Marie M. Cole

Professional Experience:

Marie spent over 40 years in commercial real estate development as Vice President for several corporations based in Atlanta. She was involved in real estate development in 19+ states and was the managing broker in the State of Georgia. Marie was Vice President responsible for liquidating REO (real estate owned) property of a national bank based in the metro Atlanta area. Since her retirement, she has continued to consult regarding zoning, tax, HOA matters, and real estate sales.

Marie has been a lifelong resident of Atlanta except when she was in school at the University of Georgia or at Fort Benning, GA (when her husband was in the military). Currently she and her husband reside in Brookhaven, Georgia with their two rescued dogs which were both adopted from GRRA.

Dog Experience and Other Volunteer Experience:

Marie has been a member of GRRA since 2004. She joined the organization after rescuing her first Golden Retriever. She was elected to the Board as the Director of Volunteer Recruitment for two years. In addition, she has also been a member of the following teams: adoption consultant, marketing merchandise, Meet & Greet (formerly Adoption Day) events, fundraising events, foster, intake, ROMP, transportation, and home check. Along with a talented group of other volunteers, she produced the GRRA calendar for the years 2018 - 2020. Marie has served as President of GRRA for the years 2021 through 2025.

In addition to her involvement with GRRA, Marie has served on the food ministry board at her church, fed the homeless for 10 years in downtown Atlanta, volunteered for Totes 2 Tots program (benefitting foster children in GA) and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Toco Hills Community Food Alliance helping to provide food for the unhoused and families in need in addition to several other nonprofit organizations. Marie was asked to join SODA (Save Our DeKalb Animals) by Commissioner Michelle Long Spears in 2024.