Robbie Bennett, Executive Director, of the Development Authority of Columbia County 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 industry.

An independent five-member selection committee chose the winners from a pool of more than 170 qualified candidates based on their exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the economic development industry. The award’s program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in economic and community development industries.

“We are fortunate to have Robbie serving Columbia County and the Development Authority.  We are very proud of his accomplishments and leadership that helps guide growth in the community,” said Mark Wills, Chairman of the Development Authority of Columbia County.  “Robbie’s recognition with this award further illustrates his hard work and dedication to his profession and our region.”

Robbie Bennett has been promoting economic development for nearly 14 years, he has been in the Greater Augusta area for more than 9 years.  In 2013, he became Columbia County’s economic developer, serving as the Executive Director of the Development Authority of Columbia County.  During his career in economic development, the local economic development teams he has supported have announced the creation/retention of more than 4,500 jobs and $900,000,000 in capital investment. Recently, he has led the efforts for the new White Oak Business Park at I-20 and the establishment of redevelopment powers for Columbia County and the City of Harlem.  His efforts and impacts in economic development are possible because of the support of his wife and daughters.

“The 40 Under 40 Award is designed to identify the economic development profession’s rising stars. These young economic development professionals represent the future of our industry,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “The selection committee had a challenge selecting only 40 winners, but we are delighted by the smarts, initiative and game-changing mindset represented in these finalists. Economic development is in good hands with these young leaders, and Mr. Bennett is certainly no exception,” Curtin added.

“The achievements of these talented and committed professionals show that economic development has an awesome future,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “Partnering with DCI this year to recognize these passionate young men and women has been an honor. Congratulations to each of them.”

“The awardees this year embodied passion for the profession and a commitment to excellence, innovation and place-making,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and 40 Under 40 selection committee member. “The field of economic development is evolving and we’re seeing many people rise up to assure this profession is on the edge and inclusive. Congrats to the new class of 40 Under 40.”

DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners last night at an awards reception during the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will feature profiles of each on the awards website.