Governor Perdue Recommends Chris Clark as GEFA Director

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he recommended and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) Board of Directors has approved Chris Clark as the next Executive Director of the agency. Clark is the current deputy commissioner for global commerce at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).

"Chris has served on the front lines recruiting new business and jobs to Georgia, and now he will play a major role in developing our state's energy program and protecting our natural environment," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "His experience and knowledge of economic development will make GEFA another asset in our recruitment efforts."

Clark joined GDEcD in 2003. In that time, he was instrumental in recruiting a new Kia Motors assembly plant to West Point, opening new state international offices in Brazil and China, pairing Georgia's research capabilities with private industry through the Centers of Innovation program and beginning a certification process allowing cities and counties that value small business growth to be designated "Entrepreneur Friendly."

"GEFA has a long history of professional excellence and I look forward to continuing that legacy," Clark said. "Energy and conservation are two issues that are critical to the future of our state and I look forward to working with the public and private sectors, non-profits and local governments to find solutions that make Georgia a national leader in these areas."

GEFA administers a wide variety of programs that provide financial assistance and other support services to improve Georgia's environment. GEFA's program focus areas are water, wastewater, solid waste, recycling, energy efficiency and fuel storage tanks for local governments, other state agencies and non-profit organizations. GEFA also manages the Governor's Land Conservation Program and provides financing for a variety of environmental programs.

More information can be found about GEFA at www.gefa.org .

A native of Fitzgerald, Clark graduated with a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University and holds an M.A. in Public Administration from Georgia College and State University. Along with his wife Tiffany and son Christian, he resides near Peachtree City in Fayette County.

Greg Mason, who has served as GEFA's interim director, will return to his role as deputy director.