Chris Cummiskey, named Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) by Governor Nathan Deal, joined the agency in January 2011. As Commissioner, he leads the state agency responsible for bringing jobs and investment to Georgia through global commerce, entertainment and tourism.
During Commissioner Cummiskey’s tenure at GDEcD, he and his team have spearheaded more than 500 company locations or expansions that have created more than 46,700 jobs and $8.92 billion in investment in Georgia. These locations included two of the biggest projects in recent memory to locate in Georgia: Baxter International, and Caterpillar, which together account for $1.5 billion in investment and 3,200 new jobs. Under the Commissioner’s leadership, the tourism industry registered $49 billion in total economic impact during 2011, and in FY12, the impact of the film industry reached $3.1 billion, a new record.
In partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Commissioner leads the planning and implementation of Governor Deal’s economic development strategy, the Georgia Competitiveness Initiative, which has resulted in new business-friendly legislation and a number of other initiatives to enhance the state’s business climate.
Prior to joining GDEcD, Cummiskey was a former manager and director of energy and gas derivatives trading for companies like RWE Americas, Mirant and Mieco, giving him a deep background in business. The intergovernmental relationships he developed during his more recent roles as a senior director for Senator Johnny Isakson, former Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson, and the University of Georgia are also assets to his work as Georgia’s economic development leader.
Cummiskey graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He resides in Atlanta with his wife Rebecca.