In the News
FCDA Announces Niki Vanderslice’s Next Chapter, Board Appointments, and Search for New COO
Vanderslice to Transition to a Strategic Advisor Role After Building FCDA’s Strategic Plan and Landmark U.S. Soccer Federation Win; Board Appointments as Search Launches
FAYETTEVILLE, GA. — The Fayette County Development Authority today announced three developments that reflect the strength of this organization and its forward momentum: the next chapter in Niki Vanderslice’s continuing leadership with the FCDA and the appointment by the Fayette County Commission to fill 4 board seats.
In 2023, when U.S. Soccer was secured, Niki Vanderslice said publicly that the opening of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center would be her milestone. As of this month that facility is now open and Niki is keeping her word.
Vanderslice, who has led the FCDA for over 3 years in her current role as President & CEO, having previously serving on the board for over 6 years prior, will transition from her day-to-day executive role into a continuing Strategic Advisor role with the organization. This is not a departure. Her institutional knowledge, her relationships across Fayette County, the State of Georgia, the broader economic development community, and her commitment to this community’s future remain fully engaged. She is staying in her current role until a successor is in place and fully trained, ensuring a seamless handoff with a two-year phased strategic transition.
“Strong organizations should always have succession planning in place, and I said years ago that the location of the U.S. Soccer Federation Headquarters and the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center was my milestone. We set out to do something extraordinary, and Fayette delivered. I’m proud of that work.” — Niki Vanderslice, President & CEO, Fayette County Development Authority
Vanderslice’s tenure represents one of the most transformational chapters in FCDA’s over 40-year history. Under her leadership, FCDA facilitated more than 700 high-quality jobs and over $12 billion in capital investment to the county. She guided the organization through the development of Foremost Fayette, a five-year economic development strategic plan built on the input of more than 700 community participants, focused on three goals: creating a unified vision through collaboration, embracing legacy business while diversifying the economy, and continuing to build a livable and thriving community.
The plan identified six target sectors for Fayette’s future: Advanced Manufacturing, Corporate Headquarters, Digital & Creative Media, Legacy Business & Industry, Sports & Health Performance, and Technology. Each sector was chosen because it fits what Fayette County is and what it wants to attract.
Under Vanderslice’s leadership, the FCDA also continued with the QTS data center project that was approved prior to her current role at the FCDA. That campus, now under development, is projected to generate more than $40 million in annual property taxes in 2026, a transformational shift in Fayette County’s commercial tax base that will directly benefit schools, roads, and community services for decades.
And then there is U.S. Soccer and the newly opened Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, a 200-acre complex that serves as the home for all 27 U.S. national teams. It is the centerpiece of what Foremost Fayette identified as a brand-new target sector: Sports & Health Performance. Fayette County Development Authority didn’t just recruit a company, it launched an industry.
“Niki didn’t just run an organization, she built one. She brought a strategic vision to FCDA, she built the relationships that made that vision possible, and she leaves us with a team, a plan, and a track record that the next leader can build on. We are not losing Niki. We’re entering a new phase of our partnership with her and the future of the FCDA.” — Ed Johnson, Vice-Chair, FCDA Board of Directors
Business and civic leaders across Fayette and beyond expressed appreciation for Vanderslice’s leadership and confidence in FCDA’s future.
“From the very beginning, Niki saw the vision for what the National Training Center could mean, not just for U.S. Soccer, but for Fayette County and the broader community. She became one of our strongest advocates, helping shape innovative community incentives that reflected both her creativity and her unwavering belief in what this project would become. We’re incredibly grateful for her partnership and the lasting impact she has had on making the National Training Center a reality. Today, many of our own employees call Fayette County home, enjoying its schools and becoming part of the community Niki has worked so hard to support. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building on that foundation and ensuring this facility continues to create opportunities and lasting value for the entire community.” —JT Batson, CEO, U.S. Soccer
“It has been a privilege to work with Niki and recognize her dedication and hard work in bringing strategic projects to the county. She has consistently focused on targeting specific industries, attracting investment, and driving job creation to strengthen our community. Niki’s ability to develop relationships with corporate partners, all while maintaining a positive attitude and efficient work ethic, has truly made a difference. Niki sets high expectations for her team, always ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed. Her talent for collaboration and partnership is central to advancing economic development projects, and her influence is clearly felt throughout Fayette County.” — Steve Rapson, County Manager, Fayette County
“I’ve watched Niki Vanderslice serve this community for years, and what always stood out to me wasn’t just what she accomplished, it was why. She believes Fayette County is worth fighting for. She believes in doing things the right way, even when the right way is the harder way. That kind of integrity matters, and it’s rare. We are going to miss seeing her in the trenches every day, no question about that. But I take real comfort in knowing she’s not walking away, she’s still going to be in the room, still pouring into this place she loves. Fayette County has been blessed to have her, and we’re blessed that her heart for this community isn’t going anywhere.”— Dr. George Dillard, Senior Pastor, Peachtree City Christian Church
Alongside this transition, the Fayette County Board of Commissioners has reappointed Darryl A. Hicks and Dr. Luis Matta Jr. to the FCDA Board of Directors and appointed two new members: Tom Gray and Addison Lester. Experienced leadership alongside fresh perspective, that’s a board built for what’s ahead.
“The Fayette County Board of Commissioners has confidence in FCDA’s direction and in its future. These appointments reflect that confidence. We’re committed to making sure this organization has the board it needs to keep doing great work for this community.”— Lee Hearn, Chairman District 2, Fayette County Board of Commissioners
The Search
The FCDA Board is preparing to launch the search for the new leadership role. They’re looking for someone who understands economic development, believes in growth that serves the community, and is ready to lead at a high level. No fixed timeline, the Board is committed to finding the right person. Vanderslice will remain in her current role as President & CEO until that person is in place and fully trained, at the time of hiring the two-year transition plan will begin.
About the Fayette County Development Authority
The Fayette County Development Authority works to support responsible economic growth that strengthens both the local economy and the community. The FCDA is the single point of contact for economic development in Fayette County, representing all five municipalities. The organization’s current five-year strategic plan, Foremost Fayette, was developed with input from more than 700 community participants and focuses on attracting quality employers, supporting legacy businesses, developing the local workforce, and building a more livable and thriving Fayette County.
For more information, visit www.fayettega.org.
CONTACT: FCDA Board of Directors | 770.461.5253 | admin@fayettega.org
FAYETTE FOREMOST- Strategic Economic Development Plan
FOREMOST FAYETTE, a five-year Strategic Economic Development Plan to guide the efforts of the Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) into the future.
March 4, 2026
FAYETTE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AWARDS FIVE SIGNIFICANT GRANTS TO LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES TO EMPOWER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
March 28, 2024
In a monumental stride toward community-centered economic development, the Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) is proud to announce the recipients of its initial round of grants, totaling an impressive $1,229,785. These grants are poised to serve as the catalyst for transformative projects that contribute to the economic vitality of Fayette County.
Film Industry Impact Report
January 31, 2024
The Fayette County Development Authority is pleased to present the Film Industry Impact Report that we commissioned in 2023 from Boyette Strategic Advisors. This report highlights and evaluates the impact of the film industry in Fayette County. Please read more below.
Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas Named to FCDA Board of Directors
January 4, 2024
Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas, a distinguished veteran educator with nearly three decades of experience in secondary and post-secondary education, currently holds the esteemed position as the President of the Executive Leadership Academy and Talent Initiatives for the Technical College System of Georgia. Dr. Thomas was recently appointed by the Fayette County Board of Commissioners to the Fayette County Development Authority Board. This appointment underscores her reputation as a respected figure in educational administration and her commitment to fostering workforce development in the community.
U.S. SOCCER SELECTS SITE IN FAYETTE COUNTY, GEORGIA FOR FUTURE HOME OF NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER
December 7, 2023
Coca-Cola will be a founding partner of the National Training Center and support U.S. Soccer’s goals of inspiring future generations and growing the game across Georgia and the entire country. Key site selection criteria included proximity and accessibility to a major international airport, optimal climate for year-round use, viable site infrastructure, and support from a diverse, growing community with opportunity to drive economic impact locally.
GEDA Names FCDA Chairman as 2023 Volunteer of the Year
November 27, 2023
At its Annual Awards luncheon, the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) recognized top deals of the year and excellence by individuals. Awards included the Deals of the Year, Committee Chair and Member of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence. Nearly 200 economic developers from around the state attended the ceremony at the Georgia Tech Hotel at Tech Square in Midtown Atlanta. Volunteer of the Year Award The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual economic development volunteer for outstanding service to an economic development organization or community. This year’s recipient is Darryl Hicks with Fayette County Development Authority.
Fayette County Development Authority Selects New Director of Existing Industries
October 15, 2023
The Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) is proud to welcome Amanda Fields, a distinguished economic development professional with over two decades of experience, as its new Director of Existing Industries.
Fayette County Development Authority Selects Niki Vanderslice President & CEO
March 1, 2023
The Board of Directors of the Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) have selected Niki Vanderslice to serve as President & Chief Executive Officer effective March 1, 2023.
CLOSED-RFP #2023-0101 Accounting/Bookkeeping
January 4, 2023
The FCDA is seeking proposals for qualified independent accounting/bookkeeping services. Proposals will be received until 3p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023.
Piedmont Fayette Named One of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Seventh Straight Year
February 9, 2021
Piedmont Fayette today announced that it has achieved the Healthgrades 2021 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award. Piedmont Fayette is among the top one percent of nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for superior clinical performance year-over-year according to Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.