Mitch Griggs Approved as President of Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority

April 25, 2025

(Dublin, Georgia - April 2025) Mitch Griggs has been unanimously approved as the new President of the Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority (DLCDA).  The announcement was made by Roger Folsom, Chair of the DLCDA Board of Directors and President and CEO of Med1st in Dublin following a two-week vetting period required by Georgia law.

Griggs’ first day at the DLCDA is set for Monday, April 28.

“These are exciting times for our community,” according to Folsom.  “Mitch has been to Dublin several times over the past month and understands the amount of economic activity we are experiencing with our existing industries as well as new companies locating here. He is ready to hit the ground running next week to meet our community.” 

Griggs most recently served as Executive Director of the Union County Development Authority in Blairsville, Georgia, where he successfully recruited or supported 67 new business locations, created over 1,000 jobs, and attracted more than $99 million in private investment. Under his leadership, Union County also secured over $88 million in public funding for economic and infrastructure development projects.

“Mitch brings a remarkable track record of measurable success, deep community roots, and a collaborative leadership style that aligns with the mission of the authority,” said Folsom. “His experience and vision make him uniquely qualified to lead our economic development initiatives.”

Prior to his time in Union County, Griggs led the Stephens County Development Authority, where his efforts led to nearly 800 new jobs and $65 million in investment. His earlier career included leadership roles at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and as Planning Director for the Lower Savannah Council of Governments.

Griggs is well-known throughout the state for his strategic vision and ability to build public-private partnerships. He has served on numerous boards including the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, WorkSource Georgia Mountains, and the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce. He is a Georgia Certified Economic Developer, certified Economic Development Finance Professional, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Georgia.

“This is a great opportunity for me professionally,” said Griggs. “This community has a proud legacy of commitment to solid economic development and a strong foundation for growth. I look forward to working with local leaders, businesses, and stakeholders to build a vibrant and prosperous future for the region.”

In his new role, Griggs will lead the implementation of the Development Authority’s strategic plan, which includes building stronger relationships with existing industries in the area.  He will also continue to work with community and industry partners to drive efforts for quality growth and diversify the regional economy. As the leader of the economic development organization, Griggs will serve as the chief spokesperson as well as collaborate closely with city and county governments, the Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce, and local education providers.

Griggs and his wife Joanna plan to reside in Laurens County.  They have two children. Elena is a UGA Terry College of Business graduate who resides in Woodstock, and Daniel who will graduate from UGA this spring and live and work in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The Chason Group (TCG), an executive search firm specializing in economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations, and other nonprofit groups, assisted the Development Authority with the process.  TCG also led the executive search for Ryan Waldrep, the previous leader, in 2019.  Waldrep resigned in late 2024 to become Regional Economic Development Manager - Central Region for Georgia Power Company.