Scott Poag, Project Manager with the Augusta Economic Development Authority, has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s 40 Under 40 awards, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development profession.

An independent six-member selection committee evaluated international nominations and chose the winners based on their exceptional contributions to the economic development industry. The award’s program was managed by Development Counsellors International, a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing.   

Poag joined the Augusta Economic Development Authority in 2013 and previously worked in the field in North Carolina. Scott has announced over $750,000,000 in new capital investment and over 5,800 net new jobs in the communities he has served and has successfully worked with a full range of companies from startup to Fortune 500.  His leadership has also successfully supported various workforce development, entrepreneurial, and legislative initiatives.

Scott serves on a variety of boards including the Southern Economic Development Council, the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association, the Technology Association of Georgia, and the National Defense Industrial Association and is a committee chair with the Georgia Economic Developers Association.  Recently, Scott was named to Augusta’s “Top 10 Young Professionals to Watch” list and a “Distinguished Young AFCEAN” by the Armed Forces Communications and Elections Association. He also holds a BA degree in Hospitality Management, a BSBA in Finance, and a Master in Business Administration from East Carolina University and is a Certified Economic Developer.  

DCI’s 40 Under 40 award was designed to discover the economic development profession’s rising stars. 

“The people chosen by the selection committee represent a bright future for the economic development world,” said Andy Levine, president of DCI. “They are a new breed of results-driven place makers.  We’re very pleased to see Scott’s name among the winners.”

“I was impressed by the energy and dedication of these developers,” said Zach Patton, Executive Editor at GOVERNING Magazine and 40 Under 40 selection committee member. “Their passion for good economic development really stood out in their smart innovations, thoughtful programs, and cool ideas.”