Georgia Power just handed the reins of one of its most critical roles to someone with deep policy chops and a proven record in public service. Arthur Tripp, a familiar face in Georgia’s economic and political circles, has been named the new vice president of Economic Development. And it’s a big deal — not just for the company, but for communities across the state counting on fresh jobs and business investments.
Tripp steps in as Georgia Power doubles down on its legacy as one of the nation’s top utilities for business attraction and expansion. With the bar set sky-high, all eyes will be on how he continues — or reshapes — the company’s economic game plan.
A Familiar Face Steps Into a High-Stakes Role
This isn’t Tripp’s first time playing a pivotal role in state development. Before joining Georgia Power in 2024, he led Georgia’s USDA Farm Service Agency as the state executive director. That job gave him a front-row seat to the economic challenges and opportunities unique to rural communities — an experience that now feeds directly into his new position.
He also brings years of experience working on Capitol Hill, where he served under U.S. Representative David Scott and Senator Raphael Warnock. Policy understanding? Check. Local ties? Check. Familiarity with the state’s economic machinery? Absolutely.
Why This Position Really Matters
To the average customer, a VP title at a utility company might sound distant. But in this case, it carries weight that touches nearly every community in Georgia.
For starters, Georgia Power has been repeatedly recognized — for more than 25 years — as one of the top utilities in the U.S. for economic development. That’s not just fluff. It translates into companies choosing to set up shop in Georgia, thousands of new jobs, and billions in private investments.
Let’s break it down a bit:
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Georgia Power works directly with local governments and business leaders to recruit new companies and support existing ones.
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Its team helps with site selection, permitting, energy infrastructure, and incentives — basically everything a company needs to get going.
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The utility’s backing has helped draw in projects from companies like Hyundai, Rivian, and Qcells.
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So yeah, this role isn’t just about PR or public appearances. It’s a growth engine.
Tripp Inherits a State Already on a Business Hot Streak
Here’s the kicker: Georgia doesn’t really need a turnaround. It’s already got momentum.
For 10 years straight, Georgia has been ranked the No. 1 state for doing business by Site Selection magazine. Major infrastructure investments, proximity to the Port of Savannah, a booming metro Atlanta market — it’s all helped Georgia punch above its weight.
Trade tensions, political uncertainty, and clean energy demands have all complicated corporate decision-making. That’s where his understanding of federal policy could be a hidden advantage.
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He’s not just shaking hands — he knows where the money’s flowing in Washington.
The Walt Farrell Factor: Big Shoes to Fill
Tripp replaces Walt Farrell, who was recently appointed CEO of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas. Farrell was known as a steady, results-focused leader — someone who emphasized long-term relationships over short-term wins.
That kind of legacy isn’t easy to follow. But Tripp’s approach may look a little different.
Expect him to lean into Georgia Power’s clean energy transition strategy. Renewable energy investments are gaining steam, and companies — especially global ones — are asking tougher questions about sustainability when choosing where to build.
The table below gives a sense of what’s been driving corporate site selection recently:
| Factor Influencing Business Relocation | Importance in 2024–25 |
|---|---|
| Access to Clean Energy | Very High |
| State-Level Incentives | High |
| Proximity to Logistics Infrastructure | Very High |
| Workforce Availability | High |
| Political & Regulatory Stability | Moderate to High |
Energy, Jobs, and What’s Next
Georgia Power’s messaging around this transition has been clear: this isn’t a reset, it’s a ramp-up.
Trey Kilpatrick, Georgia Power’s SVP of External Affairs, said it best: “At the center of this process are relationships that are built on trust.” That’s no empty phrase — site selectors and executives want predictability, and Tripp’s résumé reads like a masterclass in building trust across sectors.
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But this job isn’t just about economic wins.
It’s about balancing the needs of small rural towns and big urban metros, all while working within the constraints of energy policy, environmental standards, and ratepayer expectations.
And as Tripp takes over at a time of heightened scrutiny around utilities — especially with inflation and climate issues in the spotlight — he’s got to thread the needle carefully.
There’s a lot riding on his leadership. Georgia’s next chapter of growth could depend on it.
