Chamblee Names New Development Director

With experience in economic development planning, business retention and expansion and at managing multi-million-dollar capital improvement projects, Vicki D. Coleman, AICP, joins the city of Chamblee as its new development director.

Coleman joined the Department of Development in October following an extensive selection process. During the October 13, 2011 City Council work session, Council members voted unanimously to approve her hiring. Coleman reports to City Manager Niles Ford. “We are very excited about Vicki being on our team,” says Ford. “She comes with significant experience in planning and development and a strong background in fostering productive relationships with businesses.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the city of Chamblee,” says Coleman, who previously served with Fulton County Government. “I look forward to working with city leaders so that we may create an environment where people want to live and do business within the city. My immediate goals will include getting to know Chamblee's business leaders. One of the best ways to attract new business to Chamblee is to ensure the existing businesses are happy. They are often your best marketing tool.” 

With Fulton County, Coleman served both as a business relations manager for Economic Development and Business Services and as a comprehensive planner for the county’s Environment and Community Development office for nine years.

Coleman received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Virginia and a master of public administration degree through the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies from Georgia State University. She also is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Some of Coleman’s responsibilities as development director include coordinating with the city manager to create new economic development programs, as well as overseeing planning, zoning and development review for the city.

As another of her immediate goals in her new position, she plans to “spend a great deal of time learning Chamblee's permitting and plan review process,” Coleman says.  “It is not only important that Chamblee has development that is safe and attractive, but that it also has a streamlined regulatory process in order to encourage and promote economic development.”