About Us
Elevate Douglas Staff
"To Create a Globally Competitive and Resilient Economy with a Superior Quality of Life in Douglas County."
The Staff of Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership serves as the Single Point of Contact for Economic Development in Douglas County, representing both the Development Authority of Douglas County and the Development Authority of the City of Douglasville.
Chris Pumphrey
President
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I love that my role allows me to contribute to the future prosperity of this community and all of the residents that reside here and will move here.
I also love the diversity that exists in this community. All walks of life are welcomed here and thrive here. The fall festivals in Douglasville are amazing with the Google Gravity Games hitting downtown in the morning and the Chili Cook-off in the evenings, we showcase our diversity.
I work hard to ensure that Douglas County will be a place where families, businesses and other organizations can realize success and are proud to share the news that being in Douglas County helped them achieve their success.
My involvement in the community is of deep importance to me and I’m honored to have participated in and been awarded: Douglas County Top 10 Young Professional; Douglas County Chamber Board, Leadership Douglas '15; Leadership Georgia '10; Leadership Atlanta '20; Vice Chair Georgia Economic Developers Association; Loan Committee Chair Atlanta Neighborhood Partnership; Speaker for 2018 Atlanta State of the Region Breakfast. I’m a failed trumpeter and recovering trombonist, one day soon I'll get back on the horn…
Breezy Straton
Vice President of Economic Development
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Education
Mercer University - Bachelor of Liberal Studies with Concentrations in History and Religion
University of Georgia - Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Social Welfare Policy and the Constitution
Certifications
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
About Me
One of my favorites quotes is from Ron Kitchens, an economic developer, he says, “The Greatest Force of Change is a Job.” He also says, if you want to change your community for the better, you must work intentionally on creating quality, family-sustaining, wage-earning jobs in your community. I believe my role is to partner with our business community to ensure Douglas County has the optimal business environment for their success with diversity of people, of thought, and of landscape. Our diversity will make businesses and residents want to call Douglas County home.
When we work with companies to create quality jobs across industry sectors and skill sets and work with our education partners to create training programs to up-skill or re-skill individuals to compete for those jobs, we as an organization are playing a pivotal role of bringing multiple partners to the table to achieve the goal of creating a Douglas County for all.
I work hard to ensure Douglas County’s needs are being balanced for the entire population. From 2017 - 2020, I served as the State Lead for National Skills Coalition Business Leaders United and created the model that is being used to create state chapters in 14 other states.
In 2019, the National Skills Coalition presented me the Taking Care of Business Award. This award is presented to one individual in the country who has worked to increase the platform of skills policy at the Federal and State Levels.
In 2023, I was presented the "Equalize-HER" awards at the Douglas County Celebrate-HER Women's Award event.
I currently serve as the Advisory Board Chair of the Douglas County United Way and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council for the Douglas County Chamber.
And, the coolest thing so far, a large corporation who moved into Douglas County named their building “The Breezy.” I thought I would need to donate millions of dollars to get my name on a building!
Deepa Xavier
Project Manager
Education
Georgia State University Bachelor of Business Administration; Hospitality Administration
Certifications
Six Sigma Green Belt
About Me
What I love about being the Project Manager for Douglas County is being able to see the growth of the community on a day-to-day basis. This community is full of such welcoming, diverse people, and seeing them all work together for the betterment of the county is wonderful. I have been able to participate in a few of the community events and have witnessed the impact a company like Elevate Douglas can make. I am excited to be a part of a team that works so hard to make such a great community prosper.
I work hard to ensure the best is not only being brought to Douglas County but that we continue to nourish those currently existing within our community. With that comes the task of making sure our workforce talent is constantly being utilized where it can be. Being able to assist in people finding employment and providing education opportunities for those who can qualify are highlights of this position.
So many exciting possibilities lie ahead for Douglas County and its community. I look forward to continuously learning about the community and how I can actively participate in being a part of its success story.
Rachel Ash
Project Manager
Education
Point University | Bachelor of Business Administration and Management
Certifications
Six Sigma Green Belt
Project Management Associate
About Me
In the works...