A few days ago Darrell Moore announced he had accepted a new position as the inaugural director of Valdosta State University’s Center for South Georgia Regional Impact. I would like to first congratulate Darrell on his new position and secondly congratulate Valdosta State University for finding the perfect fit for this inaugural position. Darrell has spent more than two decades helping Moultrie and Colquitt County overcome the challenges that face rural South Georgia and has been able to always keep our community moving forward.

I have worked alongside Darrell for more than 10 years as a member of the Economic Development Authority. In my opinion, Darrell is the most knowledgeable person for economic development in the state of Georgia. Darrell has championed numerous large projects over the years but none more important than the recent Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). One of our board members and the visionary for the PCOM project, Jim Matney, recently said, “Without Darrell this project would not have happened.”

Each year billions of seeds are planted in the fertile soil in and around Moultrie and South Georgia. We watch these seeds take root and in a short time they grow to produce the products that feed and clothe our nation. Darrell has played a major role in helping plant the PCOM seed that will in a short time begin to grow, take root and transform healthcare in not only Moultrie, Colquitt County, the region or South Georgia, but the entire Southeastern United States.

Thank you, Darrell, for your many years of service to this community and helping transform and lead the way for a better future. We wish you and your family the best, and you will certainly be missed.

Daniel L. Dunn

chairman, Moultrie-Colquitt County Economic Development Authority