The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission Board of Directors announced today that Ted Clem has resigned from his post as president of the agency, effective January 31. The board named Justin Strickland, the commission’s vice president of business development, as interim president.

Clem, a Certified Economic Developer, joined the ADEDC in January 2008. In his time with the commission, he’s led the agency in rebranding, strategic planning, creative outreach and the establishment of volunteer task forces to complement staff work and be ambassadors for industry for Albany-Dougherty County. Clem also played a key role in the development of the community’s $30 million Albany Job Investment Fund, the largest of six similar deal-closing vehicles in Georgia.

“Ted strategically refocused the organization on the basics of economic development, which was critically needed,” said ADEDC Board Chair Jay Smith. “Through that shift and through a new strategic plan we’ve experienced increased community involvement, increased prospect activity and placed greater emphasis on restoring community pride and image.”

“It has been my pleasure and great honor to serve this organization for the past five years,” Clem said. “I am proud of the steps we have taken together as a staff, board and volunteers to help restore this community’s economy during and after one of the greatest recessions our nation has ever faced.”

Clem, an Alabama native, accepted a post as a senior project manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce, the state economic development agency.

The ADEDC Board of Directors accepted Clem’s resignation at a special-called meeting today, during which it also named Strickland as interim president. Strickland, an Albany native and a Certified Economic Developer, joined the ADEDC in November 2007.

“The energetic and capable staff of the ADEDC, who every day work toward strengthening and growing the Albany-Dougherty economy and brand, will continue the efforts in progress, which will result in new economic success for the community and, ultimately, for the region,” Smith said.

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission is a public-private partnership tasked with fostering new business investment and job creation through the recruitment, retention and expansion of industry for Albany-Dougherty County.