Cousins Properties Announces Retirement of Jim Fleming

 ATLANTA--Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE: CUZ) announced today that James A. Fleming (top right photo), the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will retire on December 31, 2010.

Mr. Fleming has been with Cousins since 2001. Prior to becoming EVP and CFO in May 2004, he served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. He has agreed to serve as a consultant to the Company after January 1, 2011, to help facilitate a smooth transition to his successor.

Larry Gellerstedt, (lower left photo)  Cousins President and Chief Executive Officer, noted, “Jim will certainly be missed, but we respect his desire to retire at year end and pursue other opportunities.

" He has played a meaningful role in strengthening Cousins’ financial position, particularly in leading us through the past year’s capital markets transactions. We thank Jim for his contributions and leadership over the past decade and his willingness to stay on and effect the eventual transition.”

Mr. Fleming added, “I have had a terrific experience at Cousins, but after 10 years I’m looking forward to exploring some new opportunities. I’m confident that under Larry’s leadership, and with his talented team, the Company is well positioned for success in the years ahead.”

The Company will immediately begin a search for a successor CFO and has retained an executive search firm to assist in that effort.

Contact: Cameron Golden, 404-407-1984, CameronGolden@cousinsproperties.com, http://www.cousinsproperties.com/