Tom Bell, Former CEO and Chairman of Cousins Properties, Joins Goddard Investment Group

Bell to Serve as Vice Chairman, Partner

ATLANTA (December 18, 2009) – Goddard Investment Group, LLC, has named Tom Bell  (top left photo) vice chairman and partner, to be effective Jan. 1, 2010. Bell previously served as CEO and chairman of Cousins Properties.

“Bringing someone of Tom’s stature, expertise and accomplishments to Goddard Investment Group is an enormous benefit to our company,” said Bob Goddard, (middle right photo) chairman and CEO of Goddard Investment Group. “I have had a long-standing friendship with Tom and have the highest respect for him as a business leader.”

Bell brings extensive knowledge of real estate and the capital markets to Goddard Investment Group. He will help foster and expand institutional and market relationships.

In June 2009, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's board of directors elected Bell as its vice chairman. He will advance to the role of chairman in May 2010. The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 300,000 businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

Bell was named vice chairman of the Cousins Properties (NYSE:CUZ) board of directors and chairman of the executive committee in 2001 and was subsequently elected president and CEO by the board of directors in 2002. Bell assumed the role of chairman of the board upon the retirement of chairman and founder Tom Cousins in 2006. He served with Cousins until 2009.

“Goddard Investment Group represents one of the premier real estate firms in the country, and I have observed a lot of them over the years,” Bell said. “I want to put my experience at Cousins to good use, and I can’t think of a better partner than Goddard. I am joining a first-class team and look forward to contributing.”

Contact: Glen Jackson, Jackson Spalding, (404) 724-2505; gjackson@jacksonspalding.com