We’re Driven. Period.
Richard Swope began developing commercial real estate in 1985. Richard joined forces with Abernathy Timberlake Investment Group in 2003 to develop a shopping center in Oxford, Alabama.
Abernathy and Timberlake Investment Group became ATIG Partners in 2014 to better represent the growth of the company and its active partners. Over 32 years of combined real estate experience shapes the firm’s comprehensive understanding of all facets of the industry as well as every major market in the Southeast.
As a group, we consistently leverage our communal expertise to deliver the best real estate experience, no matter the discipline. But it’s also the strength of our individual entrepreneurial spirits that inspire us to seek unique opportunities and creative deals.
Meet our team of industry entrepreneurs.
Richard Swope
Richard Swope is the managing partner of Swope Development. His 32 years of experience in commercial real estate development is highlighted by a strong work ethic and a long history of development management, investment analysis, lender interfacing, anchor tenant negotiations. Highlights of Richard’s Swope Development leadership include the conception and development of Oxford Exchange in Oxford, AL; managing the redevelopment of Westgate Village in Spartanburg, SC; and co-managing the redevelopment of National Hills in Augusta, GA. Prior to becoming partner at Swope Development, Richard was most recently a broker with Advantage Real Estate Services, Inc. and a retail development coordinator with SECO Development, Inc.
Richard studied real estate finance at Georgia State University and real estate law at Kennesaw State University. Richard is a licensed broker and registered appraiser with the State of Georgia and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Richard co-founded Blessings Foundation, Inc., a Georgia nonprofit organization, assisting victims of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD).
Becky Kicklighter
An experienced CPA, Becky Kicklighter is the controller at Swope Development overseeing all aspects of accounting for the firm. Becky earned two bachelor’s degrees from Southern Illinois University, one in accounting and one in management.
Gale Pride
Gale Pride serves as assistant property manager and bookkeeper at Swope Development. She is responsible for supporting the property manager’s managerial and financial responsibilities of multiple retail properties. Gale’s 20 years of property management and property accounting experience qualifies her to offer incomparable customer service to both Swope Development’s management customers as well as tenants.
Prior to joining Swope Development in 2007, Gale worked for Cushman & Wakefield and Carter as an Assistant Property Manager. She earned her associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1986. Gale is an active volunteer with several charitable organizations.
