Burnett appointed as Sandy Springs Economic Development director

Former Sandy Springs City Council member Chris Burnett has been appointed as the city’s economic development director.

Burnett, a 35-year resident of Sandy Springs, will start in the position on Aug. 15, according to a press release from the city.

Burnett will be tasked with implementing the city’s strategic economic development plan, facilitating economic development planning and initiatives, identifying and fostering targeted development opportunities, and securing funding for development activities and programs, according to the release. He will also work with businesses, local organizations and individuals with economic development-related needs.

Burnett told Rough Draft that the position interested him because Sandy Springs is important to his family personally and professionally. He’s excited to have a role that enables him to be one of the key ambassadors for the community.

“My long-time connections with business owners and real estate professionals coupled with my experience in structuring business transactions and raising debt and equity to finance them should make me uniquely qualified for this role,” he said. “Karen and I have lived in Sandy Springs for years and we really want our children and other young people like them to move back here, raise their families and build their careers here as we have. It is that intangible passion and commitment that is perhaps the most significant contribution I bring to this role.”

He said his banking and government experiences will undoubtedly give a unique perspective.

“From a banking standpoint, I understand what is required in business to be successful and from a political perspective, I understand the importance of balancing the desire for high-quality growth and prosperity with the goals and needs of our residents who we must be accountable to,” Burnett said.

Burnett said he’s had to respect and preserve that balance before in his role as a council member and will do the same now as the economic development director.

Burnett has served in community banking positions for more than 40 years, including president and CEO of three Atlanta banks: Eastside Bank & Trust, Horizon Bank and Cornerstone Bank. His most recent initiative was the founding of Bank of Sandy Springs in 2013 where he served as president. A series of merger transactions made the Bank of Sandy Springs part of SouthState Bank.

Burnett has served as senior vice president and area executive, managing SouthState’s northern Perimeter markets and its Government Banking Group for metro Atlanta in recent years. He also served on Sandy Springs City Council for District 3 from 2016 to 2021. He serves on the Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Sandy Springs Civic Fund, and Special Olympics of Georgia.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our team at Sandy Springs officially,” said City Manager Eden Freeman. “We’ve refocused our strategy on redevelopment versus new development, and as we prioritize revitalization projects like the North End and City Springs Phase II, Chris’ expertise will be vital. His experience in banking sets us apart from other Metro Atlanta destinations and his long involvement with the Sandy Springs business community will ensure he can hit the ground running.”

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