Mike Pennington is the Executive Director of the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA). GEDA’s Mission is “to provide and promote networking and professional development opportunities and to shape economic development public policy.” His daily role is to manage the operations, programs and activities of the 900-member organization.

Mike comes to GEDA from the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce where he served as the Director of Economic Development. Prior to joining the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Mike was a project manager with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism and with Georgia EMC, both in Atlanta. There, he assisted clients with site location decisions, developed leads for statewide economic development organizations and marketed the benefits of Georgia. He also initiated out-of-state marketing trips to call on previously identified prospects.

Mike is a member of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the Georgia Society of Association Executives(GSAE). He serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development (GAED), GSAE and the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) and is an advisor to the Board of Directors of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Mike graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute in 2002 and has since also completed the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and Leadership Rome programs.  Mike received his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) status in January 2009 and was named one of Georgia Trend Magazine's "40 Under 40" for 2009.

Mike, his wife Leigh, and their children Nate and Elizabeth, currently live in Marietta, GA.

GEDA is pleased to announce the hiring of Candice Crossfield as the new Manager, Member Services!  Candice is currently with Electric Cities of Georgia and has been instrumental in event coordination and member services while at ECG.  Prior to ECG, Candice worked in hospitality sales for the Ritz-Carlton, Monte Carlo Productions and Disney Regional Entertainment.  We know that Candice has a great deal of energy, professionalism and industry knowledge and will be a great addition to the GEDA Team.