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Hooks to direct Jekyll Island

• A former Albany chamber executive returns to Georgia to work at Jekyll Island.

Staff Reports

LEESBURG — C. Jones Hooks, former CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, has been chosen as the new executive director of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority.

Hooks was chosen by the Jekyll Authority Wednesday. He replaces Bill Donohue, who was appointed to head the Lake Lanier Island Development Authority in November.

"Jones Hooks has an impressive background and successful work history, especially in economic development and tourism," Gov. Sonny Perdue said. "His experience will be an asset to the Authority as the revitalization of Jekyll Island proceeds."

For the past nine years, Hooks has served as CEO of Virginia's Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. The Metter native and University of Georgia graduate also previously worked in the Washington, D.C., office of the late U.S. Rep. Bo Ginn. He also directed Kings Bay Impact Coordinating Committee, an agency established by Congress to help local communities prepare for the U.S. Navy's new Trident Submarine Base at Kings Bay.

Hooks ad his wife, Stephanie, have two grown sons and one grandchild.

"I'm honored by the opportunity to help manager and preserve one of Georgia's most precious natural resources." Hooks said. "I look forward to welcoming more Georgians to enjoy all the wonderful things Jekyll Island has to offer."

Hooks left Albany in 1997 after a decade in Albany to join KPMG Peat Marwick in Atlanta.

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