Jason Gaines, AICP, Director of Planning with Georgia-based, full-service consulting firm Croy, was named the 2025 Mableton Citizen of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Presented during the South Cobb Area Council’s luncheon yesterday, the award recognizes Gaines’ work in the City of Mableton, primarily in his role as the Mableton Development Authority Chairman. The Citizen of the Year Awards are bestowed annually to recognize individuals who champion their communities in Cobb County through meaningful contributions and strong leadership.
“Jason Gaines embodies the spirit of service and forward-thinking leadership that is strengthening Mableton, Cobb, and our state,” said Sharon Mason, President & CEO of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. “Through his outstanding leadership as Chairman of the Mableton Development Authority and many roles throughout our community, he plays an integral part in shaping Mableton’s growth and ensuring it’s thriving for years to come. We are grateful for all he contributes to our community’s success.”
A 20-year veteran of the planning and community/economic development profession, Gaines oversees Croy’s planning efforts, supports existing clients while building new relationships, and works with communities to develop plans that leverage their unique assets. With a notable history leading community planning and revitalization efforts in the Mableton area—both prior to and since the City’s incorporation—he holds a deep appreciation for the City and serves as a champion for its continued evolution as a thriving economic engine in the South Cobb area. He now serves Mableton in both a professional and personal capacity—leading Croy’s team in assisting with a range of City projects, while also serving as Chair of the Mableton Development Authority Board.
“Jason has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to guiding community growth with care and integrity,” said Mayor Michael Owens, City of Mableton. “His strong grasp of local government at both operational and strategic levels has helped build a seamless partnership between the City and the Mableton Development Authority. I cannot thank Jason enough for all he has already done and all he plans to do for our city.”
Gaines holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from Miami University (Ohio) and a Master of City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He currently serves as a member of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Council for Quality Growth’s Board of Directors, as well as its North Fulton Advisory Committee. He is a certified planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a graduate of Leadership Cobb, Leadership Dekalb, and the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Regional Leadership Institute (RLI) programs. He has also been accepted as a participant in the Cobb Chamber’s 2026 Honorary Commanders program.
“I want to thank the City of Mableton and the Cobb Chamber for this wonderful honor,” said Gaines. “I am truly humbled by this recognition. This award is not just about me—it reflects the incredible spirit of the Mableton community and the countless individuals who work every day to make Mableton a great place to live, work, and thrive. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to continuing to contribute to the evolution and growth of the City.”
ABOUT CROY
Croy is an award-winning multi-discipline consulting firm headquartered in Marietta, Ga. with additional offices in Chattanooga, Tenn. and Huntsville, Ala. As a leading Georgia-based provider of design solutions in the Southeast, Croy leverages its strong local presence and deep community ties to offer a range of services, including planning, aviation, environmental, land acquisition, site development, surveying, transportation, traffic, and municipal engineering, to local and national clients. Learn more at www.croyeng.com or connect on any of the firm’s social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
