Georgia Downtown Association Honors Brunswick’s Mathew Hill with Inspired Leader Award
Mathew Hill, Executive Director Brunswick’s Downtown Development Authority. (provided photoP)
The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) recognized Mathew Hill Executive Director of the Brunswick Downtown Development Authority, with its 2026 Inspired Leader Award during the GDA Annual Conference in Rome.
The Inspired Leader Award honors a city staff member, public entity, or partner organization whose leadership exemplifies excellence in downtown revitalization.
The award celebrates visionary, innovative, and dedicated leaders whose commitment has strengthened their downtown and community.
“Mathew’s leadership embodies everything the Inspired Leader Award represents,” said Jason Ford, GDA President. “For more than two decades, he has inspired others to think beyond what exists today and envision what is possible through collaboration, persistence, and strategic investment. His work has transformed downtown Brunswick into a model for revitalization across Georgia, and his impact will continue to benefit the community for generations to come.”
Over the past 22 years, Hill has helped transform downtown Brunswick into one of Georgia’s most vibrant downtown districts through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to revitalization. Under his leadership, annual downtown event attendance grew from fewer than 16,000 visitors in 2005 to more than 235,000 in 2025, while annual public and private investment increased from approximately $2.46 million to $16.48 million.
Hill has championed catalytic redevelopment projects, including the Richland Rum Distillery helped preserve Brunswick’s historic architecture through innovative preservation initiatives expanded grant programs that have supported hundreds of downtown businesses and property owners, and worked alongside city leaders, state agencies, local businesses, financial institutions, and community organizations to create lasting economic and community impact. His collaborative approach and ability to inspire others have transformed not only downtown Brunswick’s physical landscape, but also the community’s vision for its future.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award, but downtown revitalization is never the work of one person. For 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people who believe deeply in Brunswick and in what our downtown can become. Every project, every investment, and every step forward has been possible because of people willing to show up, collaborate, and believe in the bigger picture. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about where we’re going.”
