Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration confirmed on Wednesday that Craig Richard, the head of Invest Atlanta, has resigned from his post.
On Tuesday, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Richard, who joined the agency in late 2014, was asked to resign from his position this week, according to multiple people with close ties to the organization. Reed is the chairman of the Invest Atlanta board.
“Craig Richard has served the City of Atlanta ably during his tenure at Invest Atlanta,” Reed said in a statement Wednesday. “Craig’s leadership played an important role in attracting and retaining businesses, and I thank him for his service. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
The press release does not outline the reasons for Richard’s resignation.
Richard could not be reached for comment, but said in the prepared statement issued by the mayor’s staff: “It has been a pleasure and an honor to work for Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta. Under Mayor Reed’s leadership and vision, the city has experienced record economic growth. I am grateful to have been a member of the Reed administration.”
The move leaves Invest Atlanta searching for a new leader with just two years left in Reed’s term. The agency plays a critical role in attracting new businesses to the city while overseeing its economic development and revitalization programs.
Eloisa Klementich, managing director of business development, will serve as interim president and CEO, according to the press release. She was one of three finalists vetted for the job won by Richard in 2014.
Richard led the chamber of commerce in Louisville, Ky. before relocating to Atlanta to succeed former Invest Atlanta CEO Brian McGowan. Richard’s past experience includes stints with economic development agencies in the greater Houston area and in metro Dallas.
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