The long search for a new executive director of the Pierce County Industrial Building Authority (IDBA) is over. Pierce County Public Safety Director Blake James has been offered and has accepted the position. James will fill the position formerly held by Matt Carter since 2011.
“I’m excited to get started and proud to be moving into this position and to keep working for Pierce County,” said James.
The announcement was made following a special called meeting of the IDBA board last Friday morning. The board had previously interviewed three different candidates at their regular monthly meeting in a special closed session dealing exclusively with hiring someone to fill the shoes of Carter. After a 30 minute closed session Friday, a chorus of congratulations followed the board’s unanimous approval of the motion to hire James, effective October 1.
Since July 2024, Carter has been pulling double duty, still serving as the executive director of Pierce IDBA and as president and chief executive officer of the Appling County Development Authority. Initially, it was thought the condition would only be temporary, but Carter has been required to split his time and attention between Pierce and Appling for over a year.
“He’s extending his career of benefiting this community. He’s already excelled in EMS and EMA service, so I can’t think of better qualifications,” Carter said of his successor. “He’s young and we need more youth involved in community decisions.”
IDBA board chairman Steven Paul also had good things to say about James.
“I am very excited about what the future holds and the vision Blake presented during his interview and about the teamwork between city and county needed to bring that together.”
“I think he’ll do a great job and comes with wonderful qualifications,” said IDBA secretary/treasurer Andy Brannen. “This provides some wonderful continuity.”
James has served as public safety director since April, 2024. As public safety director, James was tasked with administration and oversight of the county’s E911, Emergency medical service (EMS), fire and emergency management agency (EMA).
Who will replace him as public safety director is still uncertain.
“I’d like to think they have a shoe in for that position,” says James. “They have someone I think is well trained and ready to take on the position, but the will of the county commission will have to go from there.”
Prior to becoming public safety director, James served as field operations manager for MedTrust EMS and later became director of Pierce County EMS.
James, 30, was born in Waycross, but has been a resident of Pierce County since his family relocated here when he was seven years old. He and his wife, Bailey, have one son, Camden, and live in Blackshear.
