Get Involved

Much of the work of GEDA is accomplished by the Committees and Shared Interest groups (SIGs). There are currently 10 standing committees and 7 (SIGs) within GEDA. Each year at the GEDA Planning Retreat, the incoming Chairs of these Committees meet with the GEDA elected leadership to form an Action Plan for the year.

Join a Committee Today!

This is the best and easiest way to get involved with GEDA! If there is an area of interest (or two) below, login to your Member Compass and click Profile to join any of the below groups. Please note you must have a current GEDA membership to access this area.

Many of GEDA's Officers and Directors will tell you that they first started serving GEDA through Committee work. What you will find is, when you give to an Association, you get more back in return.

Contact our Committee Chairs

Committee

Chair
Business Recruitment Ashley Varnum, Georgia Power
Development Authority Executives Stephen Adams, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority
Existing Industry/Workforce Heath Tippens, Cherokee Office of Economic Development
Membership Engagement Eric McDonald, Haralson County Chamber of Commerce
Nominating Chris Pumphrey, Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership
Professional Development Jason Dunn, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Development Authority
Public Policy Wylly Harrison, CIty of Chamblee
Special Services Awards Tonya Powers, Franklin County Industrial Building Authority 

Sponsorship

 Cecilia Arango, Thomas & Hutton

Shared Interest Groups 

What is a SIG?

One of GEDA's strengths is facilitating peer-to-peer information exchange. Shared Interest Groups provide members with another layer of professional development and foster better relationships and information exchanges more easily. They are optional, and vary widely depending on the individual preferences of the group.

There is no cost to join a SIG, but participants must be GEDA members. SIGs follow the same program year as the organization, but participants can join in or drop out at any point.

How do SIGs work?
  • SIGs have the autonomy to meet as they choose.
  • Most SIGs will meet face-to-face several times a year at a time and location that meets the needs of its members.
  • There will be no charge for these meetings.
  • SIGs may also have reserved tables at GEDA luncheons.
  • If SIG members find it convenient, SIGs may also conduct their meetings prior to or after GEDA luncheons, or online.

The most successful SIGs usually have a topic announced ahead of time, though not a formal program. These are not symposia with speakers. They are opportunities for people with similar interests to come together to share experiences and resources and ask questions.

Contact our SIG Chairs

SIG

Chair
Education Pathways & Partnerships TBD
Land Development & Natural Resources Tim Bono, Georgia EMC
Marketing & Communications Stephanie Dammen-Morrell, Hussey Gay Bell
Public Private Partnership/Redevelopment Randall Toussaint, City of Johns Creek
Research Len Berg, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Rural Development Strategies Rachel Barnwell, Screven County Development Authority
Young Professionals Dylan Horne, Metro Atlanta Chamber

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE WITH YOUR COMMITTEE & SIG INTERESTS

Once you are logged in, click Profile, then scroll down to the Committee & Shared Interest Groups section.