Jason Rubenbauer has been selected as the finalist for the President and Chief Executive Officer position with the Waycross and Ware County Development Authority.
The announcement was made last week by Daniel Morris, Chair of the economic development organization and Community President for First Southern Bank in Waycross.
“Jason has been a part of this community for many years and understands the fabric of Waycross and Ware County,” stated Morris. “Members of the authority have spent great deal of time and energy behind our decision to select him as the finalist to lead economic development initiatives here.
“His experience in operating a small business, accounting, managing local government operations, and economic development in south Georgia factored into our vetting process.”
Rubenbauer currently serves as County Manager for Pierce County, a position he has held since April 2017.
He will be voted upon by the authority after a required 14-day waiting period as specified in Georgia law for public agencies. His first day in the position is scheduled for November 1 upon approval.
If approved, Rubenbauer would replace Jonathan Lupo, who departed earlier this year.
In his current role, Rubenbauer’s responsibilities include managing the daily operations of the county, which includes 155 team members, budgeting, finance, purchasing, grants, facilities maintenance, public safety, information technology, policy development, and public relations.
During his time with the local government, Rubenbauer led the process to build a revenue reserve of $2.5 million.
“I look forward to being a part of the economic development team for Waycross and Ware County,” Rubenbauer said. “There is a great deal of potential for existing industry growth in the community as well as new business opportunities.
“I want to be a part of the solution to issues and help keep our existing customers pleased with the infrastructure and support systems already in place. At the same time, I plan to be a part of the marketing arm to new investors looking for locations.”
Other positions held by Rubenbauer include Dean of Health Sciences & Professional Studies at Bainbridge State College, Director of Business & Community Services at Coastal Pines Technical College; Accountant/CEO, Affordable Tax & Accounting, LLC. in Waycross, and Continuing Education Director at Okefenokee Technical College.
He also served in the United States Navy as a Disbursing Clerk with the Surface Warfare Specialist designation.
The mission of the development authority is to encourage and support the expansion and development of industrial and commercial facilities in Waycross and Ware County so as to promote employment and improve the community’s tax base.
The economic development organization is funded by the City of Waycross and Ware County Board of Commissioners.
Current authority members include Morris; Candice Moody-Rice, Vice Chair of the authority and Media Specialist at Ware County High School; Dr. Yolanda Rivers, Secretary of the authority and owner of Waycross Family Pharmacy; Charlie Moore, Treasurer of the authority and owner of Security Blanket; Dr. William Clark III, Clark Eye Clinic; Dr. Michael-Angelo James, Mayor of Waycross; Elmer Thrift, Chair, Ware County Board of Commissioners; and James R. Willis, Past Chair of the authority and Waycross Area Manager for Georgia Power Company.
