Robert E. Gordon Jr., a public finance lawyer and former UGA Public Service and Outreach faculty member, has been named director of the Archway Partnership, effective April 13.
From 2010 to 2014, Gordon served as economic development and fiscal analysis unit manager for the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, a unit of the UGA Office of Public Service and Outreach, which also includes the Archway Partnership.
“Rob’s experience with outreach programs at UGA and his familiarity with communities in Georgia made him the perfect candidate for the position,” said Jennifer Frum, vice president for public service and outreach. “His expertise in economic and community development will boost the efforts we are making in Archway communities throughout Georgia to help attract jobs, develop leaders and solve critical issues.”
As director of the Archway Partnership, Gordon will oversee work being done in eight communities now actively involved in the Archway program. Through that partnership, an Archway professional is based in each community and serves as its contact with UGA, bringing resources from the university to help address issues identified by community residents.
Communities currently active in Archway are Sandersville, Tennille/Washington County, Hart County, Americus/Sumter County, Hawkinsville/Pulaski County, Dalton/Whitfield County, Cairo/Grady County, Habersham County and Metter/Candler County.
Griffin/Spalding County will become an Archway Partnership community in July.