Amanda Carter chosen to head up DDA
The new leader is described as energetic and talented.
Amanda Carter, marketing and events coordinator for Rome’s Downtown Development Authority, has been promoted to succeed Ann Arnold as director of Rome’s ongoing downtown revitalization effort.
“She’s handled basically every different aspect of what we do in DDA,” City Manager Sammy Rich said of Carter. “Every day I hear what things are looking like and how exciting it is. I think relationships are going to be a key as we move forward.”
Steven McDowell, chairman of the DDA, was on the committee that interviewed candidates for the job. “I was thrilled the process went as well as it did and Amanda rose to the top,” McDowell said. “She’s energetic and talented and I know she will
take downtown to the next level.”
Carter said in her five years as an administrative assistant to Arnold, who retired in December, she has developed a oneon-one relationship with people in the Department of Community Affairs and Georgia Municipal Association, the two primary agencies that make low-interest loans
available for downtown projects.
Both Carter and Rich said work on redevelopment of the River District, the area on the west side of the Oostanaula River along North Fifth Avenue and West Third Street, is a top priority for the DDA. “I’m really excited to move forward with ongoing projects and hopefully to bring a fresh approach to everything
we do,” Carter said.
DDA promotions committee chairman Jay Shell said Carter is a very-hands on person. He said a lot of time he has gotten credit for the success of block parties and street festivals, but that Carter was critical to their success.
“She’s so detail-oriented,” Shell said. “I can’t wait to see what she can do now.”
Carter said another of her top priorities involves communication, both with the public and inside city government.
She said she wants to pay particular attention to details that would help new businesses or businesses seeking to grow. That’s been a major concern for city leaders who formed a new committee in January to facilitate business development.