Lawrence McKinney, CEcD, CCE, IOM

Principal

While obtaining my undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance I interned with a Regional Planning Agency that covered 13 counties. Upon graduation, that experience led to a job offer at a regional Chamber of Commerce representing three counties. Those experiences working for nonprofits led me into a 26-year career helping others, building communities, and creating jobs. Just as importantly, it helped cement my belief in a team approach, i.e. a regional approach to solving problems.

Now that I’m working with Convergent on the other side of the coin, helping communities raise funds to carry out their important tasks, it’s even more rewarding. I get to meet and see so many outstanding professionals around the country, in every state, in every nonprofit endeavor as they strive to “make mission happen”. We see “best practices” and pass those along when it makes sense, kind of like bees pollinating the country to make honey wherever we can. Everybody loves honey!

I was a Rotarian for nearly three decades so there are many causes I care about but service above self is what drives me. Without question, my passion for fundraising is with cities, counties, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations. I believe the work they do improving the quality of life of citizens while providing jobs and community amenities drives all other downstream impacts to the other nonprofits in their market area.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type=”expandable” text_align=”left” anchor=”bio” more_button_label=”Full Bio” less_button_label=”Close” expandable_content_top_padding=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1533907739109{margin-top: 27px !important;}” el_id=”expandBio”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Lawrence has generated over $100 million for local, regional, and multi-county economic development organizations while creating thousands of jobs for the communities he has served over a 30-year career as an economic development professional in Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and Kentucky. He has personally worked with thousands of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and Fortune 500 businesses, helping guide their strategic decisions.

Lawrence’s success stems from his ability to intuitively adapt to changing variables and situations for maximum impact. He possesses a proven capacity to build consensus, inspire staff and volunteers, drive progress, overcome obstacles, and achieve objectives. Truly diverse, in addition to pure EDOs, Lawrence has raised funds for interstate beautification initiatives, community meeting facilities, industrial park site acquisition, and both state and local competition athletic facilities.

His efforts have been recognized as “Best of the Best” by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a “Top 20 EDO” by Georgia Technical Institute, and have earned him a national reputation as an innovative, visionary thought leader. He’s received the “Mayor’s Community Spirit” award in Atlanta, been named “Most Influential” multiple times by Floridian Magazine, “Business Person of the Year,” in Athens, GA, and a “Kentucky Colonel” by Governor Matt Bevin – the highest civilian honor possible.

Summary of Experience

• Significant fundraising experience includes:
  • $7.1 million; Roanoke Regional Partnership in Roanoke, VA.
  • $3.2 million; KYNDLE, a four-county regional EDO in Henderson, KY.
  • $8 million; Team Volusia EDO, a 10-city, public-private partnership in Daytona Beach, FL.
  • $3 million; Impact Athens EDO in Athens, GA.
  • $2.5 million; Partners for Tomorrow EDO in Atlanta, GA.
  • $5.5 million; Meriwether County IDA in Warm Springs, GA.
  • $4 million; Richmond Hill CVB tourism program in Savannah, GA.
  • $6 million; Columbia County Development Authority in Augusta, GA.
• Served as CEO of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Partnership, and Halifax Area Trade Council in Florida.
• Served as CEO of the Impact Athens EDO, Partners for Tomorrow EDO, and Bryan County Development Authority and Richmond Hill CVB in Georgia.
• One of just 12 professionals in the nation to hold both CCE and CEcD designations simultaneously.
• Board service includes the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia and Florida Chamber Executive Associations, the prestigious Daytona 500 Checkered Flag Committee, and the Gallery Guards Committee of the Augusta National.
• MBA in International Business from Georgia State University and BBA in Economics/Finance from Augusta College.