RICHMOND HILL - After a year-long search, the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center Board of Director named Allen A. Burns III as the new executive director of the CGRDC on Jan. 9.
A native of St. Simons Island with more than 27 years of local government experience, Burns has spent most of his career in South Carolina, including the state's Grand Strand coastal region.
His background includes planning, economic and community development, strategic planning, grant writing, resource development and public-private partnership development. Currently, Burns serves as the director of economic development for Lexington County, S.C.
At the CGRDC meeting, Burns said, "I look forward to continuing the leadership you've had over the last 39 years and to continue this transition smoothly for our cities and counties."
He will replace long-time executive director Vernon Martin.
Beginning his career as a participant in the Georgia Governor's Internship program, interning at the then Coastal Area Planning and Economic Commission in 1980, Burns expressed his excitement at the opportunity to work in the place he calls home.
CGRDC includes 10 area counties, including Liberty, and 35 municipalities.
Dan Coty, board president, said, "Allen is going to do a great job. He is fired up and sees it as a great challenge."
Burns holds a master's degree in city and regional planning from Clemson University's College of Architecture. His bachelor's of science in sociology was earned in 1980 from Georgia Southern University. His professional certifications include recognition as a South Carolina certified economic developer and a certified economic development finance professional.
Burns takes over on March 3.
Besides services to area counties and cities, CGRDC provides planning and government services, coordinated transportation planning, and the region's Area Agency on Aging.
A native of St. Simons Island with more than 27 years of local government experience, Burns has spent most of his career in South Carolina, including the state's Grand Strand coastal region.
His background includes planning, economic and community development, strategic planning, grant writing, resource development and public-private partnership development. Currently, Burns serves as the director of economic development for Lexington County, S.C.
At the CGRDC meeting, Burns said, "I look forward to continuing the leadership you've had over the last 39 years and to continue this transition smoothly for our cities and counties."
He will replace long-time executive director Vernon Martin.
Beginning his career as a participant in the Georgia Governor's Internship program, interning at the then Coastal Area Planning and Economic Commission in 1980, Burns expressed his excitement at the opportunity to work in the place he calls home.
CGRDC includes 10 area counties, including Liberty, and 35 municipalities.
Dan Coty, board president, said, "Allen is going to do a great job. He is fired up and sees it as a great challenge."
Burns holds a master's degree in city and regional planning from Clemson University's College of Architecture. His bachelor's of science in sociology was earned in 1980 from Georgia Southern University. His professional certifications include recognition as a South Carolina certified economic developer and a certified economic development finance professional.
Burns takes over on March 3.
Besides services to area counties and cities, CGRDC provides planning and government services, coordinated transportation planning, and the region's Area Agency on Aging.