Putnam Development Authority (PDA) Board Chairman, Walter C. Rocker, III announced that Patrick Topping has joined the PDA as the Authority’s new Interim Director of Economic Development.  Topping, working with the Board, will lead the PDA’s new business and industry recruitment and existing business and industry retention programs.  He’ll be responsible for expanding awareness of Eatonton and Putnam County among Project Managers for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power, Georgia EMC, Location Georgia and other groups involved with making Georgia the Best Place For business for 6 straight years.

“The PDA is committed to attracting business and industry to Eatonton/Putnam County and the Authority feels that someone with Pat’s experience, relationships and economic development knowledge can really help us take advantage of the assets Putnam County offers to new and existing business and industry,” states Walt Rocker, III, Chairman of the Putnam Development Authority.  “Having the South Industrial Park GRAD certified will attract looks from businesses and industries,” continues Rocker.

For 21 years Topping led the economic development program for the Macon Economic Development Commission, the public/private agency responsible for new business recruitment and existing business and industry retention and growth in Macon-Bibb County.  Earlier in his career he served as President of the Milledgeville/Baldwin County and Cumming/Forsyth County Chambers of Commerce.

Topping is past Chairman of the Georgia Economic Developers Association and also served as Georgia’s State Director to the Southern Economic Development Council. He has been recognized by both groups for ‘Excellence in Economic Development.’ Topping has been active in state, regional, and national economic development associations.  “I have been involved in economic development for over 25 years, all in Georgia”, states Topping. “Georgia’s economic development community has a great reputation; I’m looking forward to showing what Eatonton and Putnam County has to offer business and industry.” 

Topping also has been a part time faculty member at Georgia College and State University and Middle Georgia State University, where he taught courses in marketing and business.  Pat received his undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and holds an MBA from Georgia College and State University.