ELEVATE DOUGLAS ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP PRESIDENT CHRIS PUMPHREY RESIGNS

“After years of progress, stability and a strong focus on the needs of Douglas County, President Chris Pumphrey announces resignation. Breezy Straton will assume the role of Interim President”

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA., November 18, 2025 — Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership announces the departure of President Chris Pumphrey, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Development Authority of Douglas County. He will conclude over fourteen (14) years of service leading the organization that serves as the single point of contact for economic development in Douglas County. Elevate Douglas represents both the Development Authority of Douglas County and the City of Douglasville Development Authority.

Pumphrey shaped a period marked by strong business recruitment, improved alignment across local jurisdictions and expanded community partnerships. He has been responsible for leading the recruitment of companies such as Zoetis, Microsoft, Lionsgate Studios, ResMed, and overseeing expansions by Google and Medline Industries, yielding nearly $10 billion in capital investment and over 5,000 new jobs.

He worked closely with public and private stakeholders to balance community interests with real estate development needs. His policy work supported local government leaders by evaluating new approaches to growth and identifying the projected effects of such policies on business attraction and retention.

Under his leadership, the city and county unified economic development under a single entity and committed to a joint strategic plan which ultimately led to the founding of Elevate Douglas. Pumphrey strengthened the organization’s workforce development efforts. He advanced programs that improved communication between employers and job seekers, supported talent readiness and positioned Douglas County as a model in workforce strategy. His leadership helped elevate the county’s profile among regional and state partners.

“Always at the forefront of change, Chris redefined and refined what economic development could look like and what could be achieved working collaboratively,” Development Authority of Douglas County Chairman Michael J. Stephens said. “Chris helped harness the collective strengths of the County and City Authorities.”

His ability to represent the county’s story to industry partners and investors made him a respected voice in the economic development field. “He has positioned us well for the future and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his vision, patience, and the resilience he brought to the role.” Stephens said.

With his departure effective December 12, 2025, Elevate Douglas names Breezy Straton, current Vice President, as Interim President while a search for a new President begins.

Learn more about Chris Pumphrey and Breezy Straton