Batson-Cook Construction is pleased to welcome Hans Gant as Vice President of Business Development – Manufacturing and Industrial.  A veteran economic developer with vast senior-level experience, Gant will work with existing clients and new businesses to determine partnership possibilities and business opportunities throughout the state and southeast region. 

“Through his 25 years of work in economic development, Mr. Gant has assisted in the creation of tens of thousands of jobs, impacting the quality of life of many individuals and families,” stated Joe Appleton, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Batson-Cook’s West Point, Georgia, office.  “His work with Batson-Cook will be an extension of that, as he partners with business and communities to facilitate their construction and growth needs.” 

For 15 years prior to joining Batson-Cook, Gant served as the Senior Vice President for Economic Development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber.  Here, he was responsible for managing and coordinating target industry markets, business attraction and growth programs, as well as many other areas essential to the success of the Chamber.  He was integral in bringing companies such as Cancer Treatment Centers of America^® (CTCA) at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Novelis, Airwatch, First Data Corporation, Newell Rubbermaid and SANY Heavy Industries to Georgia.

As President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Virginia Economic Development Alliance, Gant was tasked with business attraction and regional coordination with key stakeholders.  During his tenure, his team was responsible for attracting 90 companies and creating 12,500 new jobs. 

Gant, a graduate of Columbus State University, has deep ties to West Georgia.  He previously worked at the Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce as its Senior Vice President of Economic Development.  Additionally, Gant was the Vice President of Real Estate Development for The Jordan Company, a Columbus-based firm, and was the Director of City Planning & Development for the City of Columbus. 

"Coming to Batson-Cook allows me the opportunity to grow with an established leader in the southeast construction market,” said Gant.  “It also allows me to work for a company who values service to the communities in which it works.  Both these qualities were a big draw for me.”

Mr. Gant is a member of The Georgia Economic Developers Association, CoreNet Global and NAIOP.

Gant and his wife Liz have two children and four grandchildren.  In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoys boating, fishing and making rustic furniture for his wife’s antique business.