Matt Forshee, East Region

Email: mwforshe@southernco.com

Matt Forshee, Regional Economic Development Manager for the East Region at Georgia Power, brings a wealth of expertise in supporting local communities. He oversees a dynamic team of economic development managers, focusing on leadership development, strategic planning, and fostering business growth. Matt plays a pivotal role in housing strategies, working closely with communities and businesses to design effective solutions for expansion and retention.

With a robust background in economic development, Matt previously led initiatives in Fayette County, Athens-Clarke County, and Oconee County, Georgia. He has designed and launched multiple programs ranging from leadership development to social media marketing, and strategic plans toa film commission. His early career as Planning Director for Oconee County enriched his experience in community planning and development.

An active member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association and theInternational Economic Development Council, Matt holds a Bachelor’s degreein Landscape Architecture, focusing on community design, and a Certificatein Local Government Management from the University of Georgia. He has contributed extensively as both a participant and an instructor in various community leadership programs.

A Georgia native, Matt lives in Evans with his wife, Allison, and their three children. Beyond his professional commitments, he is an avid photographer, writer, graphic designer, musician, and a certified Master Gardener

About the East Region

Strategic Location & Connectivity

• Prime Location: Interstate I-20 connects the East region to Atlanta and South Carolina.
• Port Access: Augusta is nearly the same distance from the Southeast’s major ports at Savannah and Charleston, SC.
• Rail Connectivity: Both CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads run through the East region.
• Air Access: The Augusta Regional Airport has daily flights to Atlanta, Charlotte and Dallas-Ft. Worth via Delta and American.

Thriving Economy & Workforce

• Skilled Workforce: Home to a quality and skilled manufacturing and cybersecurity workforce, with a labor force of more than 200,000.
• Industry Leaders: Augusta University, the region's top private employer, has nearly 8,000 students enrolled and 4,000 faculty and staff.
• Fort Gordon: Home to the U.S. Army's Cyber Center of Excellence and is the headquarters for Army Cyber Command, employing more than 25,000 civilian workers and military personnel.
• Mining: Home to the largest Kaolin mines in the US, mining more than 8 million metric tons of this unique white clay annually, with an estimated value of more than $1Billion per year. Mostly used in the paper, plastics, rubber, paint, ceramic and pharmaceutical industries. Kaolin exports represent a huge part of Georgia’s port exports.

Technology & Innovation

• Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center: The Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center is a 719-acre center specifically focused on row crop production and fungal diseases, including cylindrocladium black rot.
• Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center: The one-of-a-kind Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center is one of the only state-owned facilities of its caliber in the nation and houses a state-of-the-art cyber range where real-life cyber warfare training simulations happen.
• Georgia College and State University: Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville is nationally recognized for its online degree programs – from business to nursing programs.

Quality of Life

• "A Tradition Unlike Any Other:" A quarter-million visitors descend upon official site of the Masters Golf Tournament each year in Augusta, Georgia.
• Birthplace of a Legend: Augusta is the birthplace of the legendary James Brown, as well as many historical buildings and a downtown riverwalk to explore.
• Home of Presidents: Take a tour of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson.