Ann Hanlon to succeed Don Bolia as Decide DeKalb chair

Don Bolia (Courtesy Decide DeKalb) After more than a decade, Decide DeKalb Development Authority Chairman Don Bolia has stepped down effective immediately. Bolia will be succeeded by Ann Hanlon, executive director of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, who brings extensive experience in regional planning, infrastructure, and economic strategy. Bolia spent 10 years on the authority, including seven years as chair. According to a press release. Bolia helped shape Decide DeKalb’s mission to drive business investment, workforce development, and community vitality. “When I joined the board, it was clear that DeKalb had untapped potential,” Bolia said in the press release. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to position this county as a destination for business — backed by strong staff, smart policy, and a vision for sustainable growth.”  During Bolia’s tenure, Decide DeKalb attracted major employers including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Hapag-Lloyd, State Farm, Sugar Bowl Bakery, The Home Depot, TriNet, and Assembly Studios. These companies and others represent $2.4 billion in investment and helped generate or retain more than 11,000 jobs across the county since 2020, according to the press release. Additionally, Decide DeKalb launched two workforce development programs, MADE in DeKalb Educator Fellowship and Industry Ready DeKalb Pre-Apprenticeship in partnership with DeKalb County School District and Georgia Piedmont Technical College.  The establishment and approval of two of the county’s five tax allocation districts across the county have also been major accomplishments under Bolia, the press release said. “Don’s leadership has been invaluable to this organization and to DeKalb’s progress as a whole,” Decide DeKalb President Dorian DeBarr said in the release. “Don’s ability to align policy with opportunity helped us generate real outcomes that directly and positively impact the business community and county residents. We’re grateful for his vision and service.” Ann Hanlon (Courtesy Decide DeKalb) Hanlon said she was honored to be named the next Decide DeKalb chair. “With a dynamic new CEO in Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, we’re focused on accelerating the momentum and making sure every corner of DeKalb benefits from inclusive and intentional growth,” Hanlon said in the release. Glianny Fagundo, Partner at Thompson Hine LLP, has also been appointed to DeKalb’s board as a member.   The post Ann Hanlon to succeed Don Bolia as Decide DeKalb chair appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.