Butts County is the perfect solution to your business’ logistical needs.

Bob White joined the staff of the Development Authority as Executive Director in October 2018. A veteran of more than 30 years of experience as an economic developer, Bob has served at both the statewide and local level in Georgia. He was Assistant Director of Economic Development for the Atlanta Gas Light Company before joining the Henry County Development Authority as executive director in 1995. In Henry County, Georgia's 8th largest county, Bob managed all economic development initiatives and between 1995 and 2015, he was directly involved in the recruitment and/or expansion of some 70 industries representing the addition of more than $1 Billion in new capital investment.

Bob is a Certified Economic Developer, and a longtime member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), and in 2011 served as Chairman of the statewide organization. In 2012, he was named to Georgia Trend magazine's "100 Most Influential Georgians".  Bob is a graduate of the University of Georgia, and the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. He is a veteran of the United States Army.

Melissa Griffin joined the staff of the Development Authority as the Existing Industry/Workforce Development Coordinator in January 2022. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. She has 36 years of professional experience in the education and business arena, co-owning a real estate company, serving as an assistant principal and CTAE Director for Jackson High School, and the Executive Director for Heartland-A Division Foothills Education Charter High School.

Melissa’s professional experience informs her work as the Existing Industry/Workforce Development Coordinator. She has expertise in planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive program for students in career and technical education. Working to enhance opportunities for schools to partner with community and business leaders to better the lives of students and the communities in which they live is her passion.