Joint Development Authority

Meetings

• The fourth Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m.

Members

• Jerry Silvio, Chairman appointed by Newton County
• Andy Ainslie, Vice Chairman appointed by Morgan County
• David Thompson, Secretary appointed by Walton County
• Steve Jordan, Treasurer appointed by Jasper County
• Marcello Banes, Appointed by Newton County
• Bob Hughes, Appointed by Morgan County
• Gerald Stunkel, Appointed by Jasper County
• Mike Owens, Appointed by Walton County
• Andrea P. Gray, Attorney

Overview

The Joint Development Authority (JDA) of Jasper, Morgan, Newton & Walton Counties began as a concept in 1998 between Newton & Walton Counties.  In 1999 the formation of the between the four counties was adopted by each county and the JDA became a reality.

The goal of the JDA was to create an industrial area to attract industry to the region.  Specifically, the goal was to create a research park for bio-science industries.

In 2000 the JDA partnered with Technology Park of Atlanta (TPA) to develop a master plan for the area. Thus, Stanton Springs was created as a mixed-use development.

Today, the four county area is home to Takeda and Georgia's BioScience Training Center and future home of Facebook's Newton Data Center. 

The Board of Commissioners as a whole selects two members to serve on the JDA Board. One member of the JDA Board must be a member of the Board of Commissioners. Members serve for four year terms unless the member sooner ceases to serve on the Board of Commissioners.