Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal nominated Chris Carr, (Delta Beta/University of Georgia 1995) to succeed Chris Cummiskey as the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Brother Carr began the position in earlier this month.
The Department of Economic Development is the marketing arm of the state and part of a vast network of economic development partners in the state whose mission is to bring jobs and investment to Georgia. There are three main arms in the Department: (1) Global Commerce, which includes business recruitment and expansion and international trade; (2) Tourism; and (3) Film, Music and Digital Entertainment.
“My role as Commissioner will be to assist Georgia's Governor Nathan Deal and work side-by-side with our public and private sector economic development partners and the professionals within the Department to attract new business opportunities and investment to our state and to help grow those businesses that are already in Georgia,” said Carr.
Having worked for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson for last 10 years, Carr feels he has much to offer in his new position.
“I have a deep understanding of our state and what we bring to the table economically,” said Carr. “In addition, I have worked with many Georgians both in the private sector and at the state and local government levels, and, I believe, have established a network of Georgians who know me and know the experience I have working statewide,” he continued. “Finally, I understand that whether you are in politics or business, you must establish good relationships built on trust to be successful. I feel that I have that reputation and will be able to translate those qualities into a successful stint as Commissioner of Economic Development,” Carr added.
Carr wouldn’t comment on the specifics of future projects, but had this to say.
“Our Governor and my predecessor, Commissioner Chris Cummiskey, have had great success in bringing jobs and investment to Georgia,” said Carr. “Georgia is so fortunate to have tremendous logistical advantages, a central geographic location, a highly skilled workforce, and a business-friendly environment. In the past 3 years since the Governor took office, they have successfully attracted over 75,000 new jobs and over $14 billion in investment to Georgia. The old saying goes: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" So I look forward to work closely with the Governor to continue to be as successful a partner with him as my predecessor has been,” Carr said.
When asked if being a Theta Chi had helped to prepare him for this position, Carr responded by saying.
“I’ve said many times how I really learned all of the leadership principles that I’ve needed to be successful in public service during my time as an Executive Committee member at Delta Beta at the University of Georgia and on the InterFraternity Council. Whether you’re in Washington or at an IFC meeting, the fundamentals are the same.”
In what other ways has being a member of Theta Chi impacted his life?
“In addition to helping me develop organization skills, learn how to formulate and follow through on goals for the group, and establish good leadership skills and habits, some of my best friends in the world are guys that I met at the Delta Beta Chapter of Theta Chi,” said Carr. “I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of this great Fraternity,” he said.
Carr has served as chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson since 2007. Previously, he served as Isakson’s deputy chief of staff as well as campaign manager of his 2004 U.S. Senate race. Prior to his tenure with Isakson, Carr worked for Georgia-Pacific, as vice president of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation and as an attorney with Alston & Bird in Atlanta. He received his law degree and Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the University of Georgia.