Economic Development Manager Leaving Canton

CANTON, GA — A familiar face around the city of Canton will be moving on to another role in a larger city. Matthew Thomas's last day with the city of Canton will be Friday, June 1. He is departing Cherokee County for a new position with the city of Alpharetta, said Canton City Manager Billy Peppers.

Thomas will join the city of Alpharetta as the economic development manager, and will report directly to Economic Development Director Peter Tokar, said Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard.

Peppers said existing city of Canton staff members will fill in the gap created by the vacancy. Pat Gold will continue her task of supporting downtown through the Main Street Program and other events. City spokesperson Angela Thomas will handle Canton's economic development website, Select Canton, and social media.

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For his part, Peppers said he will be working with the Canton Downtown Development Authority and on economic development projects in conjunction with the Community Development Department.

"We are in the early budget process now, so we will be discussing with Mayor and Council their desires for the direction of that office," he said.

Thomas began his post with the city of Canton in May 2013. He graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in economics. He's also a member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association and the International Economic Development Council.

Image via city of Canton