The next CEO of Liberty County Development Authority is already well-acquainted with economic development — and Liberty County.

Authority members announced Friday they are hiring Brynn Grant, a former vice president with the World Trade Center Savannah and Savannah Economic Development Authority chief operating officer, as the next LCDA chief executive officer. Grant, a Liberty County native, is already a Liberty County resident and she is currently the CEO of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, a position she has held since February 2020.

“Brynn comes knowing the county, knowing the community,” said state Rep. Al Williams, the longest- serving member of the development authority. “It’s very important because as we move forward, we’ll see great things happen because of her knowledge of economic development and southeast Georgia.

“Brynn Grant brings to us everything we need in a CEO.”

Grant made note of how she grew up, went to school, and got married within a two-square mile radius of the LCDA office. It was also where she got her driver’s license, when the Georgia State Patrol occupied the property.

“It is the foundation for all that I am, and there is an undeniable sense of belonging that comes from being back where I grew up,” she said.

Grant is succeeding Ron Tolley, who led the LCDA for nearly 43 years and has retired.

“There has been so much progress over the years,” she said, “and I am eager to work with you all now to create a more thriving Liberty County, where quality jobs are plentiful, businesses flourish and all of our neighbors experience an exceptional quality of life.”

United Way of the Coastal Empire board of directors chairman Ken Rabitsch praised Grant for her four years leading the organization. The United Way of Liberty County is part of the United Way of the Coastal Empire.

“During her time at United Way, Brynn cultivated collaboration, navigated unprecedented challenges, and created lasting partnerships to improve our organization and countless lives throughout the Coastal Empire,” Rabitsch wrote in an open letter to the UWCE. “Liberty County is gaining a dynamic leader, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish with her guidance.”

Grant took over the United Way reins just before the COVID-19 pandemic brought much of life and commerce to a standstill, and Rabitsch pointed out her efforts during that span. The United Way raised $700,000 to provide assistance to the region, he said, and it partnered with local governments to process more than $10 million in federal relief funds for Savannah and Chatham County.

In the last three years alone, Rabitsch noted the United Way of the Coastal Empire has raised more than $31 million for its agencies and constituents in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. Grant also led the effort to create a strategic plan “ensuring that our United Way continues to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable and pathways for upward mobility so everyone can thrive,” he said.

The strategic plan committee, of more than 400 community leaders and volunteers, is working to address childcare, financial skills, workforce development and housing.

Grant, who had been vice president of the World Trade Center-Savannah before taking over at the United Way, said her time with that organization gave her a new perspective.

“The experience has strengthened my belief in our mission to create, grow and attract jobs and investment to improve the standard of living of all of our residents,” she said. “Years ago, social issues could easily be separated from business issues but they are clearly and inextricably linked. Economic development leaders must be at the table to solve these related challenges.”

Williams called Grant’s expertise in economic development and her knowledge of Liberty County and the Coastal Empire “absolutely vital.”

“We need someone who has the contacts, knows Georgia, understands economic development and she brings it all to the table,” Williams said. “She knows the area. Workforce development is the key to the future and she brings a lot of ideas. We’re very, very excited about what she will bring.”

Grant cited Liberty County’s lengthy history — home to two signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the home to Susie King Taylor and the Dorchester Academy.

“With such a celebrated past, our community deserves an equally bright and promising future,” she said.

Economic development, Grant said, is a team effort, and she said she looks forward to working with leaders and partners across the community.

“I am wholeheartedly committed to learning from and collaborating with our community leaders to shape our county into its full potential,” she said. “I am eager to engage with the diverse population of Liberty County to understand the needs and aspirations of our community and work with our leaders to meet them. I believe the people of Liberty County are its greatest asset.

Authority members received more than 50 applications and narrowed the list down to three for candidates to interview.

“We had a fantastic group of people to interview,” Williams said. “It was not an easy decision. But we traveled the road and we think the future is very bright with our choice.”

Grant spent 19 years with the Savannah Economic Development Authority, serving as its chief operating officer. She also has been marketing and development director for the Savannah Music Festival, director of development and executive director of the Savannah Technical College Foundation and also worked at the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.

“I hope that is why this is all happening,” she said of her time with SEDA and the United Way. “I hope it is the perfect combination of experience to now help Liberty County shape its future. I am excited to work with the people who have created the success we’ve seen. Where do we take it from here? I really believe it takes all of us. It’s about where we want to go as a community and we’re going to do it together. And that makes us stronger and makes our future that much brighter.”