Demian attends first meeting as director

Gil Pound, The Union-Recorder, Milledgeville, Ga.
·2 min read

Feb. 25—"Drinking through a firehose" was the phrase Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority Chairman Johnny Grant used to describe what Mary Demian's first few months would be like as CSHLRA executive director.

Her learning curve is all the more steep considering she's come into the position from a background that does not include real estate nor economic development experience. Much of Demian's professional background lies in the health care industry and more recently as vice president of an education consulting firm. But the outside-the-box hire looks to bring an outside-the-box approach to one of the more unique challenges facing the community — repurposing and revitalizing the massive Central State Hospital campus.

Demian, who has lived in the Alpharetta/Roswell area since 2000, was born in Iraq with Egyptian heritage. After being named the sole finalist for CSHLRA executive director in December, she had her first day in the role on Feb. 12 and attended her first regular monthly board meeting Tuesday evening.

"My first week was busy," Demian told the nine-member board. "I feel blessed I'm here. Mr. Grant has taken the time to take me around the campus and it's very beautiful."

Demian wants to get the word out about the opportunities that exist at what was once the country's largest mental hospital. She made note of all the history that has taken place on the grounds, and spoke about how nature is a significant part of the landscape as well.

Since the state's abandonment of the 2,000-acre campus over a decade ago, nature and history have gotten a little too close to one another as trees and grass have grown up around many of the buildings. It's the job of the executive director and the Authority to find businesses and organizations willing to take on those projects and put the properties back into use.

After a few words on her first week at the helm, Demian dove right into the rest of her executive director's report, giving updates on recent activity around the campus. She also handled parliamentary procedure for much of the meeting, and was named to the committee that will look at ways for CSHLRA to optimize its use of the Chapel of All Faiths as an events space. On Wednesday morning she and Grant attended the Chamber of Commerce's Eggs & Issues event so she could introduce herself to several business and community leaders. More introductions are sure to be made in the coming weeks as Demian settles into the new role.