Knowles named Executive Director of Development Authority

The Development Authority of Heard County has named Kathy Knowles as Executive Director effective October 1.

For the past ten years Knowles has served as Executive Director of Heard County Community Partnership, a Family Connections affiliate which works to provide resources to the community and promote the health and welfare of families.  Knowles served a dual role as President of the Chamber of Commerce for the past seven years.

Knowles will leave these positions in order to begin working full time with the Development Authority.

“Kathy was already doing so many things in conjunction with the Chamber and area businesses to promote the county.  She has attended training through Georgia Tech to acquire the skills necessary for the role and with her many and varied contacts, both locally and at the state level, the Board felt she was the logical fit for the job,” Terry Harper, Board Chair said.

Ongoing community projects will include the pursuit of industries to occupy the new industrial park just completed on Georgia Hwy. 34.  A solar farm to provide electricity to local businesses is currently under construction in the same area.  The Development Authority has been awarded a federal grant to provide high-speed, broadband internet all over the county.

Knowles, commenting on the new role said, “The availability of broadband internet within the next year combined with tax incentives will help make Heard County more attractive to industries and to retail.  I look forward to assisting the Development Authority board with their goals of growing our industries, improving our workforce, and promoting our county.  I’m grateful for the years I’ve spent with the Chamber and HCCP and look forward to including their new staff in a team to accomplish growth.