JDA Announces New Executive Director

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EAST ELLIJAY, GA – The Greater Gilmer Joint Development Authority (JDA) has officially announced their new Executive Director.

Kent Sanford, currently with Park Sterling Bank, is beginning a transition as he will officially take the office in November. Sanford holds previous experience with positions on the Ellijay Downtown Development Authority (DDA), President of the Chamber Board, community boards, and over 38 years of experience with small and medium businesses.

Officially accepting the position, Sanford said,

“I am pleased to announce, on November 1st I will officially begin work with our Greater Gilmer Joint Development Authority as the Executive Director. Over the next six weeks, I will be closing the door on 38 years of community banking. With great excitement and anticipation, I look forward to being part of the team which seeks to open the door to our community for new businesses and assists existing companies with growth plans.”

JDA Chairman Travis Crouch tells FYN he expects a faster beginning to Sanford’s career as he “already has the knowledge and is respected in the community.” As a citizen who has spent much of his life in the county, Sanford already knows many of our local business owners as well as our history and culture.

Sanford himself stated he felt there would be a lower learning curve, but wants to focus on certain certifications and training sessions in his early days in the office. Some of the certifications are similar to those held by previous Executive Directors as Sanford doesn’t want the JDA to lose anything that they have had previously.

The JDA Board is also looking to have Sanford move through the county visiting existing businesses to familiarize himself with them. More than that, though, is the Boards dedication not only to new businesses, but continued growth and stability for those existing businesses already here.

Kent Sanford signs off on a resolution during his time as an officer on the DDA.

Kent Sanford signs off on a resolution during his time as an officer on the DDA.

Additionally, Chairman Crouch tells FYN he hopes to see networking on a state level increase with Sanford. “As a volunteer board, we don’t have the time to dedicate necessary for the growth we want.” Crouch has been filling duties in the absence of a full Executive Director. However, these duties stack atop running his own business, duties as the JDA Board Chairman, and duties as one of Gilmer County’s two Post Commissioners.

When asked why he accepted the position, Sanford told FYN it was the opportunity to dedicate more time to his community and service therein.”I’m at the point in my life when I want to try and give back a little more.” Sanford told FYN that while on the DDA and other Boards, a member may only be able to dedicate two or three hours to a project a month as they juggle their own lives and careers alongside volunteering for those Boards.

The attraction of the Executive Director position came to Sanford in the form of combining a career and community service while utilizing his experience in business to better cooperate with all entities involved.

Looking further into the future of the JDA with its newest Executive Director, indications have been made that Sanford could also be looking into education in the county as a partnership to grow Gilmer’s future workforce alongside its businesses, though no definitive plans have been confirmed yet.

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