Brigadier General (Ret.) Andy Hilmes

Brigadier General (Retired) Andy Hilmes is the Executive Vice President for Strategy at Choose Columbus, the economic development organization representing the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia. Andy specializes in military affairs, workforce development initiatives, and cross-sector projects to foster the growth, resilience, and long-term viability of Georgia's second largest city and the surrounding region.

Andy previously served as the Executive Vice President of Economic Development and as the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Recompete Pilot Program Coordinator for the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Columbus, GA. In that capacity, he served on the Executive Leadership Board of the Chattahoochee Hub for the Innovation and Production of Semiconductors (CHIPS4CHIPS or C4C).

A retired U.S. Army officer with over 27 years of military service, Andy's final duty positions include serving as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama and Deputy Commanding General–Maneuver, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA. Andy served at Fort Benning, GA for over six years, including command of the U.S. Army Garrison from 2015-2017.

Andy is very active within the Chattahoochee Valley community, serving as a board member for the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation, the National Armor & Cavalry Heritage Foundation, House of Heroes, and the College & Career Academy of Jordan Vocational High School. He is also a foundation board member for the Georgia Department of Veterans Service.

He holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, a Master of National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S. Air War College, and a Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies.