The Georgia Department of Economic Development has selected Daniel Dobbins, a graduate of the University of Georgia, as the Regional Project Manager – Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment for Region 5. The Chason Group led the executive search for the GDEcD.

Dobbins most recently served as Economic Development Director for the City of Hawkinsville, Georgia. He has also worked in the role of Government Services Specialist for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission.

“Daniel brings with him the skill sets we are looking for in terms of working with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, local governments and most importantly, existing businesses in the 12-county region,” according to Tom Croteau, Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce. “He will strengthen the foundation that has been established since regional project managers were placed around the state in the 1990s.”

Dobbins graduated from UGA in 2015 with a Master of Public Administration degree. He also holds a dual focus BA degree in History and Anthropology. Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Dobbins has grown to understand the importance of workforce development in communities and the impact effective programs have on existing businesses. The State of Georgia offers many business incentives for growing companies.

“I look forward to learning the region over the next several months,” says Dobbins. “Working with existing businesses and developing new partnerships is exciting. I am ready for the opportunity.”

The Region 5 district includes Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton counties. Education, health care, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture are all strong economic contributors to the region. Athens-Clarke County (consolidated government) has the largest population base at 124,707 followed by Newton County with 106,999 citizens based on 2016 US Census estimates.