Georgia Academy for Economic Development

"These courses mesh Community Development, Economic Development and Leadership Development. I have professionally grown throughout the process and made many connections I would not have traditionally made. The Housing 101 course was particularly intriguing as it is not an issue I face everyday in my job but it effects every aspect of my position."

Abigail Strickland
Main Street Manager, City of Newnan (Government)

"I've spent my entire career helping place private investments in communities — working with developers, companies, and communities to find solutions that deliver results.

Georgia Academy was a crucial part of my own training in economic development. It gave me the knowledge and resources I needed to do this work well, and now I'm excited to be part of the team carrying that legacy forward. I look forward to meeting participants, sharing real experiences, and helping them reach their goals.

To anyone on the fence: Georgia Academy is one of the best programs available to our state's economic development partners. It delivers high-quality, specific training for those who take advantage of it."

Andy Camp
Regional Economic Development Manager, West Region
Georgia Power | | Economic Development

"Before joining Georgia Power, I spent 23 years leading local economic development organizations in West Georgia. That experience allows me to facilitate sessions using real-world examples from a local leader's perspective, informed by firsthand experience working through the opportunities and challenges communities encounter as they plan for growth.

I enjoy working with passionate people who care deeply about improving their communities, and that describes Georgia Academy participants well. I look forward to hearing their stories, sharing practical experiences, and helping them take steps toward the goals that matter most to them. Being part of that process is incredibly rewarding."

Eric McDonald
West Region Economic Development Manager | Georgia Power

Eric's first session as a facilitator will be The Essentials in Acworth on December 8, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Register at georgiaacademy.org/sessions.

"Thanks to this program, I have much more clear understanding of how my municipality can better utilize the state to help bring development to our area. I have a much firmer grasp of regionalism and have developed a clear picture of how I can better involve my neighbors in planning."

Caitlin King, MPA
City of Atlanta Government

Stephens County Development Authority Board Chairman Brian Akin and Administrative Assistant Sadie Hawkins recently attended our Essentials course. Hawkins said the course was a great opportunity to learn skills to better serve the community!

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Members of SCDA attend Georgia Academy for Economic Development Course - WNEG This week, Stephens County Development Authority (SCDA) Board Chairman Brian Akin and Administrative Assistant Sadie Hawkins attended the Georgia Academy for Economic Development’s “The Essentials” course. Hawkins said the course was a great opportunity to learn skills to better serve the comm...

"Grateful to have graduated from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. This experience deepened my understanding of community growth, collaboration, and sustainable development.

Thank you to all the leaders and peers who made this journey so meaningful. Looking forward to applying these insights to serve our community even better!"

Sugar Yadav, MBA
RE/MAX First Coast

Shout out to our friends in Jefferson who attended "The Essentials" session last month! This course is the perfect place to start... learn more and register for an Essentials class this Fall at georgiaacademy.org.

One Day. Lasting Impact. The Essentials Comes to Cartersville This April!

Register today for the Georgia Academy for Economic Development’s newest course, “The Essentials.” During the full-day interactive course, participants will enhance their collaborative leadership skills while learning what essential elements must be invested in for a community to experience a vibrant economy and manageable growth.

This course is suited to elected officials, local decision-makers, and any individual who wants to see their community thrive. Cost per one-day session is $195 and includes access to course materials and online resources, Academy branded SWAG, meals and a certificate of completion. Space is limited. Register today!

Facilitators: Tamara Brock and Jennifer Rogers

Celebrating new graduates! Congratulations to these 𝐓𝐄𝐍 leaders who fully completed the Georgia Academy for Economic Development program earlier this month in West Point:

Faith Akuta
Amy Garner
Trone Jefferson
Ilona Nagy
Michelle Phillips
Pam Powers-Smith
Mark Pullium
Chelsea Sherron
Jayme Smith
Jeremy Wilburn
Mark Vaughn

Thanks for participating! Our "Leveraging Incentives for Economic Impact" advanced topic session in West Point last month brought together community leaders from across the state to learn about industrial recruitment and the incentive process.

Want to join us for the next one? We'll be offering this session again on August 19, 2026 in Warner Robins. Space is limited!