Matthew Thomas, a seasoned economic development professional, has been unanimously approved by the Rome Floyd Development Authority’s Board of Directors to serve as their president and chief executive officer. Jimmy Byars, chair of the board, made the announcement earlier this month.

The Chason Group collaborated with the Development Authority to lead the executive search process.

Thomas previously served as deputy director of the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development, a position he had held since August of 2023.

“Matthew is a perfect fit for our community and the region,” according to Byars. “He was born in Dalton; has worked for the past 16 years in the economic development field with both chambers of commerce and development authorities in North Georgia; and has a proven track record of successful economic development projects from both new companies and existing industries. His experience level will be a tremendous resource for Rome and Floyd County.”

In his previous role, Thomas was charged with leading all existing industry efforts by maintaining close relationships with Bartow County’s 210-plus manufacturing companies. He was a key player in several new projects locating in the region, including the recruitment of Hyundai SK Battery Manufacturing of America, Yakult America, and Hanwha Qcells.

Other positions Thomas has held include Workforce Development Director, Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce; Economic Development Manager, City of Alpharetta; and Economic Development Manager, City of Canton. He earned a BBA in Economics from the University of West Georgia.

“The opportunity with the Rome Floyd Development Authority provides me with an incredible chance to lead an economic development organization that has a very successful track record of strategically attracting new investments to a community and taking care of their existing businesses,” Thomas stated. “If there is one thing that I have learned from each stop on my career path, it is that economic development is a team sport. I look forward to becoming a part of the Rome and Floyd County team.”

Other members of the development authority professional staff include Heather Seckman, Project Manager; JR Davis, Project Director; and Mary Grace Selman, Project Manager. Spencer Hogg, the previous president of the authority, was tapped by newly elected Congressman Clay Fuller to become his chief of staff in Washington, DC, in March of this year, creating the opening at the authority.