Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) on April 16 named Patty Hart as vice president of Economic Development.
Hart has more than 25 years of experience at GNTC, serving as director of Economic Development since 2009. She served as GNTC’s Economic Development programs instructor and Work Ready coordinator from 2000-09.
“Patty has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to GNTC’s mission and the importance of aligning education and training with workforce needs across our region,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “As vice president of Economic Development, Patty will help lead our efforts to expand opportunities, support employers and drive growth across northwest Georgia.”
As vice president of Economic Development at GNTC, Hart will be responsible for the implementation of all initiatives sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia to enhance the economy of northwest Georgia. This includes providing support to the region’s community economic development enterprises and the development of locally-initiated economic development programs, including customized employee training, and locally-initiated continuing education programs throughout the college’s nine-county service area.
She will be actively involved in the recruitment of new industries and the expansion of existing businesses within GNTC’s service area and will serve as a local point of contact for Georgia Quick Start. Additionally, she will develop and maintain partnerships with area chambers of commerce, business leaders, local governments and community development leaders.
“Patty’s experience in her previous role as director of Economic Development has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this position,” said Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, GNTC executive vice president and chief academic officer. “In her new role, she will continue to strengthen partnerships and lead initiatives that support student success and workforce development.”
Hart earned a bachelor’s degree in Management at the University of West Georgia. She also completed graduate-level Computer Science courses at the City University, Bellevue, Washington.
“I am truly honored to step into this role and remain deeply committed to strengthening our partnerships with local industry and supporting workforce growth across our region,” Hart explained. “I am excited to build on our strong foundation by expanding customized training, enhancing continuing education opportunities and developing innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of our employers. I look forward to continuing to serve our communities and helping drive economic success throughout northwest Georgia.”
Hart is an ACT-Authorized WorkKeys Job Profiler and Certified Manufacturing Specialist (CMS) Trainer. She is also certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist and authorized as an OSHA Outreach Trainer.
She is certified by the State of Georgia as a Manufacturing Specialist and Customer Service Trainer.
She served 12 years on the Walker County Board of Education.
A member of the Georgia Continuing Education Association, she serves as that agency’s vice president of Marketing. She is also Workforce Readiness director for the Northwest Georgia Society for Human Resource Management.
She was named as Georgia’s Work Ready Administrator of the Year in 2009.
She is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, as well as Leadership Catoosa, Leadership Dalton-Whitfield, Leadership Murray and Leadership Walker County programs.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs. For more information about GNTC, visit our website.