Development Authority of Douglas County and Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership Announce Breezy Straton as New Executive Director and President & CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2026

Douglas County, GA — The Development Authority of Douglas County Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Breezy Straton, MPA, CEcD, as the organization’s new Executive Director and will serve as President & CEO of Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership, effective April 21, 2026.

Straton brings more than a decade of leadership in economic development, workforce strategy, and industry partnerships in Douglas County and across Georgia. A certified economic developer (CEcD), she has built a strong reputation for advancing business‑ready infrastructure, strengthening employer relationships, and aligning workforce systems to meet industry needs.

She previously served in senior leadership roles within the organizations, where she led programs focused on business recruitment, existing industry support, workforce alignment, incentives, compliance, and regional collaboration. Her work has helped to position Douglas County as a destination where businesses can grow, talent can thrive, and investment can take root.

Straton holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Mercer University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia, with concentrations in social policy and quasi‑government entities. She has been recognized widely for her leadership, including the Regal Award by Douglas-Carroll-Paulding Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated (2017), Taking Care of Business Award by National Skills Coalition (2019), Top 40 Under 40 West Georgia (2021), Douglas County Women of the Year Award – Equalize‑HER Recipient (2023), Trailblazer Award from the Douglas County Community Awards (2025), and Douglas County Chamber Founders Leadership Award (2025). These honors reflect her long‑standing commitment to business‑driven workforce policy, community advancement, and collaborative economic development.

Board Leadership Welcomes Straton to the Role

“Douglas County is experiencing unprecedented opportunity. Breezy understands both the scale of that opportunity and the responsibility we have to ensure that growth strengthens our workforce, supports our existing industries, and enhances quality of life. She is the right leader for this next chapter,” said Mike Stephens, Board Chair, Development Authority of Douglas County and Sr. Vice President at ServisFirst Bank.

“Breezy has been instrumental in driving Douglas County’s economic momentum, and her leadership comes at a pivotal moment for our community,” said Gary Miller, Chairman of the Elevate Douglas Board of Directors and President/CEO of GreyStone Power Corporation. “Her ability to bring partners together — from industry to education to local government — reflects exactly the kind of collaborative spirit that has fueled our county’s growth. The Board is confident that under her leadership, Elevate Douglas will continue building an economy that works for every resident and every business.”

A Vision for Continued Growth and Shared Prosperity

As Executive Director and President, Straton will lead the organizations’ mission to build a globally competitive, resilient economy that expands opportunity for all who live and work in Douglas County. Her priorities will include:

• Strengthening partnerships with existing industries
• Advancing workforce and talent development initiatives
• Supporting local business growth and entrepreneurship
• Attracting new investment and high‑quality jobs
• Enhancing the county’s long‑term economic competitiveness

“I am honored to serve Douglas County in this role,” Straton said. “This community is full of talent, innovation, and possibility. I look forward to working with our partners to build on the strong foundation we’ve created and to ensure that our economic growth continues to benefit residents, businesses, and future generations.”

About Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership

Elevate Douglas serves as the single point of contact for economic development in Douglas County, representing both the Development Authority of Douglas County and the City of Douglasville Development Authority. The organization leads business recruitment, existing industry support, workforce development, and strategic initiatives that strengthen the county’s long‑term competitiveness and quality of life.