Georgia Trend Announces 2010 40 Under 40

ATLANTA, October 1, 2010 -- The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Jennifer Nelson and Chris Young were named on Georgia Trend magazine's 2010 list of 40 Under 40. This annual list honors Georgians under age 40 for notable contributions to their professions, community and state. 'Jennifer and Chris both make invaluable contributions to the work we do to market Georgia's strategic business assets to the world,' said Heidi Green, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.  'We are excited to celebrate this notable recognition with them, and look forward to their continued work and commitment to Georgia.' Jennifer Nelson of Macon, GDEcD Deputy Director for Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment, was nominated for the key role she has played in economic development in Middle Georgia for the past 13 years.  She joined GDEcD in 1998 as Regional Project Manager for Region 6 in Middle Georgia, serving the region as the state's representative for economic development and helping build the local relationships necessary for business partnerships. As deputy director, Nelson's primary focus is bringing additional jobs and investment to her region.  During her 12-year tenure at the state, she has helped bring 1,837 jobs and more than $647.1 million to her region, including some of GDEcD's largest projects.  Nelson graduated with honors from Clemson University with a B.A. in Language and International Trade.  She holds a Juris Doctorate from Water F. George School of Law and is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (CEDFP).  Nelson is actively committed to her community, and serves on a number of community and civic based organizations in Middle Georgia. Fitzgerald native Chris Young was appointed Georgia's first-ever Chief of Protocol in April 2005 at the age of 27.  Operating from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, he is the state's senior diplomatic officer and handles matters of foreign affairs on behalf of the Governor and the Commissioner of Economic Development.  He has organized visits for more than 200 presidents, vice presidents, ministers, and ambassadors to the state, as well as planned and executed gubernatorial and senior official missions to twenty-five foreign countries.  He is the state's day-to-day liaison with the international consular corps and trade community located in Georgia, and has helped facilitate a number of consul locations. Prior to his current appointment, Young served as Special Assistant and Personal Aide to Governor Sonny Perdue for two years.  He graduated with highest honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a BS degree in History.  Young also studied at Oxford University (Worcester College) in the United Kingdom.  He received his Juris Doctor, with honor, from the University of Georgia.  In 1999 he was appointed as a nationally prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholar.   Winners were selected by the magazine from more than 300 nominations made by readers. In making the selections, Georgia Trend considered professional achievement and community service. About GDEcD 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, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.