Athens Downtown Development Authority Board Chooses New Director

The board of the Athens Downtown Development Authority announced today at a called session that Pamela Thompson will be its next executive director. 

Ms. Thompson was most recently Deputy County Manager for Planning, Capital and Special Projects in Prince George County, Va. She worked closely with the county in its efforts to recruit Rolls-Royce and served as the county’s Public Information Officer and public relations liaison. Prior to her time in Prince George County, she was assistant county administrator and planning director for Lee County, Ga. She has also held senior positions in administration, economic development and planning in Powder Springs and Roswell, Ga.

Thompson is an Athens resident, holds an undergraduate degree from Mercer University (1997) and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Georgia Southern University (1998).  She holds an AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) designation and has also graduated from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. 

“Pam has a mix of economic development, community development and planning skills and experience that fits closely with the vision of our board and other downtown constituents,” said ADDA Board Chair Bill Overend.  “We are excited to see where she will lead downtown in the years ahead.”

Current Executive Director Kathryn Lookofsky requested in December that her contract not be renewed at the end of its June 30 term. Lookofsky and Thompson will work together to ensure an effective transition.

Thompson will earn a salary of $77,500 in her new role, with an official start date of July 8.