Staff

Downtown Development Authority staff members oversee the organization’s day-to-day activities and implement policies and directives established by its board.

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Margaret Woodard

Executive Director
DDA Executive Director Margaret Woodard is a Nashville, TN, native whose career spans decades in both the public and private sector. With two degrees under her belt in Civil Engineering and Building Science, Margaret began her career in project management with Turner Construction, Aladdin Resources and Kercheval Engineers before returning to the southeast in 2002 to act as the Main Street Manager for the Heart of Brevard in Brevard, NC. She transplanted to the CSRA in 2005 and has served the community ever since in economic development and business recruitment roles for the Downtown Development Authority. As a public servant, Margaret has previously invested in giving back on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, Augusta Regional Commission, Greater Augusta Arts Council, and Boys and Girls Club and currently serves on the Board for the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta.

Tara Wood

Media and Communications Coordinator
Tara Wood serves as the Media and Communications Coordinator for the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta. She is a published author and experienced writer who has contributed to numerous publications over the past decade. Tara oversees media relations, public relations, grant writing, content creation, and social media management. In this role, she effectively connects with the public and builds strong relationships with stakeholders. 

Corbin Freeman

Retail Coordinator
Corbin Freeman is a native of Augusta, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia State University in 2021 with a degree in Finance. Currently, Corbin works as a Retail Coordinator for the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta. Her responsibilities include collaborating with existing business owners to ensure economic growth in the downtown area, as well as working with NextSite to support future economic and retail development in Downtown Augusta.
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James "Jeb" Murray

Legal Counsel
Murray oversees the DDA’s legal affairs and regulatory compliance. A DDA attorney since 2019, Murray is a partner at Turner Padget Graham & Laney, and serves as Manager of the law firm’s Augusta office. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale Hubbell and has been named a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters. He is an active board member and past Chairman of the Central Savannah River Land Trust, a past Board Chairman of SafeHomes of Augusta and a Board Member for the Imperial Theatre. Murray also serves on the Advisory Committee for the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.