Martin announces retirement from SCDA

Stephens County Development Authority Executive Director Tim Martin has announced his retirement.

Martin announced his decision last week before the Stephens County Development Authority Board of Directors.

His targeted last day is November 30, 2020; but, will remain in the role during the search for his successor and transition to a new executive director.

Stephens County Development Authority Chairman Brian Akin says it has been an honor to serve alongside Martin.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board for a large part of Tim’s tenure with the Development Authority, and I can truly say it’s been an honor to serve alongside him. Tim’s a man of character and integrity,” Akin said. “He’s always willing to put others before himself. Just aside from being a great person, he’s a great economic development director as well. His extensive list of contacts, both professional and personal, throughout the state and really the South East is going to be really hard to replace. We’re certainly going to miss Tim, and we want to wish him well in his retirement.”

Martin has been the development authority executive director since 2008.

During his time with the Development Authority, Martin has been instrumental in recruiting international company Sark Wire, and a second international company Nifco KTW. He also oversaw the growth of several existing companies, notably ASI.

Just recently, Patterson Pump finalized their approval for Foreign Trade Zone status and are now the furthest outpost with an operational FTZ from the Georgia Port at Savannah and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Through Martin’s leadership, Toccoa-Stephens County saw GRAD certified Hayestone Brady Business Park, the extension of the city’s sanitary sewer collection system along and south of Veterans Parkway, and the four-laning of GA-17 to Interstate-85.

Martin and his wife Esther Martin plan to stay in Toccoa after his retirement.

The Stephens County Development Authority plans to engage the executive search services of The Chason Group, Inc.

Expressions of interest in the vacant position should be directed to Janney E. Sanders, at Sanders, Ranck, and Skilling, located at 597 Big A Road, P.O. Box 1005, Toccoa, GA 30577.