About DCEDA
The DeKalb County Economic Development Authority (DCEDA) team recruits new businesses and supports existing businesses in DeKalb County. We provide statistical information, assist with incentives, assist with grants, support workforce development, and other support programs for new and expanding businesses (Industry Resources). For site selection or other assistance, please contact our team at 888-421-7957.
Mission & Core Values
Our mission is to foster smart, intentional growth that reaches every corner of our county, from the valley to the mountains. By attracting forward-thinking businesses, supporting a strong workforce, and celebrating our natural beauty, we’re building a DeKalb County where people want to put down roots, pursue opportunity, and thrive.
Our Core Values:
Countywide Collaboration
Intentional Growth
Innovation with Integrity
People-Powered Progress
Pride of Place
Strategic Plan
Elevate DeKalb: The Countywide Strategy to Prepare for and Pursue Economic Prosperity serves as the guiding economic development roadmap for the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority and its partners. Unanimously adopted by the DCEDA Board of Directors in 2026 and endorsed by both the DeKalb County Commission and the DeKalb County Mayors Association, the plan reflects a shared vision for strengthening DeKalb County’s economy, workforce, infrastructure, and communities.
Developed through extensive public and stakeholder engagement, Elevate DeKalb focuses on leveraging the county’s strategic location, industrial base, workforce potential, and quality of life assets to build a more competitive, resilient, and prosperous future for DeKalb County. For questions regarding the Elevate DeKalb strategic plan, please contact a member of the DCEDA staff.
Staff
Dr. Brett Johnson has served as Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority since 2024, following a career in Alabama’s government, education, and nonprofit sectors.
He holds a Ph.D. in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands and earned both an MPA and a B.A. in Political Science and Communication from Jacksonville State University. He teaches American Government at the undergraduate level and is an instructor for the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) professional development courses.
Dr. Johnson is a member of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2026 and is a former local school board member, housing authority commissioner, and planning commissioner. He currently serves as a board member for the Launch Regional Partnership, the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, and the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments’ (TARCOG) Revolving Loan Fund.
Dr. Johnson is a graduate of Auburn University’s GEDI Intensive Economic Development Training Course, the GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute, and the Alabama League of Municipalities’ Economic Development Academy. He is a Certified Nonprofit Executive (CNE), a Certified Local Government Professional Manager (LGPM), and a Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official (CAPZO).
Awarded: 2025 “Profiles in Power” by Government Market News; 2024 “Top 100 Local Government Influencers” by Engaging Local Government Leaders; 2019 “Young Alumnus of the Year” by Jacksonville State University National Alumni Association
Membership in Professional Organizations:
Jami Posey joined the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority in 2022. Responsibilities include administrative and financial management, marketing and community engagement, event coordinating, building operations management, new and existing project management, research and support.
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 2023 Auburn University GEDI Intensive Economic Development Training Course and a graduate of Leadership DeKalb Class of 2025. She serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Fort Payne Optimist Club, serves on the Advisory Council for the Northeast Alabama Community College Entrepreneurial Center, serves on the Fort Payne High School Advisory Council, serves on the Leadership DeKalb Alumni Association Committee, and serves as the Secretary Clerk for her church, Highland Baptist Church.
Awarded: 2015 Times-Journal “40 Under 40”
Membership in Professional Organizations:
Kelly Mix-Culberson joined DCEDA in 2025 as the Director of Industry & Workforce Development. She brings more than a decade of leadership experience in workforce development and organizational strategy with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
At FEMA, she served in the Executive Office as a management and program analyst, leading the Business Excellence Program and contributing to national workforce and leadership development. Her work centered on professional development initiatives and cross-organizational collaboration.
At DCEDA, Kelly’s responsibilities include business retention and expansion programming, workforce development coordination, and supporting existing industry needs through data-informed insights. She also supports the growth of DCEDA’s nonprofit foundation, DeKalb Works, Inc.
She holds an MPA from Jacksonville State University, a Bachelor’s in Environmental and Growth Management from Rollins College, and an Associate in Business Administration from Seminole State College, along with an Advanced Leadership and Coaching Certification. Mix-Culberson earned the Business Retention and Expansion Coordinator (BREC) certification through Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI), the global association of BRE professionals.
Membership in Professional Organizations:
Michelle Harris joined the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority as an intern in 2026 and serves part-time as the DeKalb Works Program Assistant. Her responsibilities include supporting workforce development programs, office operations, special projects, research, communications, and the programs and initiatives of DeKalb Works, the EDA’s nonprofit foundation.
Michelle holds an Associate of Science Degree in Psychology from Northeast Alabama Community College and is completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at Jacksonville State University. A native of northwest Georgia who now resides in the Fyffe area, she brings experience in civic engagement, community advocacy, research, communications, and organizational leadership.
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 | Sand Mountain Electric Coop, Rainsville, AL (Retired) | Secretary / Treasurer | Legislature |
| Paul Higdon | 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 |
