Wayne Burns has been named assistant director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development and will be directly responsible for the Small Business Development programs.

Burns was the former president and chief economic strategist for SGI Stratecon Global Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was responsible for creation and implementation of economic strategies for multiple regional government jurisdictions.

"Mr. Burns brings to this position strong leadership, a track record of economic development success, international strategic planning and implementation expertise. He also has experience working with small businesses, developing Global 500 headquarters and large scale transportation construction including projects at the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport," said Norman Taylor, director of the Office of Economic and Small Business Development.

From 2005 to 2007, Burns managed the Economic Development Division for the City of Plantation. Previously, he was global business development manager in Europe and the Americas with Siemon, and general manager for Emerson Worldwide with profit and loss accountability and management responsibilities for more than 200 employees and field representatives.

Recognized as an expert in public-private partnerships and an innovator in community portfolio management, Burns holds a professional economic development certification in Business Retention and Expansion. He earned a dual bachelor's degree with Honors in Sociology and Psychology and has an MBA in International Business from Florida Atlantic University.