FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2007
Contact Information:
John Edwards
The Development Authority of Pike County
770-567-2500
Tim Chason
The Chason Group, Inc.
404-735-0540

Development Authority of Pike County and Pike Chamber Search Committee Narrows Field of Candidates

The search committee for a new president to lead the Development Authority of Pike County and Pike County Chamber of Commerce has narrowed their field of candidates. Twenty-one individuals submitted resumes for the position. Four of those candidates have been selected for interviews in the next few weeks.

“The search committee has reviewed the resumes and detailed applications of the candidates,” according to John Edwards, chair of the committee. “Our goal all along has been to find the best qualified person to fill the president’s position. We feel the professionals we will be interviewing have the character traits we are looking for to lead the chamber and development authority to a new level. Pike County is fortunate to have a solid foundation for both of these organizations.”

Of the total pool of candidates, fifteen are from Georgia, two from Florida, and one each from California, Kentucky, Maryland and North Carolina. The candidates have a broad range of experiences, including chamber of commerce, economic development, entrepreneurs, human resource manager, and a public relations/marketing professional.

“During the first interview with these professionals, the committee will be focusing on leadership styles, communications and experience,” Edwards said. “Our process is very detailed and will allow the individuals to present their credentials as they relate to this position.”

In order to prepare for the screening of candidates, the committee received feedback from the membership of the chamber regarding key character traits they feel are most important for the new executive. Leadership, communications and organization skills were listed as the top characteristics desired. Other important traits included experience with a non-profit organization, charisma and decision-making skills. The feedback was gathered through an online survey. Stakeholder interviews were also held in the community as a part of the development of a weighting scale used to critique the candidates.

Early in the selection process, the search committee established education and experience requirements for the position. 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 are requirements for the applicants.

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

The 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.