About Develop JoCo
Our Organization
Formed in 1988, the Development Authority of Johnson County, Georgia (Develop JoCo) is tasked with economic development services to all of Johnson County and the incorporated cities of Kite and Wrightsville.
The objective of the Develop JoCo is to increase economic opportunity and raise the standard of living for all Johnson County residents by supporting the creation of jobs through the attraction of new businesses and growing our own existing local companies.
We are a small, flexible, staff and a volunteer board. Wrightsville-Johnson County's small town values and reputation as The Friendliest Town in Georgia are embodied by a community-minded board, cooperative government officials, and experienced staff who are committed to increase economic opportunity and raise the standard of living in Johnson County by supporting existing employers and attracting new jobs and investment.
Board of Directors
Curtis Dixon
Dr. Margaret Hightower
Bill Johnson
Justin Ragan, DDS
Donald Smith
Joe Sumner
William Sumner
Bill Lindsey, Ex Officio
Board Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month, except July and December. Click here for Agendas.
President/CEO
Hugh Darnley became President of the Development Authority of Johnson County (Develop JoCo) on June 11, 2022.
Hugh has worked in the region for over a decade and worked six years as Director of Economic & Community Development at the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission. He worked on many successful economic and community development projects in the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Region, including critical projects in Johnson County and the City of Wrightsville before transitioning into the Executive Director role for Develop JoCo.
His membership affiliations include the Georgia Economic Development Association, Rotary Club of Wrightsville, and Easter Seals Middle Georgia. Hugh is also a graduate of Georgia Academy for Economic Development and Leadership Dublin-Laurens.
Hugh holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Georgia and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia College & State University. He is the husband to Katie Braziel Darnley, proud father to four children, and active member of Connection Church Dublin.
Partnerships
