Lt. Governor Cagle Appoints Columbus' Mitchell Watkins to Regional Planning Council

The office of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle announced Mitchell Watkins has been appointed to serve on the Council of Regional Commissions serving the Columbus area.  The Council will serve as the primary strategic entity for land use, environmental, transportation, and historic preservation planning in their designated region.

"Mitchell is an outstanding professional and community leader who will do a fantastic job in this important role," said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. "He has demonstrated a strong passion to serve and with his length experience and forward-thinking vision for regional development he will be a tremendous asset for Columbus' future growth."

Watkins is currently Vice President and Business Banking Manager at Columbus Bank & Trust.  After joining the bank in 1988, he has been involved in a number of civic and community activities along with his professional duties. He is currently Chairman of the Corporate Division for the 2009 Columbus State University (CSU) Fund Drive and a member of the Board of Directors of Feeding the Valley Food Bank and the CSU Tower Society.  He also serves on the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Recognition Committee. 

Watkins graduated from Hardaway High School and earned his undergraduate degree from CSU. He is a Columbus native where he now lives with his wife Paula and their two children.  They currently are members at Crosspointe Church.

Watkins will begin his two-year Council term July 1.  The Council was enacted by the General Assembly passing House Bill 1216 in 2008.  The Council will be the official regional planning and development organization for the local governments and citizens in its designated region.  The Council will create policy direction for the area’s short and long-term comprehensive planning and serve as liaison between its regional communities and the state government.