GALLATIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY NAMES NEW EXISTING INDUSTRIES COORDINATOR TO SUPPORT EMPLOYERS

GALLATIN, TN – Gallatin Economic Development Agency (GEDA) has announced the hiring of Kamil Kuropatwa as the agency’s new Existing Industries Coordinator, further strengthening its commitment to serving Gallatin’s more than 80 manufacturing and distribution employers through the Gallatin Expansion and Retention (GEAR) program. 

The GEAR program is a cornerstone of GEDA’s strategy—providing hands-on, no-cost support to Gallatin’s existing industries through local permitting guidance, site expansion assistance, economic research and wage data, workforce development, and business promotion. The Existing Industries Coordinator plays the central role in delivering that support by working directly with employers and aligning education partners and local and state agencies to ensure Gallatin not only attracts industry—but sustains it.

“Economic development isn’t just about recruiting new companies—it’s about ensuring the businesses already here have the support they need,” said Rosemary Bates, Executive Director of GEDA. “Our existing industries are the backbone of our economy, and this position strengthens our ability to anticipate their needs and respond with solutions.”

Kuropatwa, a Chicago native who now calls Gallatin home, is a graduate of Lewis University. He joins GEDA at a time when employer engagement and workforce alignment remain critical to the city’s continued economic momentum.

“Gallatin’s success depends on the health of its existing businesses and industries,” said Kuropatwa. “I look forward to serving the companies that power our local economy alongside a team dedicated to that same mission.”

In addition to supporting local employers in his new role, Kuropatwa will also assist GEDA with prospective recruitment efforts and work directly with key workforce leaders across Sumner County Schools, Vol State Community College, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) to strengthen talent pipelines and align training with industry demand. 

Kuropatwa joins GEDA as its third staff member, working alongside Executive Director Rosemary Bates and Special Projects Director Josh Cross.