< 2018 MODL Award Winners

Vakili to serve as a County Liaison as Economic Development Director

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New Position Created

With new efforts to attract businesses to locate or expand in Forsyth County, the Forsyth County government appointed Vivian Vakili to the position of Economic Development Director. This went into effect on October 1, 2018. Vivian will be working closely with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority of Forsyth County to work with businesses. They will help them settle and expand in Forsyth County.

“Vivian’s knowledge and experience, partnered with the resources within the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority of Forsyth County, provides us the optimal team to assist existing businesses to expand, while attracting new businesses to locate in our community. These resources leverage our exceptional quality of life, low taxes, outstanding schools and highly educated work force.”

- Forsyth County Manager, Eric Johnson.

About Vakili

Vakili received a bachelor's degree in architecture from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Emory University. She holds the American Institute of Certified Planners certification from the American Planning Association. She also received the LEED Accredited Professional certification from the United States Green Building Council.

After leaving school, Vakili worked in both the public and private sectors. She focused on land development, specifically feasibility studies and due diligence for sites across the United States. In 2016 she joined Forsyth County and served as development services manager within the county’s Planning and Community Development Department. There, she managed the building permit, current planning and inspections divisions.

Economic Development Director

Together, Vakili, the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority of Forsyth County will implement the county’s newly adopted economic development strategic plan. TIP Strategies created this plan at the request of the Chamber of Commerce and it was presented at a special meeting on August 28, 2018, to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. View the presentation here.

In addition, the liaison position will help businesses navigate and progress through the processes of working with various county departments.

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