A paved path winds beneath large oak trees draped with Spanish moss in a sunlit, wooded area of the Golden Isles.
A cable-stayed bridge spans a wide river beneath a partly cloudy sky in the golden isles, with a large cargo ship labeled DEM FIVE passing underneath.
Aerial view of a sandy beach in the golden isles, with scattered grass patches, gentle waves, and a few people walking near the shoreline.

About GIDA

2025-2026

Board of Governors

Bill Dawson (Chair)
Retired, General Manager of Operations
Georgia Ports Authority

Daren Pietsch (Vice Chair)
President
Torras Companies

Greer Anderson (Secretary/Treasurer)
Regional Banking Manager
United Community Bank

Richard B. Nixon, Jr.
South Atlantic Gulf Coast District Representative
International Longshoremen

Walter Rafolski
Vice Chairman
Glynn County Commission

Staff

Ryan Moore
President & CEO
Golden Isles Development Authority

McKenzie Padgett
Director of Business Development
Golden Isles Development Authority

Sherri Pruitt
Director of Business Retention and Expansion
Golden Isles Development Authority

Joan Hearn
Financial Administrator
Golden Isles Development Authority

Mission

Promote economic prosperity for Brunswick and Glynn County by assisting retention and expansion of existing industries, securing new diversified industry locations, and creating job opportunities and investments.

Shared Vision

Working together to make Brunswick and the Golden Isles an exceptional place in Georgia to live, work, and visit by strengthening our communities and enhancing the quality of life.

Organizations across Brunswick have come together to form a Shared Vision for the community.

Four adults stand in front of a brick building, smiling at the camera. Three women and one man, wearing gida nametags, are dressed in business casual attire.
Eight adults stand in front of a building entrance, posing for a group photo on a sunny day. There are trees and flowers around the walkway.

Core Values

Flexible Leadership

We are dynamic, adaptable generalists. We value and respect each other’s time in and out of the office. We collaborate where possible, but lead when necessary.

Accountability

We hold ourselves accountable – good or bad. We do not pass the buck.

Bold Initiative

We are bold. We act decisively and embrace change. We are willing to fail fast and move on. We believe none of us is as smart as all of us.

Empathetic Collaboration

We listen. We seek opportunities and provide solutions by treating our partners like the individuals they are. We innovate and encourage all members of our community to contribute. We foster open-mindedness, compassion, and inclusion among the various groups we support.

We Invite You To Stay Connected

Download Full FY 2025-26 Report

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