Hobbs Named to Georgia's 2009
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 Georgia Trend, The Magazine of Georgia Business & Politics Since 1985, is pleased to announce that Henry B. “Hank” Hobbs was named to their 2009 40 Under 40. The magazine seeks individuals from around the state who are making an impact in fields such as business, politics, nonprofits, academia, healthcare and the arts. “Each year, the 40 Under 40 finalists represent the ‘best and brightest’ among the rising young leaders in our state,” says Georgia Trend Publisher Neely Young. “It’s good to know the future of Georgia is in their hands.”
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Hank is originally from Blackshear, Georgia and presently resides in Hazlehurst. Hank is an engineer by degree but has spent the last eight years using that industrial experience in an effort to keep the economies of rural south Georgia thriving. Hank began his career with the Technical College System of Georgia in 2001 as the Director of Operations for Altamaha Technical College’s Hazlehurst Campus. He presently serves as the Director of Economic Development for ATC serving 7 counties in rural South Georgia. Hobbs believes his success in working with business and industry throughout the 7 counties all revolves around his passion for what he does. According to Hobbs, “It’s a challenge everyday; however, when you believe in your organization, its people, and its mission one can’t help but be successful.”
Hobbs is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, a Certified Economic Developer Trainer through the state of Georgia and is presently pursuing his Doctorate at Valdosta State University. Hobbs is actively involved in community organizations, including but not limited to, the Jeff Davis Hospital Board of Directors, Chambers of Commerce, Development Authorities, and the State Workforce Investment Board of Directors for the seventeen counties of Region 9.
Hank’s personal and professional missions are to get people the training they need to go to work. He spends his time developing relationships with local business and industry, then takes what he’s learned in the community back to Altamaha Technical College where for-credit and customized training programs are put together to meet the workforce needs of the seven county service area. It’s a win-win-win situation: Industry gets the educated workforce it needs; citizens get the training they need in order to get local jobs and Hobbs fulfills his mission.
“We are extremely proud of Hank,” stated Altamaha Technical College President Lorette M. Hoover. “He is a champion for workforce development and dedicated to the economic empowerment of our service area.”
Hobbs said, “I am truly humbled and honored by this recognition. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of Altamaha Technical College and the communities it serves. Based on my prior history with manufacturing it is disheartening to sit back and watch our manufacturing and industrial base decline. I believe the reestablishment of this back to where it was in the mid 1990’s all revolves around having a qualified and highly trained workforce and that’s what we’re all about at ATC…training that workforce not only for today but for the foreseeable future.”
When not at work for his communities, Hobbs can be found spending time with his family. He is married to the former Debbie Bryant of Waycross and has two children Kristin age 12 and Megan age 9.
This is the 13th year Georgia Trend has presented this honor. Finalists were selected from nominations made by some 350 readers. Hobbs will be honored for this accomplishment at an awards ceremony to be held at the GreyStone in Atlanta later this month. A complete list of finalists are profiled in the magazine’s October issue cover story and online at http://www.georgiatrend.com/.
For more information about the programs and services offered at Altamaha Technical College please call 800-645-8284 or visit the website at http://www.altamahatech.edu/.
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