Speakers

We would like to thank Alliance members Melvin and Steven Kruger for helping us secure two esteemed speakers—Chris Clark, president and chief executive officer of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Kirby Godsey, former president and chief executive officer of Mercer University.

Chris Clark is considered to be one of the bright young rising stars in state government during the past decade. He began his public service career in 1977 as president of the Hawkinsville Chamber of Commerce. Later, he became president of the Fayette County Development Authority. In 2003, he was named deputy commissioner with the state Department of Economic Development. In 2007, Mr. Clark was named executive director of the state Environmental Facilities Authority. And in 2009, he served as commissioner of the Georgia Department of National Resources until being unanimously chosen as the president of the Georgia Chamber in 2010.

Being a native of Fitzgerald, Ga., he earned his bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University and received his master's degree in public administration from Georgia College and State University. Currently, he serves on the state board for the Department of Economic Development as an ex officio member, the Georgia Academy for Economic Development board of directors and the advisory board for the college of Liberal Arts at Georgia Southern University. He is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and served as president of the Georgia Economic Developers Association in 2009. Mr. Clark will speak about issues that will influence our businesses in the next decade.

Dr. R. Kirby Godsey served 27 years as president and chief executive officer of Mercer University. During his tenure, enrollment grew to more than 7,300 and the endowment increased to more than $200 million, with another $300 million in planned giving commitments.

The 178-year-old institution experienced its most significant growth in size and prominence under his leadership, becoming one of the most comprehensive universities of its size in the nation. He established seven of the university's eleven schools and colleges. He also led the merger of the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing with Mercer. As a tribute to Dr. Godsey and his enduring legacy of leadership, the Mercer University board of trustees voted to name the historic administration building in Macon campus in his honor. At the same meeting, trustees named Dr. Godsey as chancellor and university professor.

In addition to serving as chancellor of Mercer, Dr. Godsey is chairman of the board of Birch Communications in Atlanta; a director of NewTown Builders LLC; and a member of the Bibb County Development Authority in Macon, Ga. Dr. Godsey is an author, frequent lecturer, and consultant for leadership and higher education administration.