Wednesday, September 3, 2003

Cardoza named new development director

The Fayette County Development Authority Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Cardoza as its new president/CEO.

Cardoza has served as a senior project manager for the economic development department of Georgia Electric Membership Corporation for the last six years. He is married to Aimee Cardoza, who serves as outreach manager for the Advanced Technology Development Center at Georgia Tech.

Cardoza graduated from Georgia Tech with an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and completed his MBA from Georgia State in 2001. He is currently the Chair of the Existing Industry Committee for the Georgia Economic Developers Association and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute.

"We are pleased to be able to bring Brian on board to insure a smooth transition," said Chairman Randy Hayes. "Brian brings a unique perspective to our organization, having worked hundreds of prospects and having traveled to and worked with dozens of different authorities. His contacts with other project managers and his network of consultants and economic development leaders is exceptional."

"I am extremely excited to be joining the Development Authority," said Cardoza. "Fayette County is a leader in Georgia in its economic development efforts and I very much look forward to this new challenge."

Mr. Cardoza's first day was Tuesday, Sept. 2. This will allow for a three-week transition period with the former President/CEO Chris Clark, who recently resigned.

Clark's last day will be Tuesday, Sept. 23.

"Over his three and a half years with the Development Authority Chris led the organization through a long term strategic planning process, established an award-winning Web site, founded the Youth Leadership program, reorganized the existing industry program to include industry clusters and helped the authority to become the first and only internationally accredited development authority in Georgia," said Hayes.

"During his tenure with the authority we have announced over 30 project relocations and expansions, including the Department of Defense, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, ESL Defence's U.S. Headquarters, Hipage, and GDB Services. Over the last three years the authority has announced the creation of over 630 new jobs, $51 million in direct corporate investment and $120 million in economic impact in Fayette County."

"I'm extremely pleased with the number of the jobs we've helped to create, the growing focus on small business and existing industry but most proud of our cooperative efforts to establish the University Center," said Clark. "I firmly believe that all of these efforts, in conjunction with the work of the Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority of Peachtree City, have greatly improved the local business climate.

"Tiffany and I have been blessed by the many friendships we've established in Fayette County and I've been very lucky to work for and with such a dedicated group of individuals on our Board of Directors, at Pathways at the County Commission, the Chamber and throughout the business community. We will keep our home here and plan to continue to be involved in the community."

Clark also serves as Chairman of Metro South, a six-county economic development and chamber of commerce cooperative and is the vice chair of the Tri-County Joint Development Authority, which includes Coweta, Meriwether and Fayette Counties. He will resign from both organizations.

Clark is 33 years old and a native of Fitzgerald. He was previously the President/CEO of the Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and Development Association. He is one of 48 certified economic developers in Georgia and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Economic Developers Association.

On Oct. 14, Mr. Clark will assume a leadership role at the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism as deputy commissioner with responsibilities for public policy, research, existing industry advocacy, entrepreneurial and small business support coordination.

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