ATLANTA, GA | November 10, 2026 -

Nationally recognized Research and Marketing teams enter next chapter under longtime leaders

Lee & Associates - Atlanta announced the promotions of Kate Hunt to Vice President of Research and Julia Whitlark to Vice President of Marketing. The appointments follow Dan Wagner’s move to President & CEO and recognize the leadership Hunt and Whitlark have shown as department directors.

The promotions also carry forward a vision Dave Howard set in motion when he became President in 2020: making Research and Marketing essential parts of the firm’s platform. Howard invested in both departments and gave Hunt and Whitlark the opportunity to turn that vision into reality. Under their leadership, each team has earned companywide recognition among more than 85 Lee & Associates offices. Wagner succeeded Howard as President & CEO after serving as Chief Data Officer since 2022 and will continue that investment as the firm enters its next chapter.

For Research, Hunt’s promotion is a natural next step. She joined the firm as an analyst in 2014 and has served as Research Director, turning complex market data into clear insights for brokers, clients and leadership. She leads research in Atlanta and supports Lee offices nationwide with quarterly reports, market commentary and internal training tools. She also serves on the Lee National Research Advisory Board.

“Kate has spent years building the kind of research platform that helps our brokers and clients make better decisions,” said Wagner. “She understands the data, the markets and how to translate both into useful guidance. Her leadership has been a big part of the department’s success, and promoting her to Vice President is the obvious next step.

Since joining Lee & Associates - Atlanta as a Marketing Specialist in January 2022, Whitlark has advanced to Marketing Director and leads the office’s marketing strategy and execution. She partners with brokers to develop tailored materials and plans that support their businesses, drawing on prior project and brand coordination experience at an advertising agency serving a prominent national outlet mall brand. She also serves on the Lee National Marketing Advisory Board.

“Julia brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to every project and has helped our marketing team deliver work that stands out across the Lee network,” said Nadia Wagner, Chief Operating Officer. “She understands our brokers’ needs, elevates how we present properties and consistently finds ways to strengthen our marketing efforts. This promotion recognizes the leadership she has already demonstrated and the impact she will continue to make.”

Both promotions reflect the depth of talent within Lee & Associates - Atlanta and the strength of the support teams that help its brokers serve clients. As Vice Presidents, Hunt and Whitlark will continue advancing nationally recognized departments and contributing to the firm’s next phase of growth.