Carmen Cole, who has been with the Liberty County Development Authority for 28 years, has been named chief operating officer of the organization.

“I have known Carmen Cole for over 20 years and have had the opportunity to observe her dedication and hard work,” LCDA Chairman Al Williams said. “As chief operations officer, she will continue to move LCDA forward. We are fortunate to have someone of her expertise helping to lead us into the future.”

Cole joined LCDA in 1996 as a bookkeeper and since then has worked her way up through various positions, including most recently as director of operations and business development. Before joining LCDA, she had worked in retail and industrial careers.

“I want to thank the Authority Board for the vote of confidence and outgoing CEO Ron Tolley for seeing the potential in me oh so many years ago,” Cole said. “I’m also looking forward to working with incoming CEO Brynn Grant to continue the success we’ve had attracting industry and jobs into Liberty County.”

Since she joined the authority, Cole has been instrumental in attracting over 3,600 jobs and more than $1.1 billion in industrial investment in the county, generating a payroll of approximately $250 million per year.

“Besides holding a degree in accounting, Carmen has mastered every task put before her, from managing the office and the authority’s interest in recruitment and construction projects, to establishing long-term relationships with state, national and even international consultants.” Tolley said. “Carmen has been my right arm for several decades and I’m confident Brynn will find her to be invaluable as well. The Authority is extremely fortunate to have such a versatile employee.”

Besides her formal education, Cole holds professional certificates in economic development from Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia Academy of Economic Development. She is a member of the International Economic Development Council, the Georgia Economic Development Association, Georgia Rural Water Association and is secretary and a board member of the Greater Savannah Regional Alliance. She is also a member of the Liberty College and Career Academy.