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).
Josh Swope
Josh Swope is the newest member of Swope Development. Josh is a graduate of Furman University and obtained his real estate license from UGA in 2023. In his free time, he loves snow skiing, disc golf, and making homemade beef jerky.
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.
