Rowen Stakeholder Newsletter: June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

The Rowen Community in Motion

Over the past three months, we’ve seen meaningful progress at Rowen—not just on site, but across the broader community. Our recent State of Rowen event was a defining moment, offering an opportunity to reflect on that shared progress and officially welcoming UCB to Gwinnett County following its $2 billion investment announcement. It was a chance to recognize the long-term partnerships that made this milestone possible, while looking ahead to what comes next.

We have continued building on that momentum, celebrating the UCB team alongside some of our partners—an early step in developing the relationships that will shape their presence here. In the months ahead, UCB will get to know its new neighbors, lay the foundation for its future groundbreaking and become part of the community.

Don’t forget, Rowen is always open. I enjoy seeing people out on the sidewalks, taking advantage of the Gwinnett ERI infrastructure—a reminder that these shared green spaces are already bringing people together. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping bring this vision to life.

Mason Ailstock

President & CEO

Rowen Region Ready

Rowen’s growth is closely tied to the progress of the University Parkway/SR 316 corridor, where ongoing improvements are transforming how people and partners connect across the region—enhancing safety, easing congestion and strengthening transportation across Gwinnett County.

In tandem, the county continues to lead with a clear vision for smart, intentional growth—prioritizing walkability, mixed-use redevelopment and quality of place. At the center of this transformation, Rowen stands as a national model for ‘smart growth,’ where academic, research and government partnerships come together to support a more connected, accessible and future-ready community.

Rooted in Rowen

Rowen’s vision comes to life through collaboration. This spring, initiatives like the UGA BioBlitz and Emory AI.Humanity Conference brought together students, researchers and industry leaders to ignite curiosity and explore innovation in real time.

These partnerships are more important than ever. A recent study highlighting Georgia’s potential to lead in brain health innovation underscores the role of higher education and research in shaping the future. Rowen sits at the center of that opportunity—connecting ideas, talent and institutions to drive lasting impact.

Celebrate Rowen Life This Fall

We are looking ahead to several key moments this fall and hope you will join us. More information is forthcoming.

Rowen Ramble Run & Walk 5K: A time to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the Rowen Region community
🗓️ September 2026

Convergence Summit: Our annual gathering to unite leaders in research, industry and education
🗓️ October 2026

Convergence Center Groundbreaking: A major milestone to commence Rowen’s development phase.
🗓️ Fall 2026

Rowen on the Road

We continue to connect with partners, businesses and communities across the country, sharing the Rowen story and building relationships that will shape future growth.

Where we’ve been:

Where we’re heading:

Watch: Rowen CEO on “Choppin’ it Up with the Chairwoman: Growth and Opportunity in Gwinnett County”

A rendering of Rowen's future walking trail in a forest. Blog

Sustainability is Shaping the Next Generation of Innovation

Companies in clean energy, agricultural technology, environmental science and life sciences need campuses that reflect their values. Sustainability has risen to the top of those values, quickly becoming a primary criterion in corporate site selection. In Georgia, Rowen embeds sustainability initiatives into every layer of its development to fulfill this evolving need.  Rowen is a 2,000-acre planned knowledge community just east of Atlanta, designed from […]

Media Coverage

Georgia invests $1B to turn Route 316 into ‘workforce expressway’ between Atlanta and Athens

Originally posted in Atlanta Business Chronicle. A decade from now, a series of stop-and-start intersections along the state highway connecting Atlanta to Athens will be ditched in an effort to improve traffic flow and accommodate growth. Georgia’s Department of Transportation is investing approximately $1 billion into a long-term overhaul of state Route 316. The four-lane […]

A rendering of Rowen from a bird's-eye view. Announcements

Rowen Foundation Announces Leadership Transition

The Rowen Foundation today announced that President and CEO Mason Ailstock will step down after accepting a new opportunity. The Rowen Board of Directors is conducting a national search for Rowen's next president and CEO with the Board anticipating new leadership later this fall.