Pat Wilson Named Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Division

ATLANTA, August 2, 2010 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Pat Wilson has been appointed as the agency's Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce, effective August 2.  He will lead Georgia's global efforts to attract jobs and investments through new, existing, relocating and expanding businesses in the nation and abroad.  Wilson previously served on the staff of Governor Sonny Perdue, and assumes the role formerly held by current GDEcD commissioner Heidi Green. 'While we hate to lose Pat and his ability to communicate important policy issues with the legislature and other key stakeholders, our loss is Georgia's gain,' said Governor Sonny Perdue.  'Pat will take those same skills to his new position and help sell Georgia to the world.' 'Pat's background in government affairs and keen abilities to build and foster relationships throughout government and the private sector uniquely equip him to lead Georgia's ongoing commitment to be a leader in the global marketplace,' said GDEcD Commissioner Heidi Green.  'I am excited to welcome Pat to our team, and look forward to his leadership and insight as we continue the work of growing Georgia's economy.' Prior to joining GDEcD, Wilson served on the staff of Governor Perdue as the director of government affairs.  In that position, he led efforts to promote Governor Perdue's legislative agenda at the State Capitol as well as managed federal affairs for the state of Georgia. He previously served as director of federal affairs for the state, opening the Washington, D.C. office in 2005. There he worked to promote the state's agenda with the U.S. Congress and federal agencies as the Governor's representative to the Georgia congressional delegation. Wilson also worked previously for the late U.S. Senator Paul D. Coverdell, then Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the Foreign Relations Committee. Wilson is a Franklin Springs, Georgia native, and holds an undergraduate degree in political science with a focus on international relations and a minor in German from the University of Georgia. About GDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.  For more information, visit www.georgia.org.