Government & Economic Development Institute

GEDI Celebrates 50 Years of Service and Building Better Communities

In 1976 The Office of Professional Service began as a department of Auburn University Outreach, and though its programs and services have grown and changed over the years, its mission to promote effective government policy and management, civic engagement, economic prosperity, and improved quality of life for the State of Alabama and its communities remains steadfast. Known since 2015 as the Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI), its training, research, consulting and collaborative partnerships have touched every county and corner of Alabama and beyond.

“Marking 50 years of providing service impacting leaders and communities across the great State of Alabama is a true milestone. As we have grown through the years, we never lose focus on the importance of the work we do as a team every day. We count it an honor to serve Alabamians and demonstrates our commitment to training government leaders, helping communities grow, serving those in economic development, and impacting our state for today and the future,” explains Jeremy Arthur, GEDI Director and Assistant Vice President for University Outreach and Professional and Continuing Education.

GEDI partners with many professional associations and organizations to provide professional and continuing education and certification programs for public servants and business professionals. 2026 marks the 42^nd year of GEDI’s Intensive Economic Development Training Course, which is accredited through the International Economic Development Council and has graduated over 1,700 economic developers since its inception.

Another core program is the Buddy Sharpless Education Institute which began in 1995 and has trained every Alabama county commissioner since that time. Formerly named the Alabama Local Government Training Institute, this program consists of 50 hours and five courses of instruction which educates newly elected county commissioners on the responsibilities and requirements of their role. The required program must be completed within two years of the commissioner’s initial election. GEDI also offers an advanced program consisting of 70 additional instructional hours designed to augment the commissioner's awareness and effectiveness in policymaking and public administration. 

Other longstanding programs include the Local Government Professional Management Certification, administered in partnership with the Alabama City/County Management Association (ACCMA), the Certified Municipal Revenue Officer Program, the GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute and many more. Strong programs and partnerships have earned GEDI recognition as one of Alabama’s top organizations for university outreach. Because of its excellent reputation, GEDI remains a primary resource for education, consulting, and policy leadership by state government, local governments and the economic development community. GEDI continues to build upon its strong traditional programming but remains relevant to emerging state and community needs and will continue to do so for decades to come.

To learn more about GEDI’s programs and upcoming events, visit the GEDI website.

Sam Gaston’s Legacy: From The Plains to Public Service

When a young Sam Gaston came to Auburn in the mid-seventies to pursue a degree in Public Administration, he couldn’t envision the path his career would take, but he knew one thing, he wanted to work in public service. In November of 2025, Gaston was celebrated as he completed 45 years of doing just that and retired from spending the last 32 years serving the citizens of Mountain Brook as their City Manager. In that role he managed an organization of 260 employees and a $55 million budget with seven departments.

Earlier in his professional life, after earning his MPA from AUM, he worked in the planning departments at the cities of Decatur and Gulf Shores before pivoting to city management roles in Anniston and Powder Springs, Georgia. While public service has always been his job, Gaston jokes that it is also “his hobby.” Gaston gives back to his profession and his community, volunteering with numerous organizations including the Alabama City/County Management Association (ACCMA), Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association, the International City-County Management Association (ICMA), and various Kiwanis Clubs. “I get great joy and satisfaction through my volunteer roles,” Gaston said. “Civic involvement seems to have been declining over the years, but I feel volunteering it is my civic duty. It gives me a great sense of purpose,” Gaston explained.

In his role as Board President of ACCMA, Gaston has worked side by side with the staff of Auburn’s Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI) which coordinates and hosts its professional development courses and conferences. “I have worked closely with Julia Heflin and now Matt Ulmer, as well as other GEDI staff, and they do a fantastic job of putting together programs for ACCMA,” said Gaston. Ulmer said of Gaston, “Sam has been great to work with. On top of his leadership, he has taught or played a role in many of the ACCMA professional development courses.”

Gaston may have retired, but he is not slowing down. He plans to stay involved in church, the library and Kiwanis club, travel, and spend time with his kids and grandkids. He will also be active with ICMA and ACCMA, serve as an interim city manager as needed, and teach classes at Auburn and UAB. The GEDI staff appreciates everything Gaston has done to support and enhance the programs offered to Alabama’s public servants and wishes him well as he embraces retirement.

GEDI Minute Video