Pat Wilson has served as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) since 2016, leading the state’s efforts in job creation through business recruitment and innovation, trade, tourism, and the arts, film, and entertainment industries. Under his leadership, Georgia has been consistently recognized as the No. 1 state in the nation to do business, earning this distinction for a record 11 consecutive years.
During Wilson’s tenure through the first quarter of 2025, Georgia has experienced record-breaking economic growth. His leadership has led to more than 3,200 secured projects, the creation of more than 260,000 new jobs, and nearly $120 billion in investment in projects across the state. The state has also set records for film production, tourism, and trade, attaining four years of record-setting exports from 2021-2024. Wilson’s strategic vision and emphasis on relationship-building have earned widespread recognition for the Department. He has personally been recognized as Georgian of the Year by Georgia Trend and James magazines, and as Georgia’s Creative Champion of 2023 for his efforts in promoting the state’s thriving film, television, and digital entertainment industries.
Prior to becoming Commissioner, Wilson served as GDEcD’s Chief Operating Officer, where he managed daily operations and long-term strategy. He originally joined the Department in 2010 as Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce. Before that, he served as Director of Federal Affairs for the State of Georgia under then-Governor Sonny Perdue, where he represented the state’s interests in Washington, D.C., and as Director of Governmental Affairs for Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Wilson began his career working on Capitol Hill as a staff member for U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell (R-GA) and later for then-Congressman Nathan Deal (R-GA).
A native of Franklin Springs, Georgia, Wilson earned his degree in political science with a focus on international relations from the University of Georgia.