McIntosh IDA board selects

sole finalist for top job

Special to The News

The McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has selected Brian Warner, an economic development professional currently serving in South Carolina, as the sole finalist for the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer position.

The announcement was made by Chris Harper, Chair of the McIntosh County IDA Board and Senior Vice President of Southeastern Bank in Darien.

“Over the past several years, the IDA has established a strong reputation for recruiting new companies and supporting the growth of existing industries in McIntosh County,” Harper said. “Brian shares that same enthusiasm and commitment to our community’s future. He brings valuable experience, strategic insight, and a results-driven approach that will help continue our momentum.”

Warner currently serves as Economic Development Specialist for the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation in Bluffton, South Carolina. Prior to that role, he worked as an Economic Development Project Manager with the Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance in Hampton, South Carolina, assisting companies seeking industrial sites for relocation and expansion.

After spending much of his early years in the metro Atlanta area, Warner earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Georgia Gwinnett College. He has further enhanced his professional expertise through the International Economic Development Council’s Basic Economic Development Course at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the South Carolina Economic Development Institute sponsored by the South Carolina Economic Development Association.

Warner is currently continuing his professional education through the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute toward the International Economic Development Council’s Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification.

“My experience in economic development has focused on rural and coastal communities,” Warner said. “McIntosh County has built a solid foundation for future industrial growth, and I look forward to joining the team to expand the tax base through new investment while supporting and retaining the businesses that already call the county home.”

The executive search process included three phases: stakeholder input, a nationwide recruitment effort, and a comprehensive candidate evaluation process that included written communications, interviews, and assessments.

Current President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Draffin announced his retirement plans late last year after helping establish a strong economic development brand for McIntosh County. Among his many accomplishments, Draffin led the effort to attract a $60 million cold storage facility owned by Ti Cold and Karis Cold to McIntosh County in 2025. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs for the community. Colette Fried serves as the IDA’s Director of Business Development.

In addition to Harper, the McIntosh County IDA Board includes Vice Chair Nancy Cobb, Secretary/Treasurer Cliff Sowell, Richard Braun, James McKinzie, Nate McNeil, and Byron Vaught.

In accordance with Georgia law, Warner’s application and résumé will be available for public review for 14 days before final consideration by the Board. Pending Board approval, Warner is expected to begin his new role on August 1.

The executive search was conducted by The Chason Group (TCG), a firm specializing in executive leadership placement for economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.

The IDA will hold a special called meeting on Thursday, July 9, at 8:30 a.m., to approve Warner for the position.