The Georgia Department of Economic Development has named two new project managers to the Global Commerce Division.

Fernanda Barella Kirchner has joined as a Project Manager on the International Investment team and Emily Poole is now the Regional Project Manager for Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment for the metro Atlanta area. The announcements were made by Scott McMurray, Interim Deputy Commissioner of the Global Commerce Division, Nico Wijnberg, Director, International Investment and Lindsay Martin, Director, Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment Team.

Kirchner has extensive international marketing experience through her work with Focus Brands and Newell Brands, both with operations in Atlanta. She has also served as a Light Commercial Vehicle Marketing Project Manager for Renault Trucks while living in Lyon, France. Kirchner graduated from the
University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Administration, International Business and Spanish Degree and from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Business Administration Degree.

Poole has a solid background in economic development in the Atlanta region. She has served as Director, Economic Development for the City of Fayetteville; Vice President, Economic Development as well as Business Retention & Expansion Manager for the Fayette County Development Authority; and Director, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships for Clayton State University. Poole received her Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Human Services and Master of Business Administration degrees from Clayton State University.

“The department’s commitment to assisting international businesses identify locations and markets in Georgia is a high priority,” according to McMurray. “The number of foreign companies looking at the state continues to climb each year.

Approximately 70 nations are represented here by consulates, trade offices and bi-national chambers of
commerce and 3,000 international facilities from 60 countries call Georgia home.”

McMurray indicated that approximately 75% of the new jobs created in the state are through existing
businesses. “Our regional representatives play an important role in the state’s economy by working with
existing Georgia employers in terms of capital investment and workforce development.”