Changing Landscapes in the Fort Gordon District

August 20, 2019

Randall ToussaintGeorgia Department of Economic DevelopmentRandall Toussaint is the Director of Corporate Solutions & Cybersecurity at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. In his role, Randall leads a team that attracts corporate headquarters, data centers, call centers, innovation centers, and cybersecurity companies to the State of Georgia.

Randall previously worked as the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation’s Business Development officer for the technology sector where he served as the organization’s liaison to Fort Meade. Randall also led urban planning and economic development programs in College Park, Maryland and served as the Vice President of Economic Development in Forsyth County, Georgia. Randall’s career in Georgia also includes tenure as the Assistant Director of the Clayton County Office of Economic Development in Jonesboro, Georgia, a Program Manager at the Savannah Development & Renewal Authority.

Randall has over a decade of experience in the fields of urban planning and economic development. He is a former Fellow with the US Department of Housing & Urban Development and a former legislative liaison with the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Savannah State University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science from Morehouse College.

Robbie BennettDevelopment Authority of Columbia CountyRobbie Bennett has been promoting economic development for nearly 14 years, he has been in the Greater Augusta area for more than 9 years. In 2013, he became Columbia County’s economic developer, serving as the Executive Director of the Development Authority of Columbia County. During his career in economic development, the local economic development teams he has supported have announced the creation/retention of more than 4,500 jobs and $900,000,000 in capital investment. Robbie believes in the value of community involvement. He is on the executive board of the SRS Community Reuse Organization, Advisory Board of TAG Augusta, Chair of the Augusta Regional Development Alliance & CSRA Unified Development Authority, President of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, and graduate of Leadership Augusta and Leadership Columbia County. In 2012, he was recognized by Augusta Magazine and the Augusta Metro Chamber as one of "Augusta's Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch". In 2015, he was selected as Lander University's Young Alumnus of the Year and in 2019, Development Counsellors International (DCI) selected him as one of the Top 40 under 40 in Economic Development.

Robbie holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from Lander University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Michael ShafferGeorgia Cyber CenterAugusta University

Michael Shaffer joined Augusta University in 2012 as Vice President of Government Relations and Chief Advocacy Officer. Previously, Mr. Shaffer was a Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Nathan Deal, serving as the top liaison to federal, state and local officials. He served as Deal’s campaign consultant leading up to the 2010 election and previously worked for the late U.S. Rep Charlie Norwood (R-Ga).

In his role as Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development, Mr. Shaffer leads and develops programs that enhance economic development and partnership opportunities, including but not limited to military and cyber initiatives, hospitals, physicians, clinics, community leaders and branch campus opportunities for Augusta University and AU Health. He oversees and works closely with Physician Liaisons, Community Relations, Military Initiatives, Corporate Relations, Strategic Partnerships and Outreach, and Economic Development.

Dennis TrotterJordanTrotter

Dennis is a founding partner of JordanTrotter Commercial Real Estate and has been in all aspects of commercial brokerage and development since 2002, covering Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. He has brokered and developed numerous projects for nationally branded users, ranging from single tenant projects to large scale office, industrial, and retail developments. Dennis co-founded JordanTrotter Commercial Real Estate in 2013 and the firm has completed over $300MM of transactions in the greater CSRA area since inception.

Dennis is a 2000 graduate of Furman University with a degree in Business Administration and is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Exchange Club of Augusta, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Dennis has also served on the Board of Directors for Georgia Bank & Trust, Easter Seals, and Family Counseling Center of the CSRA and is currently a Trustee at Episcopal Day School and member of the Board of Directors at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Todd GloverNorth Augusta City AdministratorTodd Glover is a lifelong native of Aiken County, South Carolina and a product of its public schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina – Aiken and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Augusta University. He also holds the Credentialed Manager Certification from the International City/County Managers Association. Todd serves on many local boards including the Aiken Regional Hospital Board of Governors, the Aiken Technical College Foundation, Augusta Tomorrow, the Augusta University MPA Community Advisory Board, and is currently President of the North Augusta Rotary Club.

Todd lives in North Augusta, SC with his wife Jeanie, the Chief of Instruction for the Aiken County School District. Todd and Jeanie have two daughters: Reagan, a senior at the University of South Carolina’s Honors College, and Morgan, a freshman at Clemson University.