-News Release-
Matthew Thomas
The Rome Floyd County Development Authority has selected Matthew Thomas, a seasoned economic development professional, as the sole finalist for their president and chief executive officer position.
Jimmy Byars, chair of the board, made the announcement on Monday.
Thomas currently serves as deputy director of the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development, a position he has held since August of 2023.
“Matthew is a perfect fit for our community and the region,” Byars said. “He was born in Dalton; has worked for the past 16 years in the economic development field with both chambers of commerce and development authorities in north Georgia; and has a proven track record of successful economic development projects from both new companies and existing industries. His experience level will be a tremendous resource for Rome and Floyd County.”
In his current role, Thomas is charged with leading all existing industry efforts by maintaining close relationships with Bartow County’s 210- plus manufacturing companies. He has been a key player in several new projects locating in the region, including the recruitment of Hyundai SK Battery Manufacturing of America, Yakult America, and Hanwha Qcells.
Thomas has held positions with the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce as Workforce Development Director, the City of Alpharetta as Economic Development Manager, and the City of Canton as Economic Development Manager. He earned a BBA in Economics from the University of West Georgia.
“The opportunity with the Rome Floyd Development Authority provides me with an incredible chance to lead an economic development organization that has a very successful track record of strategically attracting new investments to a community and taking care of their existing businesses,” Thomas stated. “If there is one thing that I have learned from each stop on my career path, it is that economic development is a team sport. I look forward to becoming a part of the Rome and Floyd County team.”
Other members of the development authority professional staff include Heather Seckman, Project Manager; JR Davis, Project Director; and Mary Grace Selman, Project Manager.
In addition to Byars, other members of the development authority board include: Jim Bojo, Mayor of Rome; Doc Kibler, Northwest Georgia LLC; Lowery May, community volunteer; Evie McNiece, Accounting Solutions Plus; Ryan Miller, VT Industries; and Rhonda Wallace, Chair of the Floyd County Commission and River City Bank.
Advisors to the board include Andy Davis, of Davis Lucas Carter LLP; Jamie McCord, Floyd County Manager; and Sammy Rich, Rome City Manager.
In accordance with Georgia law, Thomas’ background materials will be available for public review for a period of 14 days before final consideration of employment. According to Byars, the authority plans to hold a called meeting on September 8, 2026, at 9:00 am for the purpose of voting on Thomas as the new president and chief executive officer.
Spencer Hogg, the previous president of the authority, was tapped by newly elected Congressman Clay Fuller to become his chief of staff in Washington, DC, in March of this year, creating the opening at the authority.
The Chason Group (TCG), a firm specializing in leadership placement for economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations, and nonprofit entities, conducted the executive search for the development authority.
