Georgia Northwestern Technical College has named Patty Hart as its new vice president of Economic Development, placing a longtime leader in a key role supporting workforce training and business growth across northwest Georgia.

Hart was appointed April 16 and brings more than 25 years of experience with GNTC. She has served as director of Economic Development since 2009 and previously worked as the college’s Economic Development programs instructor and Work Ready coordinator from 2000 until 2009.

GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said Hart has shown a strong commitment to the college’s mission and understands the importance of connecting education and training with the workforce needs of the region. College leaders say her new role will help expand opportunities, support employers and drive continued growth across northwest Georgia.

As vice president of Economic Development, Hart will oversee initiatives sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia aimed at strengthening the regional economy. Her responsibilities will include supporting community economic development efforts, developing local workforce programs, expanding customized employee training and continuing education offerings, and helping recruit new industries while supporting the expansion of existing businesses across GNTC’s nine-county service area.

Hart will also serve as a local point of contact for Georgia Quick Start and will work closely with chambers of commerce, business leaders, local governments and community development organizations throughout the region.

Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, GNTC executive vice president and chief academic officer, said Hart’s years of experience in economic development have prepared her well for the position and will allow her to continue building partnerships that support both student success and workforce development.

Hart said she is honored to step into the new role and looks forward to strengthening partnerships with local industry, expanding customized training, enhancing continuing education opportunities and developing innovative programs that meet the changing needs of employers across the region.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of West Georgia and has also completed graduate-level Computer Science coursework at City University in Bellevue, Washington.

Hart’s professional credentials include certification as an ACT-Authorized WorkKeys Job Profiler, Certified Manufacturing Specialist Trainer, Microsoft Office Specialist, OSHA Outreach Trainer, and State of Georgia Manufacturing Specialist and Customer Service Trainer.

In addition to her work at GNTC, Hart served 12 years on the Walker County Board of Education. She is also active in several professional organizations, including the Georgia Continuing Education Association, where she serves as vice president of Marketing, and the Northwest Georgia Society for Human Resource Management, where she is Workforce Readiness director.

Among her honors, Hart was named Georgia’s Work Ready Administrator of the Year in 2009. She is also a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and multiple regional leadership programs.