Sam Wills

A former executive for Chattanooga-based construction company EMJ Corp. has been named as the state's new regional director overseeing economic development in Southeast Tennessee.

Sam Wills, who was director of business development for EMJ, will serve Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, Polk, Rhea, McMinn, Meigs and Sequatchie counties.

"Sam will be a terrific addition to our TNECD Business Development team. He will help continue the positive economic development momentum prevailing in the Southeast Region," said Bill Hagerty, state Economic and Community Development Department commissioner.

Wills will serve as the primary point of contact for existing industry expansions and will help attract new businesses, align workforce development strategies and support other regional economic and rural development initiatives.

Prior to joining ECD, Wills served in several capacities over his 20-year career with EMJ.