Michael Norris has been named project manager for the Augusta Economic Development Authority. He has resigned as economic development director for the City of Forsyth in middle Georgia to begin his work in Augusta.

“Michael is a great addition to the EDA team in terms of his personality and eagerness to learn more about economic development,” according to Cal Wray, president of the EDA. “He has a great foundation in the field with his work in Forsyth and his experiences at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.”

Norris is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a BA in Political Science and Master of Public Administration. He moved to Forsyth in 2016 to lead the implementation of economic development strategies for the city government. Norris worked closely with the city manager and department heads regarding zoning and planning issues.

At the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Norris served as an intern and exceled in research for the Global Commerce Division. His work included background information on workforce, demographics, suppliers and customers, business costs, taxes and business incentives for companies considering expanding in Georgia.

“Augusta has its infrastructure, workforce and location going for it in terms of economic growth,” says Norris. “The opportunity to work with these resources and grow the community’s business base is truly exciting. I look forward to being a part of the EDA team that works with new businesses interested in investing in Augusta and the existing companies that already have a presence.”

He and his wife Haley will be moving to Augusta in the next few months.

Wray was named to the top economic development post in January of this year. With a project manager now selected, his focus will turn to an existing industry coordinator position to fill. Wray and the EDA board also plan to work with the Augusta Commission on a retail project manager professional who will focus on growth in underserved areas of the community.

The Augusta EDA’s mission is to seek new investments and jobs for Augusta and to aide existing businesses undergoing capital expansions and job growth. The organization provides bond financing, tax abatement and other incentives for businesses based on certain guidelines. The EDA is Augusta’s key contact for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and statewide economic development partners like Georgia Power Company and Georgia EMC. The EDA also works with other stakeholders including industry leaders, developers and site selection consultants.

The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in economic development, chambers of commerce and foundations, assisted the EDA with the project manager search.