It was in September that Emily Poole left the Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) to take a position at Clayton State University. As of March 23, Poole will return to FCDA and is slated to eventually fill the position of CEO.

Chairman Darryl Hicks on Monday said Poole wil be returning to FCDA on March 23 as Vice President of Economic Development.

“We were impressed with (Poole’s) connections with the community and her relations with the businesses,” Hicks said, adding that people know and trust Poole. “She is the future of Fayette’s economic development. She is sharp and personable and people like her.”

While Poole’s position is new, Hicks said FCDA did not fill Poole’s business retention and expansion position when she left in late 2015 to take a position at Clayton State University as Director of Corporate and Foundation Partnerships.

Hicks said Joan Young will remain as interim CEO, with Poole slated to eventually fill the position.

Poole on Tuesday commented on returning to Fayette County.

“I’m so excited. I feel like I’m coming home. Economic development in Fayette County is where my heart is,” said Poole. “I’m blessed and excited for the opportunity to come home.”

Poole also commented on the work of Young and the development authority board during the past several months.

“Her work has been phenomenal and has set us up for success,” Poole said.