Stephen is the Executive Director for the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA), where he serves as the single point of contact for all new locations and industry expansions in Macon-Bibb County. He also oversees the operations and execution of a $60M portfolio of real estate and assets. 

Stephen began his career in economic development after interning with the Macon Economic Development Commission. He was hired as the Project Manager for the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority in June 2009 and has served in many positions for the MBCIA prior to serving as Executive Director. 

Stephen has overseen multiple company locations and expansions over the past 15 years, which has translated into $3B in new investment, 5,000 new jobs, and 3,000 retained jobs in Macon-Bibb County. In 2021, under Stephen’s leadership, MBCIA was recognized as one of 67 Accredited Economic Development Organizations in North America by the International Economic Developers Council. Notably, 2022 was a banner year for MBCIA under Stephen’s leadership, bringing in $652M in new, expected revenue and 660 jobs. In 2022, Stephen was recognized in Georgia Trend’s “Georgia 500,” – a feature of the state’s 500 Most Influential leaders. 

A Macon native, Stephen received a Bachelor of Science and Information Technologies with an emphasis on Marketing from Middle Georgia State University and lives just outside of the Downtown Macon area with his wife Edna.