The Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority (NWGJDA) has unanimously appointed Matt Harris, a veteran leader in education innovation and community strategy, as its new president and chief executive officer. Harris will immediately assume the leadership role focused on driving regional economic prosperity across Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker counties.

The decision to select Harris was confirmed by the NWGJDA board members, who emphasized his unique combination of experience in public service, workforce development, and private business operations.

Harris comes to the NWGJDA after a distinguished career with Walker County Public Schools, where he served as a principal and coordinator of innovation. His tenure was marked by groundbreaking initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and future employment needs.

Chairman Chip Catlett expressed the board’s enthusiasm for the appointment. “We are excited about Mr. Harris coming to the Development Authority and the professionalism he brings to our area for economic development,” Catlett said.

A Focus on Innovative Workforce Development

Harris is perhaps best known for spearheading transformative educational projects that earned national recognition. As principal of Gilbert Elementary, he helped the school establish Georgia’s first public school forest kindergarten, guided the campus to become a state-certified STEM campus, and achieved the prestigious designation of a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

Furthermore, his background directly correlates with the NWGJDA’s mission to foster a robust workforce. Harris played a key role in the planning and leadership of Walker Launch Academy, a partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College. This initiative created a vital career-ready model designed to connect high school students directly to technical programs and local industry partners, ensuring a pipeline of skilled labor for the region.

Beyond his educational achievements, Harris also brings practical, hands-on leadership experience gained as a business owner and operator in the private sector.

Commitment to Integrity and Regional Identity

Assuming his new post, Harris articulated a vision centered on integrity and sustainable growth that honors the region’s distinct character.

“I’m honored to serve in this new role,” Harris said. “My goal is to represent the people of Northwest Georgia with integrity — to negotiate on their behalf and work toward a prosperous region that retains its identity, strengthens its communities, and builds a future we can all be proud of.”

The Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority serves as a crucial regional partnership dedicated to business recruitment, site and infrastructure readiness, and the expansion of existing commerce. The organization aims to advance collaborative initiatives that support long-term prosperity across the four member counties.