleria 800, its first Atlanta apartment community. When the recession slowed new office construction, Don helped lead CK in expanding its development portfolio to include climate-controlled self-storage and multifamily, both now core parts of the firm.

Don has served in leadership roles across Atlanta and beyond. He is Past Rector and an emeritus trustee of Washington and Lee University, has chaired the Midtown Atlanta Community Improvement District and served on the board of Midtown Alliance, and has served as a trustee of The Westminster Schools, The Lovett School, where he was Chair, and Trinity School.