New development chief named

The Grady County Joint Development Authority and Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce have selected the next economic development chief and chamber executive to replace Rick McCaskill, who resigned last year.
Brian Marlowe, currently a regional project manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development in Sylvester, has been hired by the authority and chamber.
Marlowe will begin work on Mar. 2, 2009, according to JDA Chairman Charles M. Stafford. He will be paid a salary and benefit package of approximately $92,000, including an automobile allowance.
“We are very fortunate to have someone of Brian’s caliber to come and work with us in our effort to develop new jobs and retain existing industry,” Chairman Stafford said.
He added, “I am looking forward to working with him for many years to come.”
Marlowe earned a bachelor of science degree in economics at Florida State University and a master of public administration degree at Valdosta State University.
He also possesses numerous leadership and economic development certifications from various organizations and is an active member of the Georgia Economic Developer’s Association and International Economic Development Council.
“Grady County is a great community, full of tradition and an excellent quality of life. I look forward to working with the local leadership to continue meeting the challenges and opportunities for the county,” Marlowe said this week while discussing his employment with The Cairo Messenger.
The new development chief says he is anxious to meet with business and industry leaders to make sure both the authority and the chamber are doing everything possible to support them.
“This is even more important now, considering the current state of our economy,” Marlowe said.
His top priorities coming into his new position are jobs and investment in the community.
“I will work with our neighbors to ensure that both Grady County and southwest Georgia are successful. I am very impressed with the chamber and development authority board members and staff and look forward to joining the team,” Marlowe said this week.
The new executive director also recognizes the impact the JDA and chamber can have on the community.
“Our efforts on behalf of the community will make a difference in people’s lives. This is a tremendous opportunity in an outstanding community, and I am grateful to the board members for their trust in me,” he said.
Marlowe has experience in the local, state and private nonprofit sectors. His professional background includes more than eight years of executive management experience and five years in the economic development field.
He previously served as the Colquitt County administrator.
Marlowe and his wife Marla have two children, Cade and Marlee.
When he is not working, Marlowe enjoys golf, hunting, coaching his son’s traveling baseball team and spending time with his family.