Pat Wilson

Pat Wilson is the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), a position he has held since November 2016.1 As Commissioner, Wilson leads the state agency responsible for creating jobs and investment opportunities in Georgia through various initiatives including business recruitment and expansion, international trade, tourism, and the development of arts, film, and digital entertainment industries.1

Career Highlights

• Appointed Commissioner of GDEcD in November 2016 by former Governor Nathan Deal13
• Previously served as Chief Operating Officer of GDEcD from January 2011 until his appointment as Commissioner1
• Joined GDEcD as Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce in 20101
• Worked on the staff of Governor Sonny Perdue as Director of Government Affairs1
• Served as Director of Federal Affairs for the state of Georgia, opening the Washington, D.C. office in 20051

Achievements

Under Wilson's leadership, Georgia has consistently been recognized as the top state for doing business:

• Voted #1 state for business by Area Development magazine for 10 consecutive years1
• Ranked #1 by Site Selection magazine for 8 years in a row1
• GDEcD rated as the nation's best state-level economic development organization by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)1

Personal Background

• Native of Franklin Springs, Georgia1
• Holds an undergraduate degree in political science with a focus on international relations from the University of Georgia12
• Resides in Sandy Springs with his wife Melissa and their two children, Padgett and Carter1

Pat Wilson's leadership at the Georgia Department of Economic Development has been widely recognized, including being named "Georgian of the Year" by Georgia Trend magazine in 20234 and "Georgia Creative Champion of 2023"5, highlighting his significant contributions to the state's economic growth and creative industries.