What began with Joan Young (photo above) filling an interim position as president of the Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) in 2015 has now transitioned into a permanent position.

The FCDA board on June 28 voted to hire Young as president and CEO.

“The board is delighted to make this official,” said FCDA Chairman Darryl Hicks, noting the authority’s progress over the past two years under Young’s leadship. “We’ve experienced continued progress over the past two years. We’ve made communications and outreach a priority both within this community and to the development community. We have created new opportunities and initiatives that will set the stage for the future. It’s now time to move forward and implement those strategies.”

Responding to the announcement, Young noted her impression of Fayette County.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve FCDA as president/CEO, and my husband Steve and I look forward to being a part of this community,” Young said. “I’ve worked with many communities over my career in economic development but would have to list Fayette at the very top. There is a passion exhibited by the residents of Fayette that underscores just how special the community is and the dedication to preserving its unique quality of life is unparalleled. I intend to focus my energies on identifying, recruiting and expanding those quality companies that represent the best business fit for Fayette.”

During Young’s tenure as interim president, FCDA implemented a series of community economic development training programs for local community leaders, said Hicks.

Young brought statewide economic developers to Fayette through its annual Developers Day program, worked with cities and the county to implement an incentive tax plan for targeted business and industries and worked with cities, the county and local developers to identify future business development sites, said Hicks.

The results have been seen at every level, Hicks explained.

“Last year, FCDA assisted in new business locations and existing business expansion valued at $133.5 million, creating more than 250 jobs. In addition, the authority has seen an uptick in new project inquiries, potentially bringing new added investment into the community,” Hicks said.

Young brings 25 years of experience to the job, having served as Chamber of Commerce President/Executive Director of the Haralson County Chamber and Development Authority, Economic Developer for the City of Baton Rouge/East Baton Rouge Parish, La. with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Vice President of Business Development with Integra Water, LLC in Birmingham, Ala. and Director of Business Development with Louisiana Economic Development, Baton Rouge, La., prior to forming her own consulting business in Georgia, said Hicks.