Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority Welcomes New Board Members and Officers

Tyler Osborn (left) swears in Doug Schober, Shawn Farmer, and Kristi Bryant

Press Release

HIAWASSEE, GA – The Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is proud to announce the swearing in of three new board members and the election of officers at its September 9 meeting. The board also welcomed Jinelle Wagner, the new DDA and Paris Business Center (PBC) Program Coordinator, to her first meeting.

Kristi Bryant, owner of Chatuge Med Spa & Fitness and a White County resident, was elected co-chair of the board, joining existing co-chair Tyler Osborn. Bryant brings experience as a business owner and chamber volunteer and is eager to engage more local businesses in the DDA’s work.

“I’m excited to work with the DDA board because of their vital role in shaping our downtown’s future. Their commitment to balancing economic growth with community needs creates the perfect environment for meaningful collaboration. I look forward to contributing to initiatives that will make our downtown a thriving hub for businesses, residents, and visitors alike,” said Bryant.

Shawn Farmer, a City of Hiawassee resident and graduate of the Leadership Austin economic development program, was sworn in as a resident representative. She has attended several DDA meetings and is eager to support community growth.

“I’m looking forward to playing a role in developing both short-term and long-term plans and visions for downtown development. I’m also eager to get involved with a variety of the DDA programs already set in place, designed to aid the economic vitality of the downtown area, which will ultimately provide a better quality of life for both residents and visitors,” shared Farmer.

Doug Schober, manager at Bojangles and a Towns County resident, joined the board as a business representative. With a career background in pharmaceutical science and volunteer service with the Towns County Lions Club, he looks forward to contributing to projects like the Hikeawassee shuttle.

“I look forward to building on the successes of the previous DDA board to transform Hiawassee into a vibrant community for both residents and visitors,” said Schober.

The three newly sworn members join existing board members Tyler Osborn and Amy Barrett in guiding the organization’s mission. The board also elected Tonya Schober as Treasurer and Jinelle Wagner as Secretary. The DDA is still actively recruiting to fill two open seats, and volunteers are welcome. Candidates must own or operate a business in the City of Hiawassee.

Formed by the Hiawassee City Council in 2019, the DDA works to strengthen the city’s economic vitality while preserving its small-town character.

For more information, please visit downtownhiawassee.com or contact Lily Ponitz, Executive Director, at (706) 896-2202 or dda@hiawasseega.gov.