GDEcD’s Ashley Varnum Named “Top 50” North American Economic Developer

Director of the Automotive, Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Team for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Ashley Varnum, has been recognized by Consultant Connect as one of North America’s 2020 “Top 50 Economic Developers.”  
 
This award further acknowledges Varnum’s excellent business practices, innovation and success in building the communities she serves.  A distinguished member of the GDEcD Global Commerce team, she remains a catalyst for creating thousands of jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment. In 2019 alone, the Global Commerce team generated more than $7.4 billion in investment and created nearly 29,000 additional jobs across the state. 

Prior to becoming Director of Advanced Manufacturing, Varnum served as a Senior Project Manager on GDEcD’s Life Sciences and Corporate Solutions team. Throughout her career, she has supported numerous companies including GE Digital, Honeywell International, ThyssenKrupp, Boston Consulting Group, Switch, Flexport, Plethora and Coyote Logistics. 

Later this year, Consultant Connect will feature Ashley on LinkedIn and Twitter as she shares more about her expertise in advanced manufacturing and global commerce, and how she applies that knowledge to lift communities across Georgia. 

Designed to bridge the gap between leading economic developers and location consultants through exclusive networking events and educational services, Consultant Connect not only provides economic developers with an inside view into the world of site selection, but also gives them the information necessary to propel their communities forward. 

Posted: March 19, 2020