It was a year ago that Alan Durham joined the Fayette County Development Authority as CEO. Durham along with Business Retention and Expansion Manager Emily Poole are both leaving this month and FCDA is looking for someone to serve as interm head of the organization.
FCDA Chairman Darryl Hicks on Sept. 3 said Durham decided not to renew his contract that expires at the end of September.
“We were evaluating him but we didn’t get a chance,” Hicks said. “He decided not to renew. We wanted him to be happy.”
Hicks said one of Durham’s strengths was his technical proficiency.
“As CEO, we were still working with him to continue to gain additional knowledge of the community,” said Hicks.
Hicks said the FCDA is having conversations with a number of people about filling Durham’s position on an interim basis.
“There are capable people out there to fill the position in the interim or permanently,” Hicks said. The positions vacated by Durham and Poole will be filled once the interim CEO position is filled, Hicks added.
Hicks said FCDA’s Business Retention and Expansion Manager Poole “has been invaluable and a tremendous help to the authority and we wish her well. She is passionate about her work.”
Poole has worked in that position since 2012. Her next stop will be Clayton State University.
“Because of an incredible opportunity that came my way, my last day with the Development Authority will be Sept. 10. I will start with Clayton State University on Sept. 14 as the new director of Corporate and Foundation Partnerships,” said Poole. “Essentially, I’ll be working with companies to develop partnerships in a variety of capacities for Clayton State.”
A Fayette County resident, Poole spoke about the community and her hope to positively impact Clayton State.
“I have been so honored to serve the community that I love so much Fayette County is my home, and it has meant so much to me to hold the position that I’ve had for the past few years,” Poole said. “Moving forward, I am so excited at this new opportunity to work with the university that has already given me so much. CSU is a wonderful institution, and I look forward to the chance at having some type of impact on the school, while growing my skill set in an entirely new capacity.”
Hicks said Poole’s position, though an FCDA employee, is largely funded by Peachtree City.
“Her position will be hired by FCDA, and it’s important to have input from Peachtree City,” Hicks said.
Durham began his time with FCDA last Oct. 1 after the departure of former CEO Matt Forshee for a job with Georgia Power Co. in Augusta.
