Manager Blaine Williams has appointed Michelle Nguyen as the Director for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government's Economic Development Department. Nguyen, who has served as Interim Director since September 1, begins in her new position immediately.

"Michelle's great enthusiasm and experience in working with state and local entrepreneurs, along with technology and innovation companies, will serve our community well," said Williams. "With her guidance, I have no doubt that the Economic Development Department will support bold efforts and ideas with the goal of keeping Athens-Clarke County a sought-after place to create and grow businesses."  

Nguyen served as a human resources professional in the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGOV) Human Resources Department prior to joining the ACCGOV Economic Development Department staff in July 2017. 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.

"It’s an exciting time to be in Athens-Clarke County with so much potential for new development, re-development, and job expansion," says Nguyen. "I am grateful to be a part of an experienced team of professionals at the Economic Development Department and I am looking forward to partnering with the business community to bring broad-based opportunity and growth to Athens.”

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.