John Riddle will begin work as President & CEO of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Industrial Development Authority on April 15. Currently, he is the Vice President of Marketing & Development for Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia and Executive Director of the GMC Foundation.

Riddle sees Southeast Georgia as a place for great potential in the next several years. Wayne County is the “crossroads of Southeast Georgia” he said. As such, it has a “great opportunity to attract new industry, expand current businesses and create jobs for its citizens.”  Also, making Wayne County more enticing to attract additional tourism is important.

A priority will be new programs that will help create a more entrepreneur friendly environment where businesses can grow and prosper. “The most efficient way to create new jobs is through existing business,” he stated.

He has worked extensively as a volunteer with the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce and believes that a strong Chamber is the building block of economic development. “Building the membership base is vital to keeping the Chamber strong and dynamic. We must enhance member benefits, encourage participation and promote programs that are meaningful and relevant to business owners,” he stated.

Riddle is a native of Jesup and a graduate of Wayne County High School. His wife, Connie, and their three boys, Hux (12), Bowen (9) and Ki (6) reside in Suwanee, Ga. His family will move to Jesup after school is complete in late May.