A new executive director was recently appointed for the Georgia Centers of Innovation, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Steve Justice was moved into the position from his previous role as director of the Center of Innovation for Aerospace, where he was responsible for programs to accelerate the growth of Georgia aerospace companies.

The center serves as a consultant to Georgia businesses of all sizes at no charge.

The center can provide consultations in several areas including industry, academia, investments, dealing with governments and non-government organizations.

Last year, the center provided support for about 1,000 businesses – from those starting up to major global companies including agri-business, energy and information technology.

Justice has more than 30 years experience in aerospace, including working with such companies as Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream Aerospace, Delta Air Lines and others.

Justice, a native of Atlanta, lives in Fayette County. He graduated high school from Woodward Academy and attended college at Georgia Tech.

He is an award-winning licensed aerospace engineer and a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Justice is a member of the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Aerospace Advisory Council and the Georgia Southern University College of Engineering and Information Technology Advisory Council.