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The Chason Group's Executive Search Services
Executive recruitment in a competitive market is both complicated and time consuming. The team of experienced professionals at The Chason Group is prepared to assist chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, foundations, and other non-profit entities in identifying qualified individuals to serve in leadership roles. The personal approach and successful process provided by The Chason Group makes the difference. Read what our stakeholders have to say about their success by clicking here. For more information about The Chason Group, please contact Tim Chason at 404.735.0540 or tchason@thechasongroup.com. |
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The Lastest News From The Chason Group
Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber Selects
Christie Moore as New President and CEO
Christie Moore
(Valdosta, Georgia) Christie Moore, an experienced and proven non-profit professional, has been selected to serve as the new president and chief executive officer of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. The organization’s board of directors voted unanimously to name the Georgia native to the position effective January 2021.
Moore currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce in Dawsonville, Georgia, a position she has held since 2012. The Dawson County Chamber, under Moore’s leadership, is responsible for business advocacy, tourism marketing and economic development. She is a graduate of the US Chamber’s Institute of Organization Management and a Georgia Certified Chamber Executive. She is also a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Zell Miller Leadership Institute, Leadership Dawson, and the Georgia Academy of Economic Development.
For the complete announcement and Moore's new contact information, please click here.
Moore currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce in Dawsonville, Georgia, a position she has held since 2012. The Dawson County Chamber, under Moore’s leadership, is responsible for business advocacy, tourism marketing and economic development. She is a graduate of the US Chamber’s Institute of Organization Management and a Georgia Certified Chamber Executive. She is also a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Zell Miller Leadership Institute, Leadership Dawson, and the Georgia Academy of Economic Development.
For the complete announcement and Moore's new contact information, please click here.
Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission Names Jana Wadkins Dyke President and CEO
Jana Wadkins
(Albany, Georgia) The Albany-Dougherty County Economic Development Commission has named Jana Wadkins Dyke, a South Georgia native, president and chief executive officer of the public-private partnership. The Chason Group led the executive search for the organization.
Dyke, a Georgia Certified Economic Developer, has been leading economic development initiatives for the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority in southeast Georgia since 2017. Prior to her current position, she served as director of Mainstreet and Downtown Development in Sylvester; a realtor for Real Living Realty Advisors in Valdosta; and various roles with the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and Destin Chamber of Commerce, both in Florida. She started her career in economic development over twenty years ago as vice president of the Lee County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority in Leesburg.
For the complete announcement and Dyke's new contact information, please click here.
Dyke, a Georgia Certified Economic Developer, has been leading economic development initiatives for the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority in southeast Georgia since 2017. Prior to her current position, she served as director of Mainstreet and Downtown Development in Sylvester; a realtor for Real Living Realty Advisors in Valdosta; and various roles with the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and Destin Chamber of Commerce, both in Florida. She started her career in economic development over twenty years ago as vice president of the Lee County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority in Leesburg.
For the complete announcement and Dyke's new contact information, please click here.
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Humane Society of Northeast Georgia
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Gilmer County
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Henry County Development Authority Seeking Manager, Established Industry
(McDonough, Georgia) The Henry County Development Authority, based in McDonough, Georgia (south metro Atlanta), has retained The Chason Group to lead a talent search for a manager, established industry. The position is new for the economic development organization.
The manager, established industry position is responsible for developing and managing programs to facilitate the retention and expansion of local businesses and industry efforts within Henry County. This position will advise the executive director on program content, develop the program of work for the development authority for the established industry efforts. Versatile and effective communication skills required include the ability to communicate openly, honestly and respectfully with a wide variety of people, demonstrating professional etiquette and judgment. For the complete position announcement, please click here. |
Murray County Development Authority
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Forsyth County Chamber Seeking Candidates
For Vice President of Economic Development
(Cumming, Georgia) The Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, located in Cumming, Georgia which is a part of the Metro Atlanta MSA, is seeking candidates for the Vice President of Economic Development. The Chason Group has been retained by the chamber to lead the executive search.
The chamber serves as the economic development marketing arm for the community. The business organization is responsible for leading a focused effort to increase nonresidential investment and support the creation of new, high-quality jobs in Forsyth County. The community is recognized as one of the top ten fastest growing population centers in America. Today’s numbers stand at 244,252 citizens which is an almost 40% increase over the past ten years.
The Search Committee for the chamber is seeking a professional who has a keen knowledge and experience in the commercial and industrial development fields; excellent communication skills in terms of verbal, written, listening and digital means; and has experience in building strong, viable work teams to accomplish strategic goals.
For more information on the position, please click here.
The chamber serves as the economic development marketing arm for the community. The business organization is responsible for leading a focused effort to increase nonresidential investment and support the creation of new, high-quality jobs in Forsyth County. The community is recognized as one of the top ten fastest growing population centers in America. Today’s numbers stand at 244,252 citizens which is an almost 40% increase over the past ten years.
The Search Committee for the chamber is seeking a professional who has a keen knowledge and experience in the commercial and industrial development fields; excellent communication skills in terms of verbal, written, listening and digital means; and has experience in building strong, viable work teams to accomplish strategic goals.
For more information on the position, please click here.
Kim Bednarek Named Executive Director
of Okefenokee Swamp Park
Kim Bednarek
(Waycross, Georgia) The Okefenokee Swamp Park (OSP) Board of Trustees has named Kim Bednarek as the organization’s first, full-time Executive Director in over 50 years. The announcement was made this week by Dr. William Clark, III Chair of the Board. The Chason Group was retained by the OSP to lead the executive search.
Bednarek currently serves as the Head of School for The Discovery School in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, a nationally recognized Montessori – International Baccalaureate academic program.
For the complete announcement and Bednarek's new contact information, please click here.
Bednarek currently serves as the Head of School for The Discovery School in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, a nationally recognized Montessori – International Baccalaureate academic program.
For the complete announcement and Bednarek's new contact information, please click here.
Clayton County Chamber Selects
Valencia Williamson, IOM as President and CEO
Valencia Williamson, IOM
(Jonesboro, Georgia) The Board of Directors of the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce has voted unanimously to select Valencia Williamson, a seasoned chamber of commerce executive, as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the business organization. Her first day at the chamber will be Monday, July 6. The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, was retained to lead the search for the Clayton Chamber.
Williamson currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The partnership is a regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization serving three counties and a diverse population of 150,000 residents in South Mississippi. She has been with the organization since 2010.
For the complete announcement and Williamson's new contact information, please click here.
Williamson currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The partnership is a regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization serving three counties and a diverse population of 150,000 residents in South Mississippi. She has been with the organization since 2010.
For the complete announcement and Williamson's new contact information, please click here.
Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy Names Blair Walker
to Executive Director Position
Blair Walker
(Atlanta, Georgia) The Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy Board of Directors has named Blair Walker as Executive Director of the non-profit organization based at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Chason Group was retained by the IAC to lead the executive search.
Walker most recently served as an executive at Point University, a four-year liberal arts college based in West Point, Georgia. He began his new role at the world’s busiest airport on June 1.
“Our team focused on four key areas when identifying candidates for this position,” according to Rich Sanders, Chair of the board, an attorney with Southern Health Lawyers, LLC and Priest Associate at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell. “Proven leadership experience, understanding of religion, communication skills and development were the experiences we wanted in an Executive Director. Blair certainly meets and exceeds these qualities in many ways. Our board is excited about the opportunity to have him lead the IAC in our ministry of presence for the travelers and employees of the airport in this time of dramatic change."
For the complete announcement and Walker's new contact information, please click here.
Walker most recently served as an executive at Point University, a four-year liberal arts college based in West Point, Georgia. He began his new role at the world’s busiest airport on June 1.
“Our team focused on four key areas when identifying candidates for this position,” according to Rich Sanders, Chair of the board, an attorney with Southern Health Lawyers, LLC and Priest Associate at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell. “Proven leadership experience, understanding of religion, communication skills and development were the experiences we wanted in an Executive Director. Blair certainly meets and exceeds these qualities in many ways. Our board is excited about the opportunity to have him lead the IAC in our ministry of presence for the travelers and employees of the airport in this time of dramatic change."
For the complete announcement and Walker's new contact information, please click here.
Coweta County Development Authority Names Molly Giddens to Economic Development Project Manager Position
Molly Giddens
Newnan, Georgia - The Coweta County Development Authority has named Molly Giddens as the new economic development project manager for the community’s business recruitment and retention organization. The Chason Group was retained by the development authority to lead the executive search process.
“Molly has the knowledge and understanding of what businesses need to operate successfully,” according to Trae Westmoreland, president of the authority. “From the legislative and workforce development perspectives, she will be a great addition to Coweta County. She is a motivated professional with a servant’s heart.”
Giddens is currently regional manager for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in Tifton. The Marietta native built the organization's south Georgia regional program by working with development authorities, chambers of commerce, local governments, education institutions, and businesses.
For the complete announcement and Giddens' new contact information, please click here.
“Molly has the knowledge and understanding of what businesses need to operate successfully,” according to Trae Westmoreland, president of the authority. “From the legislative and workforce development perspectives, she will be a great addition to Coweta County. She is a motivated professional with a servant’s heart.”
Giddens is currently regional manager for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in Tifton. The Marietta native built the organization's south Georgia regional program by working with development authorities, chambers of commerce, local governments, education institutions, and businesses.
For the complete announcement and Giddens' new contact information, please click here.
Post COVID-19:
Real Ideas From Your Colleagues
By Tim Chason, The Chason Group
Updated March 30, 2020 with full presentation.
Over the past few weeks, my emotions have ranged from “this will not happen” to “let’s think about how we plan out the next few weeks at home”. I am almost certain you have been on the roller coaster with me.
The time is now - not tomorrow - to set the wheels in motion for Post COVID-19. Tomorrow may be too late.
As professionals with ties to chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, destination marketing organizations, foundations and other non-profits, we must look forward. We must plan now. We must leverage our best leadership skills to set the stage for our economy.
With the help of colleagues, I have compiled some "real ideas" for organizations of all sizes to consider as they move forward.
Click here to access both the full series Post COVID-19: Real Ideas From Your Colleagues. I hope this is useful to you, your board, your members and your community. Please let me hear from you if this is useful. I value your feedback.
May God place His healing hands on our world during these trying times.
Updated March 30, 2020 with full presentation.
Over the past few weeks, my emotions have ranged from “this will not happen” to “let’s think about how we plan out the next few weeks at home”. I am almost certain you have been on the roller coaster with me.
The time is now - not tomorrow - to set the wheels in motion for Post COVID-19. Tomorrow may be too late.
As professionals with ties to chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, destination marketing organizations, foundations and other non-profits, we must look forward. We must plan now. We must leverage our best leadership skills to set the stage for our economy.
With the help of colleagues, I have compiled some "real ideas" for organizations of all sizes to consider as they move forward.
Click here to access both the full series Post COVID-19: Real Ideas From Your Colleagues. I hope this is useful to you, your board, your members and your community. Please let me hear from you if this is useful. I value your feedback.
May God place His healing hands on our world during these trying times.
Rome Floyd Chamber Selects Pam Powers-Smith for
Director of Business & Industry Services Position
Pam Powers-Smith
Rome, Georgia – The leadership of the Rome Floyd Chamber, in conjunction with the Greater Rome Existing Industries Association, has selected Pam Powers-Smith to serve as the community’s contact for existing businesses and industries in the area. The executive search was led by The Chason Group.
Powers-Smith currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce in Alabama. Her new title in Rome will be Director of Business and Industry Services.
“Pam is bringing a wealth of knowledge to the position,” according to Jeanne Krueger, President and CEO of the chamber. “Her comprehension of working with economic development projects already located in a community will serve as a huge asset to the chamber. She has proven her ability in Opelika by developing meaningful relationships with corporate executives and elected leaders.”
For the complete announcement and Smith's new contact information, please click here.
Powers-Smith currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce in Alabama. Her new title in Rome will be Director of Business and Industry Services.
“Pam is bringing a wealth of knowledge to the position,” according to Jeanne Krueger, President and CEO of the chamber. “Her comprehension of working with economic development projects already located in a community will serve as a huge asset to the chamber. She has proven her ability in Opelika by developing meaningful relationships with corporate executives and elected leaders.”
For the complete announcement and Smith's new contact information, please click here.
Metro Atlanta
Discover Dunwoody CVB Launches
Search For Executive Director
Dunwoody, Georgia - Note: The Board of Directors of Discover Dunwoody has placed this executive search on a temporary hold. March 20, 2020.
Discover Dunwoody, the convention and visitors bureau for the City of Dunwoody, Georgia, has launched a search for an Executive Director. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the executive search. Katie Williams, the long-time leader of Discover Dunwoody, has taken a position in Athens, Georgia.
Dunwoody offers over 1,768 rooms in nationally acclaimed hotels, with over 300 new rooms currently under construction, and 66,000 square feet of meeting space for the smallest to largest of convention gatherings.
The Search Committee is seeking a professional with a proven tenure in sales strategic planning; demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices for destination marketing organizations; as well as a history of involvement in relevant professional organizations. Candidates applying for the Executive Director’s position must hold a Bachelor’s degree, ideally with an MBA or other post-graduate work, from an accredited college, or equivalent experience in the area(s) of marketing, public relations, hospitality management and tourism, communications or similar field(s). Candidate should have at least five years of leadership / management experience in the tourism, business, government or non-profit sector, or a combination of these.
For the complete position announcement and details, please click here.
Discover Dunwoody, the convention and visitors bureau for the City of Dunwoody, Georgia, has launched a search for an Executive Director. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the executive search. Katie Williams, the long-time leader of Discover Dunwoody, has taken a position in Athens, Georgia.
Dunwoody offers over 1,768 rooms in nationally acclaimed hotels, with over 300 new rooms currently under construction, and 66,000 square feet of meeting space for the smallest to largest of convention gatherings.
The Search Committee is seeking a professional with a proven tenure in sales strategic planning; demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices for destination marketing organizations; as well as a history of involvement in relevant professional organizations. Candidates applying for the Executive Director’s position must hold a Bachelor’s degree, ideally with an MBA or other post-graduate work, from an accredited college, or equivalent experience in the area(s) of marketing, public relations, hospitality management and tourism, communications or similar field(s). Candidate should have at least five years of leadership / management experience in the tourism, business, government or non-profit sector, or a combination of these.
For the complete position announcement and details, please click here.