The Manager's Office of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government announces several changes to the staff of the Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department

Director Ryan Moore has announced his resignation effective September 1, 2018 from his current position to become the president of the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority.

Manager Blaine Williams has appointed Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialist Michelle Nguyen as Interim Director until a new director is hired. A national search will be conducted for a permanent director.

"As the first permanent director of our Economic Development Department, Ryan has done an exceptional job over the last five years of establishing new programs and continuing to engage with existing and new businesses," said Williams. "Michelle's experience in the office over the last year in working with the state and local entrepreneurs and tech sector companies will allow the department to continue to serve the community well in its economic development efforts during this transition."  

Prior to joining the Economic Development Department staff in July 2017, Nguyen served as a human resources professional in the Human Resources Department of ACCGOV. She previously gained experience in managing the co-production of public and nonprofit services as a community liaison and special events coordinator with the City of Salisbury, NC, while also serving as a human relations specialist.

She graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the Terry Sanford School of Public Policy and received her Master’s degree in Public Administration from The University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs.

The Economic Development Department also recently hired Robin D. Bloss as the new Development Coordinator.

In this role, Bloss will serve as a liaison for new business and development and support existing businesses as they grow and expand in Athens. She will also provide guidance and direction for companies, business owners, and entrepreneurs as they navigate through ACCGOV planning and permitting processes to reach their development goals.

Bloss previously worked for the City of Havelock, NC for 13 years, where she gained invaluable experience in local government in her multi-faceted role as their Senior Planner, Zoning Administrator & Flood Plain Manager. In addition, Robin has more than 20 years of additional experience in real estate, sales and marketing, construction, and business start-ups. Her extensive knowledge of the permitting processes required at both the local and state level and personal experience as an entrepreneur will serve the Athens-Clarke County community well.

A native of North Carolina, Robin D. Bloss graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

"The Economic Development Department is very excited to welcome Robin Bloss to our team," says Moore. "Robin brings a wealth of knowledge from her planning background and will be an asset to the local government. We look forward to the impact she will have on our business community."

The Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department was established as a department of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government by ordinance of the Mayor and Commission on February 5, 2013. The purpose is to be the primary point of contact for industries, large commercial developments, site location consultants, and state economic development organizations interested in developing, expanding, or locating new or expanded businesses in Athens-Clarke County.