A local attorney is the newest member of the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority.

Clint Bearden, 27, was one of several appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal in January to key positions in the state.

"I'm really humbled and honored to have been selected by the governor for this appointment. Being a resident of Dawson County, I know how beneficial Lake Lanier is to tourism within our county, and it's that mindset that makes me excited about this appointment," Bearden said.

The authority is a nine-member board that provides administrative oversight regarding the private sector management company that runs the resort. The board is also responsible for long term capital investment in infrastructure and management of critical strategic partnerships with stakeholder groups.

"Lake Lanier Islands and Resort has grown to become a destination that draws in a significant amount of visitors and income, ranging from families on vacation to individuals on business conferences or retreats," said Bearden, who was appointed as an at-large member on Jan. 18.

He will join a representative from the Department of Natural Resources, appointees from Forsyth, Hall and Gwinnett counties, and four others from across the state on the board.

"I hope that I can help, through my work with the LLIDA, to continue to see the Islands grow and prosper, because a vibrant Lake Lanier Islands will only continue to bring tourist and tourism revenue to North Georgia and hopefully to our Dawson County community," he said.

A county native, Bearden is an attorney with the law office of David Ralston in Blue Ridge.

He currently serves as a board member of the Dawson County Development Authority, the Dawson County Library Board of Trustees and as legal counsel to several local nonprofit organizations.

Bearden and wife, Jamey, have a toddler son, Henry, and another on the way.