Vakili Appointed Economic Development Director
Liaison position will help businesses navigate county processes
Vivian Vakili has been appointed to the position of economic development director effective Oct. 1. In this newly created position, Vakili will work to attract businesses to locate or expand in Forsyth County. She will also help those companies realize efficiencies as they navigate and progress through the processes of working with various county departments. In addition, Vakili will oversee implementation of the county’s newly adopted economic development ordinance and will be the county’s primary point of contact with entities such as the Development Authority of Forsyth County and Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.
“Vivian’s knowledge and experience, partnered with the resources within the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority of Forsyth County, provides us the optimal team to assist existing businesses to expand, while attracting new businesses to locate in our community,” said Forsyth County Manager Eric Johnson. “These resources leverage our exceptional quality of life, low taxes, outstanding schools and highly educated work force.”
Prior to moving into this new role, Vakili served as development services manager within the county’s Planning and Community Development Department, managing the building permit, current planning and inspections divisions. Before joining Forsyth County in 2016, Vakili worked in both the public and private sectors, focusing on land development, specifically feasibility studies and due diligence for sites across the United States.
Vakili received a bachelor's degree in architecture from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Emory University. She holds the American Institute of Certified Planners certification from the American Planning Association and the LEED Accredited Professional certification from the United States Green Building Council.