The Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development announces recent participants from the
April 9, 2024 The Essentials program held in Athens. Participants were community and economic
development professionals, elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators, and engaged
citizens from across Georgia. The Essentials provided attendees an opportunity to gain a unique
understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional, and
state levels.
Created in 1993, the Academy assembles a cross-section of experts, research-based curriculum and
resources necessary for building a vibrant economy. The Board of Directors of the Academy represent
public and private economic development organizations and agencies across Georgia. Georgia EMC
and Georgia Power provide facilitators for the program on behalf of their members and stakeholders.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs provides staff and resources to execute the program
statewide. Since its inception, the Academy has provided training for thousands of Georgians.
For more information on the Georgia Academy for Economic Development: The Essentials visit
www.GeorgiaAcademy.org
April 9, 2024 Georgia Academy for Economic Development: The Essentials participants included:
John Daniell, Oconee
Mark Beatty, Athens-Clarke
Hannah Smith, Walton
Tyler Gregory, Walton
Lee Smith, Cherokee
Lee Rollins
Dr. Tonja C. Tift, Tift
Jill McIntyre, Tift
Shaundra Clark, Tift
Toni Reid, Tift
Chris Bailey, Walton
Jessica Rantamaki, Gwinnett
Debbie Martin, Jackson
Jennifer Kidd-Harrison, Jackson
Fletcher Hodges, Franklin
Patrick Rivers
Juli Hayes, Hall
Trevor Thornton, Fulton
Amber Gaddis, Forsyth
LaTonia Ross, Clayton
Jody Graichen, Athens-Clarke
Tyler Snead, Richmond
Scott Penn, Barrow
Tim Terilli, Barrow
Renee Carden, Hall
Maggie Smith, Rabun
Amanda Brown, Hart
Caitlin Dye, Hart
Naylah Daniels, DeKalb
Gary Daughters, Fulton
Carmen Henderson, Tift
Jessica Gourley, Turner
