About DCEDA

DeKalb County Economic Development Authority (DCEDA) recruits new businesses and provides ongoing support for existing businesses located in DeKalb County. The authority can help businesses by providing statistical information, assisting with incentives and assistance programs for new and expanding businesses and providing businesses support programs for existing businesses (Industry Resources). For site selection or business assistance, please contact the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority staff at 888-421-7957.

Staff

Dr. Brett Johnson, Executive Director

Dr. Brett Johnson has served as Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority since 2024, following a decade of public sector leadership experience in Alabama working for organizations such as the City of Gadsden, the Liberty Learning Foundation, the Alabama Education Association, the Alabama Higher Education Partnership, and the Alabama Legislature.

He holds a Ph.D. in Leadership with a speciality in Education, a Master of Public Adminsitration with a concentration in Administrative Management, and a B.A. in Political Science and Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. As a "pracademic," Dr. Johnson has also taught American Government as adjunct faculty at Jacksonville State University, Snead State Community College, and Central Alabama Community College.

He is a former member of the Boaz City Board of Education, a former Commissioner for the Boaz Housing Authority, and the Gadsden Planning Commission. He holds several professional certifications: Certified Nonprofit Executive (CNE), Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official (CAPZO), and the Local Government Professional Management Certification from the Alabama City/County Management Association.

Brett is a graduate of Leadership Etowah and participated in the Alabama League of Municipalities' Economic Development Academy as a member of the City of Fort Payne's cohort. He is a native of Gadsden and was elected as president of the Student Government Association at JSU as an undergraduate student. His wife, Tiffany, is a Fort Payne native and currently teachers at Fort Payne City Schools.

Awarded: 2024 "Top 100 Local Government Influencers" by Engaging Local Government Leaders; 2019 "Young Alumnus of the Year" by Jacksonville State University National Alumni Association

Brett's Membership in Professional Organizations includes:

Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA)
North Alabama Industrial Development Association (NAIDA)
Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA)
International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
American Scoiety of Public Administration (ASPA)
Business Council of Alabama (BCA)
DeKalb-Jackson Counties Industrial Development Authority (DJCIDA)

Jami Posey, Assistant Director

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PClay Headshot Jami started with the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority in August 2022. Responsibilities include developing and implementing an existing industry support program, coordinating workforce development, marketing, social media, DCEDA website, public relations, community outreach, project research and support, accounting, building operations, and other administrative duties.

A Fort Payne native, Jami graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing within the UAB School of Business. She is a graduate of the Auburn University GEDI Intensive Economic Development Training Course. She serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Fort Payne Optimist Club and a committee member of the DeKalb County Rising Leaders.

Awarded: 2015 The Times-Journal "40 Under 40"

Jami's Membership in Professional Organizations includes:

North Alabama Industrial Development Association (NAIDA)
Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA)

Pam Gibson, Project Specialist

Pam Gibson retired as DCEDA's Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Director in 2023, and later returned part-time to serve as Project Specialist.

Pam supports existing and new companies with tax abatements, incentive applications, state and local grant programs, and more.

With nearly two decades of experience in economic development in the State of Alabama, Pam's work supports DCEDA, DeKalb County communities, and new and existing companies choosing to locate and expand in DeKalb County.

Board of Directors

Name/Location	Role	Appointed By
Dr. John Anderson, DMD Rainsville, AL	Chairman	Mayors Association
Mike Shirey, PE PMP Fort Payne Improvement Authority Fort Payne, AL.	Vice Chairman / EEO Officer	City of Fort Payne
Mark Malone, CEO Sand Mountain Electric Coop Rainsville, AL.	Secretary/Treasurer	Legislature
Chris Bryant, COO Farmers Telecommunication Coop Rainsville, AL.		County Commission
Chip Kerby Marble Works USA Henagar, AL		County Commission
David Killian Killian & Cushen, PC Fort Payne, AL		Legislature
Danny Lacey Fyffe, AL.		Legislature

Sustaining Members

Platinum Members

Member:	Contact Info:	Website:
Tennessee Valley Authority	Warren Hicks 256-430-4804	www.tvasites.com/
DeKalb County Commission	Ricky Harcrow 256-845-8500	www.dekalbcountyal.us
City of Fort Payne Alabama	Mayor Brian Baine 256-845-1524	https://fortpayne.org

Gold Members

Member:	Contact Info:	Website:
Fort Payne Improvement Authority	Mike Shirey 256-845-0671	www.fpia.com
Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative	Mark Malone 256-638-2153	www.smec.coop
Fort Payne Water Works Board	Brandon Light 256-845-0449	www.fortpaynewater.com