Kim Knight is the area director of the UGA Small Business Development Centers at Clayton State University. A native of Alabama, Kim is a communications professional with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, economic development, and small business outreach. She began her career with TSYS in Columbus, Ga., where she served as editor of the company’s official newsletter, speechwriter for executives, and manager of the narrative section of the company’s annual report to shareholders. She also interfaced with local, national and international media on behalf of the organization.

Serving in numerous roles in Georgia state government, Kim’s work as a marketing coordinator supported the Governor’s Small Business Center’s outreach efforts to include the Governor’s Mentor Protégé Program, the first of its kind, state-funded program in the country partnering large and small businesses for an 18-month engagement.

At the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDECD), Kim worked in marketing, research and business development. Small Business Outreach Program Manager was her final role at GDECD through which she assisted small businesses with navigating the vast resources of the state of Georgia via one-on-one consultations, speaking engagements, and partnering with various community organizations.

Kim also worked with Invest Atlanta as the small business opportunity zones program manager. Her work with Invest Atlanta helped deploy more than $1.5 million into the small business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also worked with the opportunity zones team, assisting small businesses with information and opportunities in the City of Atlanta’s 26 Federal Opportunity Zones.

Education

• MA (Management), Troy University
• BA (English), Auburn University

Experience

• Georgia Department of Administrative Services
• Georgia Department of Economic Development
• Invest Atlanta