The newly formed Forward McDuffie Board of Governors has selected Jade Morey as their new president and chief executive officer. The seasoned economic development professional currently serves as director of existing industry and marketing for the Houston County Development Authority in Perry, Georgia.

The announcement comes as a part of a restructuring process the non-profit has been establishing over the past several months. The Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce, Thomson-McDuffie County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Development Authority of McDuffie County will continue to operate under the umbrella organization of Forward McDuffie and be led by their respective executive directors.

“Jade has the background in economic development and the involvement of building successful teams,” according to McDuffie County Commission Chair Charlie Newton who also serves as Chair of Forward McDuffie. “The search committee has held several conversations with her and believe Jade’s network of project managers, site selection consultants and others in the economic development field will be an advantage for Thomson and McDuffie County. This is an exciting move for our community.”

Morey received a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Master of Public Administration from Georgia College & State University. Prior to her position in Houston County, she served as southeast director of business development for 21st Century Voter Information and as development officer for the J Whitney Bunting College of Business at Georgia College in Milledgeville.

“The opportunity to be a part of a leadership team that wants to nurture their existing businesses while at the same time attract new investments is very exciting for me,” says Morey. “I understand rural economic development, workforce development and education, and how to build relationships. Each of these are important factors in marketing a community to businesses looking to expand or relocate. The existing infrastructure in McDuffie County is impressive – a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development site and most importantly, the leadership of the city, county and business community and their willingness to come to the table to make deals happen. I look forward to being a part of those dynamics.”

“Forward McDuffie is the operational name for the Thomson-McDuffie County Economic Development Authority,” stated Riley Stamey, the interim executive director of the organization. “The chamber of commerce and the convention and visitors bureau are also part of the organization. The recently re-structured Forward McDuffie Board of Governors is composed of several members representing county, city, chamber and CVB. Funding for Forward McDuffie/Development Authority is provided by the McDuffie County Board of Commissioners, City of Thomson and revenues from bond sales.”

Morey and her husband, Jason, will be moving to McDuffie County in the next few months. Her first day at Forward McDuffie is scheduled for February 12.

The Chason Group, an executive recruitment firm specializing in chambers of commerce, economic development authorities and foundations, assisted Forward McDuffie with the executive search for Morey.