Ryan Waldrep Named Finalist for Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority Position

May 20, 2019

Ryan Waldrep

Dublin, Georgia - The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority board of directors has named Ryan Waldrep as the sole finalist for the president’s position with the economic development organization. The announcement was made during the authority’s monthly board meeting this week.

Waldrep currently serves in two roles as assistant director of entrepreneur and small business and as regional project manager of existing industry and regional recruitment for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, positions he has held since January 2015 and October 2007 respectively. He is recognized by the International Economic Development Council as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a rigorous program that acknowledges professionals from around the world who have achieved the pinnacle of excellence in the economic development field.

“The development authority board, with input from local and statewide stakeholders, identified key character traits we were looking for in
candidates early on,” according to Guy Cochran, chair of the development authority. “At the top of that list was an experienced community and economic development professional with proven results. Additionally, strength of character and work ethic, along with excellent collaboration and communicative skills were traits deemed critical in our candidate selection. Ryan fits these traits and has demonstrated his ability as a leader in the economic development field. He is a great fit for the position and our community.”

Waldrep is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Master of Public Administration, Public Management degree and a Bachelor’s degree in speech communications/public relations. Prior to working with the state’s economic development department, he served as president of the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority in McRae, Georgia. Waldrep was also an economic development planner and community development planner for the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Development Center in Eastman, Georgia from 2001 until 2005.

“The opportunity to lead the economic development initiatives of Dublin and Laurens County is beyond exciting for me,” according to Waldrep. “I believe my experiences with the Georgia Department of Economic Development have prepared me to focus on one community. The development authority is recognized as one of the most progressive and forward thinking in the state. I look forward to becoming a part of the team to grow our economy and support the existing industries in the area.”

As a 2014 Leadership Georgia graduate, Waldrep and his wife served as program chairs in 2019. He has been a member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association since 2003 and currently serves as chair of the entrepreneur and small business shared interest group. Waldrep and his family are active members of McRae First United Methodist Church.

Waldrep and his wife, Amanda, plan to move to Laurens County later this year. They have two sons, Adam and Ethan, 15 and 12 years old respectively.

Georgia law requires a 14-day waiting period from the announcement of a final candidate before the development authority board can officially employ Waldrep. This action is expected to take place on June 4 prior to the organization’s annual retreat.

Members of the authority are appointed by the City of Dublin’s mayor and council and the Laurens County Board of Commissioners. In addition to Cochran, other members of the authority include Scott Beasley, vice chairman; James Malone, treasurer; Jimmy Allgood; Roger Folsom, immediate past chair; Phillip Gay; and Keith Griffin.

The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations and non-profits was retained by the development authority to assist in the executive search process.