Edited by Staff

  Elizabeth “BJ” Mathis has been hired as Stockbridge’s Community and Economic Development Officer, it was announced late last week in a press release sent by newly appointed Stockbridge City Administrator David Milliron.

 Although Mathis was not authorized to speak on the appointment, here is what Milliron had to say in a prepared statement.  

  “Economic Development is a key strategic priority of the Mayor and Council,” said Milliron. "Stockbridge is involved in a number of innovative growth and development initiatives and Ms. Mathis' high level experience in local and regional government will certainly serve the City as we move ahead."

  Mathis served on the Henry County Board of Commissioners for the past eight years, the last four as Chairman, after representing District II.

  According to Milliron, her accomplishments as Chair was the relocation of 11 industries and 1,400 jobs to Henry County. She is recognized regionally for her progressive leadership, strong focus on quality of life issues, and planning for the future. She was named a notable Georgian by Georgia Trend Magazine in 2012 and is a recent gubernatorial appointee to the Georgia Regional Transit Authority Board.

   “Stockbridge is poised to become the most thriving City in the south metro area and we want to assure we have the best and brightest to help the city achieve that goal,” said Stockbridge Mayor Mark A. Alarcon.

  As the Community and Economic Development Officer, Mathis will be responsible for facilitating the city’s community and economic development planning and initiatives including the Merle Manders Conference Center, Ted Strickland Community Center and the Stockbridge Multiplex. Milliron said she will initially focus on reviving the city’s Downtown Development Authority, launching a new and improved city newsletter, fostering a citywide business association and leading the effort to renovate and open the Stockbridge Multiplex for youth and adult services.

  Mathis' salary was not disclosed.