FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2007
Contact Information:
John Edwards
The Development Authority of Pike County
770-567-2500

Pike Leaders Begin Search for Executive Director to Lead Development Authority and Chamber

A search committee of business and community leaders initiated a search this week to fill the executive director’s seat for The Development Authority of Pike County and Pike County Chamber of Commerce. The new executive will serve as the community’s marketing representative to new and existing businesses.

“Our committee is focused on finding the right person to lead the development authority and chamber for the next several years,” according to John Edwards, chair of the authority and search committee. “While the timeline is important, our goal is to make sure we find an individual that will represent the community well and has a clear understanding of the needs of businesses.”

The committee has established minimum education and experience requirements for the position. Applicants should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and three years experience in a leadership position at a chamber of commerce, economic development organization or related field.

The key responsibilities of the executive director will include: provide vision, leadership and continuity for the organizations - internally and externally; serve as the lead economic and community development business champion for Pike County; develop, with the assistance of the membership and boards of both organizations, an annual or longer strategic vision that complements the mission statement; provide public relations support to the community through various means; establish financial stability and accountability for the organizations; represent the organizations in matters that correspond with the missions; and serve as the spokesperson for the organizations.

“The development authority and chamber have a relationship that is extremely positive for the community,” says Edwards. “The local governments are also key players in both organizations through their financial support and other resources. The search committee wants to move the executive director’s position to a new level for the community. By conducting a nationwide professional search, we believe we can accomplish this goal.”

Stakeholder interviews of community and government leaders will be conducted over the next few weeks to determine key areas the executive should focus on during his or her first year in the position. Also, an online survey of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce membership will be conducted in order to garner feedback on how the person can build a stronger business environment for new and existing companies.

The position will be advertised through the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Association, Georgia Economic Developers Association, Southern Economic Development Council, American Chamber of Commerce Executives and personal contacts. The deadline for submitting a resume is August 24. Following the submission of all resumes, a detailed application will be provided to all candidates in order to learn more about their skill sets and philosophies on economic development. Candidates will be interviewed in mid to late September. The start date for the new executive will be in mid-October.

Additional members of the search committee include John Barker, III, Charles Burden, John Hanson and David Nix, Sr. Stephen Marro will serve as an ex-officio member.

The executive director’s position became available when Marro was selected to serve as county manager for Pike County. The Chason Group, Inc. of Cartersville, Georgia, an executive search and strategic planning firm, is assisting with the search.