Heidi Green Appointed Deputy Commissioner of GDEcD

ATLANTA, June 1, 2007 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Heidi Green has been appointed as the agency's Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce.
'Heidi's deep experience in developing and managing relationships at all levels of government will be invaluable as we continue to focus on building partnerships around the world,' said GDEcD Commissioner Ken Stewart. 'I am excited about the fresh energy and outlook she brings to our team, and look forward to working with her as we move forward with our mission to bring jobs and investment to Georgia.'

Green has served as Governor Sonny Perdue's director of intergovernmental affairs since joining the Governor-elect's transition team in November 2002. She has managed relationships with federal departments and elected officials, state agencies and local governments, as well as serving as a senior advisor to the Governor on issues such as economic development, transportation, water management and PeachCare. In addition, she represented the Governor's office in regional and national organizations, including the Southern Governors' Association, Republican Governors' Association, and National Governors' Association.

'Heidi has been an integral member of our team, and I look forward to her continuing our strong momentum in growing Georgia's economy,' said Governor Perdue. 'Heidi's wide range of experience in negotiating difficult policy issues has prepared her to lead a team dedicated to marketing our state to audiences around the world.'

'Over the past four years, the Governor has afforded me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the leaders of this state on issues critical to the future of Georgia,' Green said. 'I look forward to this new challenge and the opportunity to bring economic development prospects to Georgia's communities.'

Green began her career in intergovernmental affairs in Washington D.C. in the office of Congressman Bill Thomas (R-CA). She later served as the Projects Director for Senator Paul Coverdell (R-GA), working in both his Atlanta and Washington, D.C. offices. She has experience working in the U.S. Department of Commerce and in fundraising for non-profit organizations.

Green holds a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon and a Master's degree in Business Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She resides in Marietta with husband Reuben Green, an assistant district attorney for Cobb County.

Green will replace Chris Clark, who has been named executive director of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA).

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

For more information, visit www.georgia.org.