Ogeechee Technical College president Dr. Dawn Cartee announced recently that Lori Durden was named vice president for Economic Development for Ogeechee Technical College, and will assume the position Feb. 1, 2011.
Durden has served as area director for the Georgia Southern University-Small Business Development Center for the past eight years.
In making the announcement, Cartee said: "Lori brings a wealth of experience in economic and business development, in working collaboratively with private-sector businesses, Chambers of Commerce, Development Authorities, and a variety of other local, regional, and state-wide agencies and entities. Her ability to analyze strengths and challenges, and then formulate plans to help develop new initiatives will make her transition to this new position an easy fit."
Durden's affiliation with institutions of higher learning also will help her acclimate to her new position, Cartee said.
"Lori has worked extensively with various colleges and universities, and having the dual background of business development, while working within the framework of the education community, state budgets, and governmental processes, will allow her to transition to Ogeechee Tech with ease," she said.
"As Director of the Small Business Development Center at Georgia Southern University I have provided free consulting services to area entrepreneurs, and have built a career around helping small business owners grow and better manage their companies," Durden said. "I'm excited about the opportunity to join the OTC team! I feel very fortunate be able to continue doing economic development work in the community I love, and to expand on the foundation that I have already established."
Durden serves on the Board of Trustees for the Foundation for Public Education in Bulloch County, Ogeechee Technical College's Marketing/Management Advisory Board, and a host of other community-based economic development organizations. In 2009, she was named on both the Savannah Business Report & Journal and Georgia Trend's "40 under 40" list as one of the State's "best and brightest".
She is a 2004 graduate of Leadership Bulloch and a 2009 graduate of Leadership Georgia. She holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University.
She is married to Tim Durden, and they have three children: Chloe (12), Caylee (10) and TJ (4). They are members of the First United Methodist Church and enjoy raising their family in Statesboro, Georgia.
"It is an exciting time when we have someone of Lori's ability and back-ground join our team. She will be a welcome addition to our OTC family," Cartee said.