FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2025
Contact: Chris Thomas, President/CEO
Development Authority of Polk County
(770) 684-5686 | Chris@ChoosePolk.com
Polk County, GA. –
The Development Authority of Polk County proudly announces the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, following official action by the Polk County Board of Commissioners during their regular meeting on December 2, 2025.
Before welcoming our new members, we extend our deepest gratitude to Karen Nissen and David Williams for their exceptional service and dedication to the Authority and the community.
- Karen Nissen served from 2013 to 2025, contributing invaluable insight and leadership throughout her tenure.
- David Williams, a member since 2011, has been instrumental in advancing economic development initiatives and will complete his term at the end of this year.
Their commitment has helped shape the growth and success of Polk County, and we thank them for their years of service.
We are excited to welcome Sondi Smith Vest and Tyler Brannon to the Development Authority of Polk County Board of Directors.
- Sondi Smith Vest was appointed to fill the unexpired term of David Williams, which runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. Sondi is a 1996 University of Georgia graduate with a BS in Pharmacy and is the third-generation owner of Smith-Lockwood, Inc. in Rockmart. She currently serves on the Rockmart Downtown Development Authority and has previously served on the Polk Medical Center, Inc. Board of Directors and the Cedartown Polk County Hospital Authority. Her deep roots in the community and family legacy of civic leadership—including her father’s 16-year tenure as Mayor of Rockmart—underscore her commitment to Polk County’s growth and prosperity.
- Tyler Brannon will succeed Karen Nissen, beginning a four-year term on January 1, 2026. Tyler holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Georgia and plays a key leadership role at Chick-fil-A in Cedartown, where his wife, Kristen, serves as the Owner-Operator. Tyler oversees all operational systems at the restaurant, including kitchen production, maintenance, and inventory management, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence reflect the values that drive Polk County forward.
Both individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for economic development, and we look forward to their contributions to the Authority’s mission of fostering growth and opportunity in Polk County.
With these appointments, the Development Authority of Polk County Board of Directors will be complete with eight members:
- Jamie Morris – Chair
- Clint Brock – Vice-Chair
- Ben Lovvorn – Treasurer
- Tim Turner – Secretary
- Tyler Brannon
- Darrin Kines
- Rocky Tillery
- Sondi Smith Vest
This strong leadership team reflects a diverse range of experience and commitment to advancing economic development in Polk County,
“We are thrilled to welcome Sondi and Tyler to the Development Authority of Polk County. Their experience, leadership, and deep commitment to our community will help us continue building a strong economic future for Polk County. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Karen Nissen and David Williams for their years of dedicated service and the lasting impact they have made.”
— Chris Thomas, President/CEO, Development Authority of Polk County
The Development Authority of Polk County (DAPC) is a government entity charged with economic development for the county, supported by the cities, and provides a single point of contact for business and industry looking to relocate or expand within the footprint of the county. Its mission is to support the creation of jobs and opportunities for the citizens of Polk County through continued growth in new and existing industry and the redevelopment of areas of commercial blight or underuse. For more information, visit www.ChoosePolk.com
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