Hinesville has hired Donita Gaulden as the new director of community development.

Gaulden, who is leaving her position as the community development program supervisor in Chandler, Az.,  has 11 years of experience in the community development field. She has previously served seven years as the assistant director of community development for Hinesville and is familiar with techniques to guide the division while serving citizens. 

“I am incredibly excited to welcome back Ms. Gaulden to the Community Development Department and the city of Hinesville,” said Hinesville City Manager Kenneth Howard. “As the former director, I am confident that we chose the most qualified candidate that will continue that department’s tradition of success and excellence.”

Gaulden spent most  of her career rising in the ranks at the City of Hinesville, starting in 2006 as the Administrative Assistant to the Grants Administrator, becoming Grants Administrator in 2007 and eventually Assistant Director in 2009, where she served until April of 2017.

Gaulden has an MBA from Ashford University, a BBA in General Business from Baker College and an AAT in Accounting from Savannah Technical College. She is certified in government budgeting, governmental accounting and government auditing. 

The Community Development Director is responsible for obtaining and administering housing rehabilitation and other grant funds for the city, under the general supervision of the City Manager. The purpose of this position is to ensure the elimination of substandard housing in the city and to provide accountability of the use of grant funds received by the city. The community development director supervises the Homeless Prevention Program, Affordable Housing Program, CDBG Sub-Recipient Program, Fair Housing, Grant Awards, Homebuyer Education and Tied to Success Programs.

Gaulden will assume the position on July 9.