Clem named new Albany EDC CEO

Photo: Ted Clem

Courtesy of Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission finally has its man.

In a special called meeting Monday, the commission's board of directors named Ted Clem as chief executive officer. He comes to Albany from the Florida Panhandle, where he currently works with the Bay County Economic Development Alliance. During his tenure in Panama City Beach, Fla., he helped create more than 5,000 jobs.

Clem is no stranger to economic development in the Southeast, as he graduated from what is now Troy University of Alabama. In 1995, he was selected as the vice president of business development for Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Georgiana, Ala. native will face a huge challenge as the new face for economic development in Albany, as he attempts to fill the void left by the immiment departure of Cooper Tire Company. The Findlay, Ohio-based tire manufacturing company announced last month that it would close the Albany plant by the end of this year.

His first day on the job is January 16.