Decide DeKalb welcomes Mechel McKinley as senior project manager

Decide DeKalb is pleased to announce the recent addition of Mechel McKinley as senior project manager. McKinley, who formerly served as the executive director for the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, will work to attract, expand and retain businesses in DeKalb County.

“[McKinley’s] economic development background, ingenuity and perspective makes her a perfect fit as our new senior project manager. We are excited to welcome her to the team,” Decide DeKalb President Ray Gilley said.

During her three-year tenure with the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, McKinley was instrumental in implementing a signature small business grant program for The Village in Stone Mountain. The BOOST Stone Mountain grant provides $100 to $1,000 awards to assist with the purchase of signage, exterior renovations and advertising for businesses located in The Village.  “We were able to engage local investors to contribute to the BOOST Stone Mountain grant which enabled small businesses, located in The Village, an opportunity to move their businesses forward,” said McKinley. ”This is a model example of neighbors supporting neighbors.”

In McKinley’s new role as senior project manager, she will create, direct and implement programs to support commercial and industrial development. McKinley, a Stone Mountain resident, will also assist the business development team with workforce and small business development initiatives.

“I am excited to continue my work with economic development in DeKalb County and look forward to promoting the place I call home to the global business community,” McKinley said.

McKinley holds a degree in business administration from Birmingham-Southern College and is poised to receive her professional certification in economic development financing.

Decide DeKalb serves as the primary economic development driving force to attract, expand and retain businesses in DeKalb County, Georgia.  Established in 1974 as the Development Authority of DeKalb County, Decide DeKalb works with partners, stakeholders and the business community to spur capital investments, encourage job growth and business sustainability.