News Summary
Georgia’s Rural Center for Innovation and Prosperity has transitioned from the University System of Georgia to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Appointed as the new Executive Director, Charlie Fiveash aims to build on the center’s success in economic revitalization for rural areas. The move, backed by the Georgia Rural Development Council, seeks to enhance support for rural development projects and leverage resources for underserved communities, with a focus on tailored solutions and partnerships.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia’s Rural Center for Innovation and Prosperity has officially transitioned from the University System of Georgia to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, as announced by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. This shift signifies a new administrative phase for the Rural Center, which has made substantial contributions toward the economic revitalization of rural areas across the state.
Effective August 15, 2025, Charlie Fiveash has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Rural Center. This appointment, recommended by Commissioner Harper, received unanimous support from the Georgia Rural Development Council, highlighting a shared vision for the center’s future.
Since its establishment in 2018, the Rural Center has successfully facilitated over $408 million in investments aimed at enhancing rural Georgia. As it transitions to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the goal is to build upon this success by leveraging various available resources, including those from the Georgia Grown initiative. The Department of Agriculture anticipates that this transition will enable them to better support rural development projects and expedite economic growth in underserved communities.
Charlie Fiveash brings nearly 35 years of experience in commercial real estate development, economic development, and workforce development to his new role. A native of Brunswick, Georgia, Fiveash most recently served as the Executive Director of Partnership Habersham, a regional economic development organization. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Georgia College & State University. In addition to his academic credentials, Fiveash serves on the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia and is actively involved in various professional, civic, and faith-based organizations.
Fiveash’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders involved in rural development initiatives in Georgia. Jim Matney, Chairman of the Georgia Rural Development Council, expressed optimism regarding Fiveash’s leadership, indicating that he will adeptly guide the center through its new phase under the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
The Rural Center was created through legislation passed in 2018, specifically House Bill 951, which mandated the operation of the center to promote the general welfare and business opportunities in rural Georgia. The recent House Bill 495 facilitated the relocation of the center’s operations to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, underscoring a commitment to the needs of rural communities.
To date, the Rural Center has actively engaged in projects impacting all 159 counties in Georgia, directly influencing the economic landscape in 73 of those counties. The center’s initiatives have demonstrated a substantial return on investment, boasting a remarkable 132:1 return ratio on funding received from the CRPI (Community Revitalization and Prosperity Initiative) funds.
The strategic focus of the Rural Center will remain on identifying rural sectors and communities that face pressing challenges. Through a commitment to fostering partnerships for progress, the center aims to enhance collaboration among various stakeholders. This approach is expected to facilitate targeted investments and innovative solutions tailored to the distinct needs of rural Georgia.
With Charlie Fiveash at the helm, the Georgia Department of Agriculture looks forward to sustaining and amplifying the positive impact of the Rural Center, thereby driving sustainable economic development and improving the quality of life for residents in rural areas across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Valdosta Today
- Wikipedia: Rural America
- Morning Ag Clips
- Google Search: Georgia cotton producers
- Albany Herald
- Google Scholar: rural prosperity summit
- AJC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Georgia Recorder
- Google News: University System of Georgia
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