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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, destination marketing organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, 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
Metro Augusta Region
Development Authority of Columbia County
Seeking Executive Director
(Evans, Georgia) The Development Authority of Columbia County, located in Evans, Georgia near Augusta, has initiated a search for an Executive Director. Robbie Bennett held the position for ten years before departing to serve as president and CEO of the SRS Community Reuse Organization, based in Aiken County, South Carolina. The Authority has retained The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com) to lead the executive search process.
The Development Authority of Columbia County delivers economic development services for the community through an agreement with the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. The Executive Director is responsible only to the Board of Directors and is charged with providing leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning and implementing best practices in Columbia County. The role is focused on developing and maintaining the ecosystem necessary to carry out existing business support, new business recruitment, retail development, small business strategy, and film recruitment.
Columbia County, Georgia had a 2021 population of 159,000 according to the US Census. Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Augusta, the area is known for a strong industrial base including John Deere, Amazon, and Club Car. Fort Eisenhower is also located in Columbia County ,which divided by Interstate 20. The base is home to the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and host to a multi-service community of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and multinational forces that has become a center for joint forces activities, training, and operations. Over 30,000 people work as civilian contractors or enlisted service members at the facility.
For more information about the Development Authority of Columbia County's Executive Dirtector position, please click here. For a complete listing of the executive searches now underway by The Chason Group, please click here.
The Development Authority of Columbia County delivers economic development services for the community through an agreement with the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. The Executive Director is responsible only to the Board of Directors and is charged with providing leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning and implementing best practices in Columbia County. The role is focused on developing and maintaining the ecosystem necessary to carry out existing business support, new business recruitment, retail development, small business strategy, and film recruitment.
Columbia County, Georgia had a 2021 population of 159,000 according to the US Census. Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Augusta, the area is known for a strong industrial base including John Deere, Amazon, and Club Car. Fort Eisenhower is also located in Columbia County ,which divided by Interstate 20. The base is home to the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and host to a multi-service community of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and multinational forces that has become a center for joint forces activities, training, and operations. Over 30,000 people work as civilian contractors or enlisted service members at the facility.
For more information about the Development Authority of Columbia County's Executive Dirtector position, please click here. For a complete listing of the executive searches now underway by The Chason Group, please click here.
South Carolina
Aiken Chamber of Commerce Initiates
Executive Search for President & CEO
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(Aiken, South Carolina) The Aiken Chamber of Commerce, located in Aiken County, South Carolina, is conducting an executive search for a President and Chief Executive Officer. David Jameson has announced his plans to retire from the business organization at the end of February 2024 after serving 18 years as its paid executive. The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com) has been engaged by the chamber to lead the search process.
The Aiken Chamber of Commerce, with a membership of almost 1,000 strong and budget of $1.1 million, is the largest voluntary, membership-driven organization of businesses in the Aiken region. The Chamber has continuously earned the US Chamber’s 5-Star Accreditation since 2011. The program facilitates continuing excellence in the chamber industry and fosters a pro-business environment across America. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. The ideal candidate for the Aiken Chamber’s President and CEO position is a professional who has business and/or chamber of commerce experiences. The individual should have a proven track record of successful leadership in terms of guiding volunteers and a team of experienced staff members. The role of the Chamber President requires a person who understands how to collaborate and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels of business, government, and community status. Accountability, both fiscally and measurable goals, will be key indicators of the success of the person chosen for the position. For more information about the Aiken Chamber's President and CEO position, please click here. For a complete listing of the executive searches now underway by The Chason Group, please click here. |
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Named Best County for Outdoor Activities in Georgia by Niche.com
Discover Forsyth County / Forsyth Chamber
Announces Search For VP of Tourism Development
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(Cumming, Georgia) For over 20 years, the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, based in Cumming, Georgia, has served as the outsourced visitor development service for the City of Cumming and Forsyth County governments through Discover FoCo. The chamber has announced an executive search for a Vice President of Tourism Development. The Chason Group has been retained by the chamber to lead the process.
The ideal professional candidate for Vice President of Tourism Development for the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce a/k/a Discover FoCo must be innovative and experienced in the tourism and/or hospitality sector(s); have a proven track record for brand acceleration; possess excellent collaboration and relationship building skills; understand the role of government in tourism; and knowledgeable in tourism marketing and messaging. The individual will be accountable for building brand relevancy, developing alliances with hotel, dining, catering, and venue operators, and communicating at all levels with leaders in the industry sector. Key Forsyth County venues and revenue generators for hotel/motel tax include sports complexes, outdoor leisure recreation sites, filming locations, and business travelers. For more information about the Discover FoCo Vice President of Tourism Development position, please click here. To upload a cover letter and resume, please click here. |
Metro Atlanta Region
Southern Conservation Trust
Launches Search for President and CEO
(Fayetteville, Georgia) The Southern Conservation Trust, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) public charity that elevates nature through exceptional stewardship. SCT’s mission is accomplished through 56,000 acres of conserved and public lands throughout the southeast, including six public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia. SCT has engaged The Chason Group to lead a search for the next President and Chief Executive Officer.
The ideal candidate for the President’s position is a professional who is experienced in the areas of fundraising, storytelling, team building, board relations, and strategic planning. The individual must be an exceptional fundraiser who is completely comfortable with generating new revenues and willing to commit a significant portion of their time to this effort.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. For a listing of current positions TCG is working on, please click here.
The ideal candidate for the President’s position is a professional who is experienced in the areas of fundraising, storytelling, team building, board relations, and strategic planning. The individual must be an exceptional fundraiser who is completely comfortable with generating new revenues and willing to commit a significant portion of their time to this effort.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. For a listing of current positions TCG is working on, please click here.
Metro Atlanta
Explore Brookhaven Seeking Office and Finance Manager
(Brookhaven, Georgia) The Brookhaven Convention & Visitors Bureau, known as Explore Brookhaven, is searching for an Office / Finance Manager. The Chason Group has been retained to assist with the talent search.
Located on the northside of metro Atlanta, the organization’s mission is to “Enhance the image, perception and success for tourism activities and economic opportunity in the City of Brookhaven”.
The ideal professional candidate for Explore Brookhaven’s Office / Finance Manager should possess general bookkeeping knowledge for business, including maintaining accounts receivable and accounts payable in QuickBooks, as well as generating quarterly and annual reports. Being organized, detail oriented, and possess the ability to multi-task are key skill sets required of candidates. Tourism is a people-oriented business requiring excellent communication skills sets in the areas of listening, speaking, and writing. Visitors and residents alike will want to deal with a person who is resourceful, enthusiastic, a problem solver, and motivated in their position.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. To upload a cover letter and resume, please click here.
Located on the northside of metro Atlanta, the organization’s mission is to “Enhance the image, perception and success for tourism activities and economic opportunity in the City of Brookhaven”.
The ideal professional candidate for Explore Brookhaven’s Office / Finance Manager should possess general bookkeeping knowledge for business, including maintaining accounts receivable and accounts payable in QuickBooks, as well as generating quarterly and annual reports. Being organized, detail oriented, and possess the ability to multi-task are key skill sets required of candidates. Tourism is a people-oriented business requiring excellent communication skills sets in the areas of listening, speaking, and writing. Visitors and residents alike will want to deal with a person who is resourceful, enthusiastic, a problem solver, and motivated in their position.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. To upload a cover letter and resume, please click here.
Extra Special People Executive Director
Position Available in Athens, Georgia
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Important Note: Prior experience in the area of disabilities is not required of applicants.
(Athens, Georgia) Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP) is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. The ESP team is unrelenting in their mission. They are champions of people of all abilities, the tireless advocates, the activators, and the believers-in-potential. Team members are cheerleaders, celebrators, innovators, and connectors for all. Under a new model of operations, ESP – Athens has created an Executive Director position. The professional will oversee the strategic and operational implementation of the organization’s programs, operations, and fundraising for the Athens site specifically. The Executive Director is also accountable for managing full-time staff directly and holding the entire team responsible for the completion of their annual goals. The leader is answerable for the development and execution of transformative experiences for participants and their families; staff, volunteers, and interns; donors and community partners; and the greater ESP community. The Executive Director will be a representative of ESP’s core values and mission, ensuring the site fulfills the greater objectives of the organization as a whole. For the complete position announcement, please click here. To apply for the position, please click here. |
Development Authority of Coweta County
Selects Walker Jeffers for Project Manager Role
(Newnan, Georgia) Walker Jeffers, a recent graduate of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, has been selected to serve as an economic development project manager for the Development Authority of Coweta County in Newnan. The announcement was made by Sarah Jacobs, president and chief executive officer of the economic development organization. The Chason Group (TCG) led the executive search for Jeffers. TCG was also retained by the Development Authority to lead the executive search for Jacobs in 2022.
“The authority currently has record setting project activity in terms of new companies considering Coweta and existing businesses expanding,” according to Jacobs. “Walker brings the motivation and values we have been looking for to build relationships with existing companies. He has the skill sets that are transferable from his college experiences to the project manager role.”
As an economic development project manager, Jeffers will be accountable for assisting in the development and implementation of effective marketing and sales initiatives focused on the attraction and retention of new businesses and jobs. He will be working closely with existing companies in the area to maintain their investments in the community and provide assistance for expansion opportunities.
For the complete announcement and Jeffers new contact information, please click here.
“The authority currently has record setting project activity in terms of new companies considering Coweta and existing businesses expanding,” according to Jacobs. “Walker brings the motivation and values we have been looking for to build relationships with existing companies. He has the skill sets that are transferable from his college experiences to the project manager role.”
As an economic development project manager, Jeffers will be accountable for assisting in the development and implementation of effective marketing and sales initiatives focused on the attraction and retention of new businesses and jobs. He will be working closely with existing companies in the area to maintain their investments in the community and provide assistance for expansion opportunities.
For the complete announcement and Jeffers new contact information, please click here.
Georgia
Megan King Selected to Serve as Director, Programs
and Events at Council for Quality Growth
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(Atlanta, Georgia) Megan King has been named Director, Programs and Events at the Council for Quality Growth. The announcement was made by Michael Paris, President and CEO of the organization. The Chason Group led the executive search for the Council.
“Megan brings a wealth of association experience to the Council,” according to Paris. “Her previous work leading a regional manufacturers organization links well with initiatives we are involved with like the Four Pillar Tribute and the state of the county series. She also understands our mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth while proactively representing a complex network of stakeholder and member interests.” King previously served as President and CEO of the Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She started with the organization in 2011 as Executive Assistant to the President and CEO and was promoted to Operations Director in 2014. In 2017 she was promoted to the top leadership position. For Ms. King's contact information and the complete announcement, please click here. |
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Alabama
Kyle South Chosen to Lead
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
(Tuscaloosa, Alabama) The Board of Directors of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has chosen Kyle South, a business leader and State Representative, to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization, effective July 1. The announcement was made by Michele Coley of the Allstate Coley Agency, 2023 Chair of the Board, and Bobby Bragg of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC, Chair of the Search Committee. The Chason Group was retained by the Chamber to lead the executive
search process.
“This announcement is a strategic move for the Chamber,” Coley said. “Kyle has the business acumen and existing relationships already in place to continue the important role this organization plays in West Alabama to promote economic prosperity and growth. His abilities to tackle tough issues and seek solutions are qualities that will build upon the solid foundation already in place at the Chamber.”
The Chamber has an annual budget of more than $2.1 million, which does not include its significant financial management responsibility of West AlabamaWorks! and the West Alabama Chamber Foundation. The Chamber recently completed its latest comprehensive, five-year strategic planning process and capital campaign, known as ALL IN. The Chamber was named the 2021 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
For the complete position announcement and Mr. South's new contact information, please click here.
search process.
“This announcement is a strategic move for the Chamber,” Coley said. “Kyle has the business acumen and existing relationships already in place to continue the important role this organization plays in West Alabama to promote economic prosperity and growth. His abilities to tackle tough issues and seek solutions are qualities that will build upon the solid foundation already in place at the Chamber.”
The Chamber has an annual budget of more than $2.1 million, which does not include its significant financial management responsibility of West AlabamaWorks! and the West Alabama Chamber Foundation. The Chamber recently completed its latest comprehensive, five-year strategic planning process and capital campaign, known as ALL IN. The Chamber was named the 2021 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
For the complete position announcement and Mr. South's new contact information, please click here.
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Georgia
City of Chamblee Selects Wylly Harrison
as New Economic Development Director
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(Chamblee, Georgia) The City of Chamblee has selected Wylly Harrison, a seasoned economic development professional, as their new Economic Development Director. The appointment was confirmed by mayor and council upon the recommendation of City Manager Jon Walker. The city retained The Chason Group to lead the executive search.
“Wylly brings a tremendous amount of economic development knowledge to the city,” according to Walker. “His understanding of what it takes for a business to prosper and how to connect all of the moving parts can have a significant impact on our area in the years to come. I am very proud to have him on the Chamblee team.” Harrison has served in several key economic development positions at regional and statewide levels. His most recent experience was with Walton EMC as Commercial & Industrial Account Executive. For the complete position announcement and Harrison's new contact information, please click here. |
Georgia
Perry Convention and Visitors Bureau Selects
Nastasha "Anya" Edgley-Turpin for President/CEO Position
(Perry, Georgia) The Perry Convention and Visitors Bureau has selected Nastasha “Anya” Edgley-Turpin as the new President and Chief Executive Officer for the destination marketing organization. The announcement was made by Mike Baker, Chair of the organization and a Sales Engineer for Hargray in Perry. The Chason Group was retained to assist the organization with the executive search.
Edgley-Turpin was serving as Special Events Administrator for the City of Perry. She has been an integral part of planning and executing an average of over 40 events annually that reflect the mission of the city’s strategic plan. Another key aspect of her previous position was the generation of social media content, website development, print marketing, and managing media relations pertaining to special events.
Prior to arriving in Perry, Edgley-Turpin was the Executive Director of the Grayson County Tourism in Leitchfield, Kentucky. Her responsibilities in Grayson County included the operations of the Welcome Center and an adjacent event venue.
For the complete position announcement and Ms. Edgley-Turpin's new contact information, please click here.
Edgley-Turpin was serving as Special Events Administrator for the City of Perry. She has been an integral part of planning and executing an average of over 40 events annually that reflect the mission of the city’s strategic plan. Another key aspect of her previous position was the generation of social media content, website development, print marketing, and managing media relations pertaining to special events.
Prior to arriving in Perry, Edgley-Turpin was the Executive Director of the Grayson County Tourism in Leitchfield, Kentucky. Her responsibilities in Grayson County included the operations of the Welcome Center and an adjacent event venue.
For the complete position announcement and Ms. Edgley-Turpin's new contact information, please click here.
Florida
Douglas C. Evans Named President & CEO
of Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce
(Palm Beach, Florida) The Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Douglas C. Evans as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the business organization. The announcement was made by William Shepherd, Chair of the Board and a Partner with Holland & Knight LLP in West Palm Beach. The Chason Group was retained by the chamber to lead the executive search process.
Evans previously served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for The Guy Harvey Foundation and is a resident of the Town of Palm Beach.
“Doug has the experience in the business and nonprofit sectors the Search Committee was looking for when we initiated the process,” according to Shepherd. “He has proven his ability to develop strategic fundraising plans in other positions and serve as the key leader and voice of organizations. The Board believes Doug has the abilities to build upon the solid foundation the Chamber already has in place.”
For the complete announcement and Mr. Evans' new contact information, please click here.
Evans previously served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for The Guy Harvey Foundation and is a resident of the Town of Palm Beach.
“Doug has the experience in the business and nonprofit sectors the Search Committee was looking for when we initiated the process,” according to Shepherd. “He has proven his ability to develop strategic fundraising plans in other positions and serve as the key leader and voice of organizations. The Board believes Doug has the abilities to build upon the solid foundation the Chamber already has in place.”
For the complete announcement and Mr. Evans' new contact information, please click here.
Grant Cagle Named President & CEO
of Georgia Economic Developers Association
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(Atlanta, Georgia) The board of directors of the Georgia Economic Developers Association has named Grant Cagle as the professional organization’s next president and chief executive officer. The announcement was made by Benjy Thompson, chair of GEDA and chief executive officer of the Development Authority of Bulloch County in Statesboro, Georgia. Cagle’s first day at GEDA is set for Monday, November 28.
The Chason Group was retained by the GEDA board to lead the executive search. Cagle is a native Georgian and started his career in the economic development arena in 2015 as marketing and communications assistant for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. His responsibilities included creating and developing all social media platforms. In January 2017, Cagle joined the Electric Cities of Georgia economic development team as a project manager. Two years later, he was promoted to a senior project manager level and in 2021 was selected to serve in his current position of manager, industrial development, economic development for ECG. Cagle is responsible for member engagement; assisting with strategic planning, marketing analyses, community marketing strategies, and business recruitment; and regularly meeting with political, regional, and local officials, partnering to bring jobs, investment, and load growth for member cities. For the complete announcement and Cagle's new contact information, please click here. |
Jason Rubenbauer Chosen to Lead
Waycross-Ware Development Authority
(Waycross, Georgia) Jason Rubenbauer has been chosen to lead the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority. The announcement was made by Daniel Morris, Chair of the economic development organization and Community President for First Southern Bank in Waycross. The Chason Group was retained by the authority to lead the executive search for the President and Chief Executive Officer.
Rubenbauer most recently served as County Manager for Pierce County, a position he has held since April 2017. His responsibilities included managing the daily operations of the county with 155 team members, budgeting, finance, purchasing, grants, facilities maintenance, public safety, information technology, policy development, and public relations. During his time with Pierce County government, Rubenbauer led the process to build a revenue reserve of $2.5 million.
For the complete position announcement and Rubenbauer's new contact information, please click here.
Rubenbauer most recently served as County Manager for Pierce County, a position he has held since April 2017. His responsibilities included managing the daily operations of the county with 155 team members, budgeting, finance, purchasing, grants, facilities maintenance, public safety, information technology, policy development, and public relations. During his time with Pierce County government, Rubenbauer led the process to build a revenue reserve of $2.5 million.
For the complete position announcement and Rubenbauer's new contact information, please click here.
Joshua Williams Selected for Business Relations Specialist
Position with Decide DeKalb / WorkSource DeKalb
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(Decatur, Georgia) Joshua Williams has been selected to serve as Business Relations Specialist for workforce development initiatives with the Decide DeKalb Development Authority and WorkSource DeKalb. The position is designed to focus on connecting employers with talent pools in the metro Atlanta county. The Chason Group was retained by the two organizations to assist with the talent search.
“Joshua brings his experiences of working in the private sector to the table for our organizations,” according to Randi Mason, Vice President of Economic Development for Decide DeKalb. “He understands the dynamics of connecting the talent pipeline in our area with existing and new companies. A trainable workforce is one of the key components of economic development and we are confident Joshua will make significant strides in the role.” For the complete announcement and Williams' new contact information, please click here. For a complete listing of the current executive searches, please click here. |
Steven Schumacher Named President
of Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau
(Cartersville, Georgia) The board of directors of the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention and Visitors Bureau has named Steven Schumacher, an experienced destination marketing professional, as the new president of the organization. Schumacher replaced the organization’s long-time leader, Ellen Archer, who retired earlier this month. The Chason Group was retained by the convention and visitors bureau to lead the executive search.
Schumacher was serving as senior sales manager for Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center in Dunwoody, Georgia. From 2016 through 2021, he held the director of sales position with Discover Dunwoody, the destination marketing organization for the city. Also, Schumacher was interim executive director of the organization from March 2020 until August 2021.
For the complete announcement and Schumacher's new contact information, please click here.
Schumacher was serving as senior sales manager for Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center in Dunwoody, Georgia. From 2016 through 2021, he held the director of sales position with Discover Dunwoody, the destination marketing organization for the city. Also, Schumacher was interim executive director of the organization from March 2020 until August 2021.
For the complete announcement and Schumacher's new contact information, please click here.
Alabama
Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Selects
Michelle Hawkins as Next President
(Vestavia Hills, Alabama) The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce board of directors has selected Michelle Hawkins, a seasoned business entrepreneur, as the new president and chief executive officer of the organization. The announcement was made by Sandra Cleveland, a partner with BCR Wealth Strategies and 2022 chair of the chamber. The Chason Group was engaged by the business organization to lead the process.
Hawkins previously served as the owner/operator of Alabama Weddings Magazine based in Birmingham. She was the sole founder of the startup and produced a luxury style printed publication for 20 years.
The new president is replacing Karen Odle, who has successfully led the chamber through tremendous growth in both membership and programs over the past 19 years. Odle announced her retirement late last year.
For the complete announcement and Hawkins' new contact information, please click here.
Hawkins previously served as the owner/operator of Alabama Weddings Magazine based in Birmingham. She was the sole founder of the startup and produced a luxury style printed publication for 20 years.
The new president is replacing Karen Odle, who has successfully led the chamber through tremendous growth in both membership and programs over the past 19 years. Odle announced her retirement late last year.
For the complete announcement and Hawkins' new contact information, please click here.
For more position announcements for The Chason Group clients, please click here.
