Georgia’s Rural Center for Innovation and Prosperity has officially moved from the University System of Georgia to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, according to an announcement made by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. Along with this transition, Charles “Charlie” Fiveash has been named as the center’s new Executive Director, starting August 15, 2025. Fiveash was recommended by Commissioner Harper and approved unanimously by the Georgia Rural Development Council.
Since it began in 2018, projects managed by Georgia’s Rural Center have generated over $408 million in investments for rural areas across the state. The Department of Agriculture intends to continue supporting these initiatives under its oversight.
“We are incredibly excited that Georgia’s Rural Center is now housed at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and we look forward to leveraging existing resources through GDA and Georgia Grown to build upon and expand the great work the Rural Center is already doing,” said Commissioner Harper. “We’re equally excited to welcome Charlie Fiveash, who brings nearly 35 years of experience, to the Rural Center team, and I look forward to working closely with Charlie to make investments and build prosperity in Rural Georgia.”
Fiveash comes from Brunswick, Georgia. Before this appointment, he served as Executive Director of Partnership Habersham in Habersham County. He has more than three decades of experience in commercial real estate development, economic development, and workforce development. Fiveash holds a degree from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from Georgia College & State University. He serves on the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia along with several other organizations.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the team at the Department of Agriculture and Georgia’s Rural Center and look forward to continuing the efforts being made to positively impact the rural communities in our state,” said Fiveash. “With the support of the Georgia Rural Development Council, I hope to identify Georgia’s rural sectors and communities with the most pressing needs and foster partnerships that create meaningful progress.”
Jim Matney, Chairman of the Georgia Rural Development Council stated: “The Rural Center has had excellent leadership since its inception. The council is excited to continue promoting, advocating for, and sharing about rural Georgia with Charlie Fiveash at the helm while working with the Georgia Department of Agriculture as it strives to advance these communities within our state.”
Georgia’s Rural Center was created through House Bill 951 in 2018 which authorized it statewide responsibility for collaborating with both communities and private entities on innovation-driven investment projects aimed at improving general welfare in rural regions. A subsequent bill—House Bill 495—facilitated its transfer from university oversight to that of agriculture authorities.
Projects undertaken by the center have impacted all 159 counties throughout metro, suburban, and rural areas via regional or statewide programs; direct project benefits have reached 73 counties where support was needed most.
