The Development Authority of Bryan County unanimously approved Ryan Purvis, a professional engineer and current resident of Bryan County, as the chief executive officer of the economic development organization today during their monthly meeting.  

Purvis’ first day on the job will be Thursday, September 19.

“Ryan is a rising star in the economic development field, and I look forward to working with him for many years to come,” said  Jon Seagraves, chair of the authority board.  “His knowledge of the county and ability to build partnerships in his previous positions were major factors in the board’s decision to select Ryan for the leadership position.  He understands the growth our communities have experienced over the past few years and will be a key player in marketing to new businesses looking to expand and support Bryan’s existing industrial community as we move forward.”

Purvis is currently a financial leader for Northwestern Mutual, a Fortune 100 company specializing in risk management and investments. Previous positions include vice president, engineering and construction, Continental Heavy Civil Corp.; and chief engineer and vice president of east coast, Industrial and Crane Services, Inc.  Purvis also served as project manager and structural engineer at Moffatt and Nichol Engineering.

Purvis and his family have been a part of coastal Georgia for many years.  He is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Science in structural engineering.  While earning his degrees, he received the Graduate Student Leadership Award and Impact Scholarship.  He currently serves on the Georgia Tech Savannah Advisory Board; Godesign, Inc. Board; Buena Vista Sports Academy Pastoral Advisory Board; and Victorious Family Prayer and Advisory Team.  

The DABC, with offices in Pembroke and Richmond Hill, delivers economic development services for the county as a whole.  The chief executive officer, which is a full-time position, is responsible to the board of directors of the DABC and charged with providing leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning and implementing best economic development practices in terms of business recruitment, retaining existing businesses, growing the tax base, and job opportunities.  

Other professionals who are an integral part of the DABC team include Zachery Dykes, project manager, and Myra Sims, office manager.  Sean Register has served as the interim chief executive officer since the end of 2023.  

Purvis and his wife Christy have two children.  Owen is four years-old and Esther is ten months.

Georgia law required Purvis’ resume and application be available for review by the public for 14 days before the development authority could vote to employ him as the chief executive officer.  The economic development organization announced him as the only finalist for the position on August 30, 2024.

The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations, and other nonprofit groups, assisted the development authority with the process.