Longtime economic development professional, Matthew Colvin, has been selected as the University of Georgia’s next economic development director in Atlanta, succeeding Sean McMillan, who retires Dec. 31.

Colvin is currently the executive director of economic development for the University System of Georgia. Prior to that he worked on economic development and workforce initiatives first for Electric Cities of Georgia, then as state initiatives director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

“Matt has a deep understanding of economic development and the inextricable link between higher education, innovation and job creation,” said Jennifer L. Frum, UGA vice president for Public Service and Outreach. “He is the ideal person to succeed Sean, who stepped into this new position in 2013 and helped bolster UGA’s partnerships with the private sector, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Economic Developers Association and chambers of commerce.”

UGA’s vice presidents for public service and outreach and research are jointly responsible for UGA’s Atlanta economic development office. Colvin will be based in Midtown Atlanta in the Centergy Building, near the offices of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. UGA’s Atlanta-based economic development effortscomplement the University’s many economic and community development efforts across all of Georgia.

“UGA’s robust, diverse, and expanding research expertise can be a major draw for companies considering relocating to Georgia, and it is an important asset for those already established in the state,” said David Lee, UGA vice president for research. “Sean McMillan has done an outstanding job of connecting UGA’s research expertise with economic development efforts that help communities across Georgia, and Matt Colvin has the right background and personality to continue these critically important efforts. I am delighted to welcome him on board.”

Colvin has three degrees from UGA, with undergraduate degrees in political science and broadcast journalism, and an MBA from the Terry College of Business. He also is pursuing his PhD in higher education from UGA.