Elevate Douglas Announces Taylor Walden as Director of Business Development

Elevate Douglas Announces Taylor Walden as Director of Business Development

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga., June 16, 2026 – Elevate Douglas and the Development Authority of Douglas County are pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor Walden as the organization’s new Director of Business Development, further strengthening Douglas County’s efforts to attract investment, create jobs, and advance strategic economic growth.

In this role, Walden will lead business recruitment and expansion initiatives, cultivate relationships with developers and industry partners, support retail attraction efforts, and help implement the organization’s targeted business development strategy focused on growing Douglas County’s economy and enhancing quality of life for its residents.

“Taylor brings an impressive combination of state, private-sector, and project management experience that will immediately benefit our community,” said Breezy Straton, President of Elevate Douglas and Executive Director of the Development Authority of Douglas County. “His understanding of the site selection process, experience working alongside both communities and corporate decision-makers, and proven ability to navigate complex projects make him uniquely qualified to help Douglas County compete for opportunities that align with our vision for the future.”

Walden most recently served as a Senior Associate in Site Selection and Product Development with KPMG, where he advised industrial clients in sectors including automotive, electric vehicles, consumer products, and advanced manufacturing. He led location strategy engagements, coordinated stakeholder relationships, evaluated infrastructure and labor market considerations, and supported incentive negotiations on projects representing investments ranging from $100 million to $1.9 billion.

Prior to KPMG, Walden spent five years with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, serving as a Project Manager within both the Global Commerce Division and Rural Georgia Initiatives. During his tenure, he supported projects contributing to billions of dollars in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs across the state, including participation in the recruitment of Hyundai’s historic investment in Georgia. He also helped communities across all 159 Georgia counties strengthen their economic competitiveness through initiatives focused on workforce development, downtown revitalization, business retention, tourism, and regional collaboration.

“Taylor’s experience reflects the collaborative approach that defines our work in Douglas County,” said Mike Stephens, Chair of the Development Authority of Douglas County. “He understands that successful economic development is about relationships, preparation, responsiveness, and ensuring that growth creates meaningful opportunities for the community.”

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Walden earned bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs and Political Science. He remains actively involved in numerous professional and civic organizations, including the Georgia Economic Developers Association, Southeastern Economic Development Council, and several community service organizations.

“I am honored to join Elevate Douglas and contribute to the incredible momentum already taking place in Douglas County,” said Walden. “This community has established itself as a leader through strategic partnerships, innovative workforce initiatives, and a clear vision for growth. I look forward to building relationships throughout the community and helping create opportunities that benefit residents, businesses, and future generations.”

Walden joins Elevate Douglas at a pivotal time as the organization advances initiatives focused on targeted industry recruitment, retail attraction, workforce development, and the continued implementation of its strategic plan to position Douglas County as a premier destination for business investment and talent.

For more information about Elevate Douglas and the Development Authority of Douglas County, visit www.ElevateDouglas.com. To contact Taylor Walden, email [email protected].

Media Contact:

Breezy Straton
President & CEO, Elevate Douglas
Executive Director, Development Authority of Douglas County
[email protected]