Former Henry County Commission Chairman Elizabeth “BJ” Mathis began a new position early this month — leading economic development for the city of Stockbridge.

The new community and economic development officer, Mathis will be wearing many hats in her role.

“We’re going to revitalize a downtown development authority as one of our first priorities,” she said.

“That’s important from the standpoint of having a body in place to help guide and direct the vision of the city.”

Mathis will also head the culture and leisure services department, as well as working with transportation officials at the state and regional level.

She said her background as county commission chairman will be vital in her new role.

“One of the greatest assets that I bring to this job is the relationships I have developed at the regional and state level,” Mathis said. “Those are key. Those are critical in helping Stockbridge become everything it can be.”

City Administrator David Milliron said it was one of the main considerations in hiring her.

“When I had to evaluate how I was going to achieve the [city] council’s directive of making economic development happen fast, I had to be honest about who could open doors the fastest and who could get us opportunities,” he said.

And Mathis was the prime candidate.

“We’ve already had the phone buzzing off the hook with developers and business owners,” he said.

Mathis said she wasn’t necessarily seeking to continue her career in government, but the newly created position in Stockbridge turned out to be a perfect fit.

“It’s not so much working for the government, per se, as it is using the gifts and talents you have in order to make the community you live in a better place,” she said.