McKenzie Padgett is the Director of Business Development at the Development Authority. She is in charge of communicating the unique advantages of locating in the Golden Isles, project management for incoming businesses, and building strong partner relationships. McKenzie also develops and leads strategic programs, like Keep Glynn Running, that strengthen our region’s business climate.

McKenzie and her husband Aaron are native to Statesboro, Georgia. They have been Glynn County residents for 10 years and currently reside in Downtown Brunswick. They are both avid outdoor enthusiasts and have enjoyed spending time exploring the waterways, trails, and beaches that are unique to the Golden Isles.

Vanessa is the Director of Business Development and Strategic Programs at the Development Authority. She is in charge of communicating the unique advantages of locating in the Golden Isles, project management for incoming businesses, and building strong partner relationships. Vanessa also develops and leads strategic programs, like Keep Glynn Running, that strengthen our region’s business climate. She brings to the organization more than ten years of marketing and program development experience with economic development, small business, and international organizations.

Vanessa and her husband Evan are native to Buffalo, New York. After nearly eleven years living in Northern Virgina, they relocated to the Golden Isles and currently reside on St. Simon’s Island. They are both avid outdoor enthusiasts and have enjoyed spending time exploring the waterways, trails, and beaches that are unique to the Golden Isles. Vanessa also volunteers with Glynn County Animal Services, Out Georgia Business Alliance, and serves on the Board of STAR Foundation of Coastal Georgia.