The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) has announced that Kristi Brigman will step into the role of chief economic development officer.

In her new role, Brigman will lead the team that drives the Chamber’s economic development strategy, ecosystem development, global commerce, and business recruitment.

“Kristi brings balanced experience and innovative leadership to this team,” Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber, said in a press release. “With a career that spans the legal, private, and public sectors, she brings a state-wide perspective that is vital to our work across the metro Atlanta region. She joins an adept economic development team that is dynamic and experienced, which positions us for continued economic success in metro Atlanta.”

Brigman replaces David Hartnett, a former biotech and pharmaceutical business leader who retired after 18 years with the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

She comes to MAC from the Georgia Department of Economic Development where she served as Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce, leading the team responsible for attracting job and investment growth across the state of Georgia. Prior to joining the Department, Brigman worked in the state and local tax practice of KPMG LLP in Atlanta.

Brigman holds both a Juris Doctor and a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Georgia. Originally from Rome, she lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children.