Christopher Pike, the City of South Fulton’s Economic Development Director, graduated last week from the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
The Certified Public Manager (CPM) is a United States professional designation established in 1979 for the purpose of improving performance and advancing best practice standards for public sector managers.
“It was a great opportunity to expand my skillset and gain valuable knowledge to better serve City of South Fulton citizens,” said Pike. “I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in professional development opportunities such as the CPM program and I am thankful for the support I received from my supervisors and colleagues.”
The CPM program positions graduates to learn several core competencies: change leadership, personal and organizational integrity, managing work, developing self, leading people, systemic integration, and public service.
The CPM is awarded upon completion of a CPM program accredited by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium.
Pike is the former director of economic development for the City of Villa Rica. Since his arrival in South Fulton, he’s overseen the launch and growth of Destination South Fulton, the city’s economic development arm.
Under the DSF banner, Pike has led the effort to develop an economic development strategic plan, introduced the Main Street Program for the Old National and Red Oak corridors, opened two CollabSouth small business incubators in the same areas and launched National Travel and Tourism Week programming in the city.
Additionally, Pike recently spearheaded a study to determine the impact of COVID-19 on South Fulton businesses. More than 65 percent of respondents reported a reduction in revenue of at least 50 percent. In response, Pike has worked to connect local businesses to key resources, as well as encourage and incentivize the public to spend their dollars with small businesses within city limits.
Photo: Economic Development Director Christopher Pike is a recent graduate of the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Credit: Office of Christopher Pike)