< Driving Forsyth: Road Improvements and a Transportation Summit

Chamber Announces New Vice President of Economic Development

---

Robert D. Long has been named Vice President of Economic Development for the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.   He will assume his new duties on November 16.

“The Chamber conducted an extensive search over the past three months to find a seasoned professional who can move our community forward in the areas of job growth and marketing,” said James McCoy, president of the Chamber.  “Robert has the skill set and knowledge to lead our organization to a new level and build upon the solid foundation put in place over the past ten years.”

Long currently serves as the economic development director for the Gwinnett County Planning and Development Department and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).  The CEcD, administered by the International Economic Development Council, is the leading industry designation in the field.  The program allows professionals in the economic development arena an opportunity to develop core competencies across the breadth of topics necessary to being a well-rounded and successful leader in the industry.

“The secret is out.  Forsyth is a fantastic place to raise a family, operate a business, and become an entrepreneur,” said Long. “I am excited to be joining the Chamber at this time of tremendous growth and opportunity.”

Responsibilities in Gwinnett for Long include project management and support, incentive negotiations, and fiscal impact analysis.  During his tenure, he has participated in nearly $345 million of new investments for businesses and the creation of more than 3,500 jobs.

From 2008 through 2012, Long served as Executive Director of the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership in Darlington, South Carolina.  He was in charge of all industrial, distribution and service-related projects considering expansion or relocation to the area.  Long has also held positions with the Economic Development Partnership in Aiken, South Carolina. 

The new Vice President graduated with a Master of Science in Demography from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Long, his wife Tara, and their two daughters will be moving to Forsyth County. 

Randall Toussaint served previously as Vice President of Economic Development for the Chamber before stepping down in August to relocate to Washington, D.C. with his wife and son.  Kerry Campbell, a retired Georgia Power executive and also a CEcD, has been serving in the role since August and will work with Long during a transition period.

---