People on the Move: Leonard L. Adams, Jr. Leads QuestCDC into a New Era of Community Transformation

People on the Move | Nonprofit Leadership

Leonard L. Adams, Jr. — Founder & CEO, QuestCDC

Published: October 16, 2025 By The Atlanta Business Chronicle

For nearly 25 years, Leonard L. Adams, Jr. has been at the forefront of community transformation in Atlanta’s historic Westside. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quest Community Development Corporation (QuestCDC), Adams has dedicated his career to building pathways of stability and opportunity through affordable housing and comprehensive support services.

Since its founding in 2001, QuestCDC has evolved from a small grassroots organization into one of Atlanta’s most impactful community development corporations. Under Adams’ visionary leadership, QuestCDC has developed and preserved hundreds of affordable and supportive housing units while providing integrated services that empower residents to achieve long-term independence.

Adams’ approach—what he calls the “housing plus services” model—is rooted in the belief that housing alone is not enough. QuestCDC’s programs combine permanent supportive housing with wraparound services, including case management, behavioral health, life skills training, and workforce development. This holistic model has proven to be a cornerstone in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity, particularly for individuals overcoming behavioral health challenges, substance abuse recovery, or physical disabilities.

A defining achievement of his leadership is the Westside Housing Trifecta, a collection of three signature developments totaling 243 units of affordable and supportive housing. These communities—each designed to promote inclusivity, dignity, and community pride—reflect Adams’ deep commitment to equitable neighborhood revitalization. Through these developments, QuestCDC has helped restore stability to the lives of residents while contributing to the broader revitalization of Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods, including Vine City, English Avenue, Grove Park, and West Lake.

Beyond bricks and mortar, Adams has positioned QuestCDC as a convener and catalyst for systemic change. The organization’s partnerships span public, private, and philanthropic sectors—including collaborations with Invest Atlanta, Enterprise Community Partners, Capital Impact Partners, Atlanta Housing, and the Westside Future Fund—all focused on creating sustainable solutions for affordable housing and community well-being.

With over two decades of experience, Adams’ influence extends far beyond the housing sector. A proud alumnus and previous President of Knoxville College (HBCU), he continues to champion education and leadership development for future generations. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to equity, empowerment, and the belief that housing is a platform for hope and human potential.

“Our work is about more than housing,” says Adams. “It’s about restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and reimagining what’s possible for every resident who calls the Westside home.”

As QuestCDC approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, Adams remains steadfast in his mission: to move communities—and people—#QuestForward toward stability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency.