Savannah Economic Development Authority Names VP of Business Development
Staff Report From Savannah CEO
Friday, October 5th, 2018
The Savannah Economic Development Authority announced this week that Matt Poyner has been named Vice President of Business Development. Poyner, who will begin on October 8, will lead business recruitment initiatives for the authority.
The executive search was conducted by The Chason Group, a Georgia-based executive search firm specializing in economic development, chambers of commerce, foundations and other non- profit organizations.
“Matt brings with him strong relationships, a cadre of contacts and successful experiences in economic development,” said SEDA President and CEO Trip Tollison. “Matt will be a vital part of our strategy of marketing and selling the Savannah region. In addition to new growth, he will be responsible for maintaining relationships with existing companies to keep current investments in the region.”
Since June 2012, Poyner has served as executive director of the Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County. During his tenure in Milledgeville, he has orchestrated the expansions of Mohawk and Triumph Aerostructures and was responsible for many new business announcements including Chem-Tex and Japan Based StraPack. Poyner also has extensive experience in developing product for industrial sites, including a 1,643-rail served, Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) tract in Baldwin County.
“The Savannah region has proven itself as a prime location for new business and expansions,” said Poyner. “I am excited to become part of the team that will be marketing the Savannah region and its resources for new investment and job opportunities. "My family and I are extremely excited about the move to Coastal Georgia and I look forward to getting my feet on the ground and becoming a part of the community’s economic development team.”
In addition to his work in Milledgeville, Poyner has held positions with the Georgia Department of Labor and the Macon Economic Development Commission.
