Patty Hart Named VP of Economic Development at GNTC

Georgia Northwestern Technical College promoted Patty Hart to vice president of Economic Development on April 16. Hart, a 25-year veteran at GNTC, will lead workforce training and business partnerships across northwest Georgia.

Hart has directed GNTC's Economic Development programs since 2009. She previously worked as an Economic Development instructor and Work Ready coordinator from 2000 to 2009.

In her new role, Hart oversees all Technical College System of Georgia economic development initiatives across GNTC's nine-county service area. She manages customized employee training programs, continuing education, industry recruitment, and partnerships with chambers of commerce, business leaders and local governments. Hart also serves as the local contact for Georgia Quick Start.

"Patty has demonstrated a deep commitment to GNTC's mission and aligning education and training with workforce needs across our region," GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said.

Hart holds a bachelor's degree in Management from the University of West Georgia. She earned certifications as an ACT-Authorized WorkKeys Job Profiler, Certified Manufacturing Specialist Trainer, Microsoft Office Specialist and OSHA Outreach Trainer. The State of Georgia certified her as a Manufacturing Specialist and Customer Service Trainer.

Hart served 12 years on the Walker County Board of Education. She is vice president of Marketing for the Georgia Continuing Education Association and Workforce Readiness director for the Northwest Georgia Society for Human Resource Management. Georgia named her Work Ready Administrator of the Year in 2009.

Over the past year, GNTC enrolled 9,342 credit students and served 4,740 additional individuals through adult education, continuing education and business training programs. The college achieved a 100 percent placement rate.