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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
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.
Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority
Seeking President and CEO
(Moultrie, Georgia) The Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority, based in Moultrie, Georgia, is seeking candidates for President of the organization to lead the community’s economic development initiatives. The Chason Group has been retained to assist the authority with the executive search process.
Located in Southwest Georgia, Moultrie is in the center of Colquitt County, 24 miles west of Interstate 75 - about 200 miles (300 km) south of Atlanta and 60 miles northeast of Tallahassee, Florida. The development quthority was created in 1960 through an amendment to the Georgia Constitution. The authority plays an incredibly important role in the community by serving as the economic development organization charged with retaining existing businesses in the area and recruitment of new investments that are suitable to the local economy and infrastructure.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Located in Southwest Georgia, Moultrie is in the center of Colquitt County, 24 miles west of Interstate 75 - about 200 miles (300 km) south of Atlanta and 60 miles northeast of Tallahassee, Florida. The development quthority was created in 1960 through an amendment to the Georgia Constitution. The authority plays an incredibly important role in the community by serving as the economic development organization charged with retaining existing businesses in the area and recruitment of new investments that are suitable to the local economy and infrastructure.
For the complete position announcement, 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.
GA Department of Economic Development Announces
Statewide Project Manager for Korean Investment
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(Atlanta, Georgia) Leaders with the Global Commerce Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development have chosen Seunghum (Jacob) Lee as a new Statewide Project Manager for Korean Investment. He joined the team in September and will be based in the department’s Atlanta office. The Chason Group assisted GDEcD with the talent search.
Most recently Lee served as a consultant for IRC Consulting in Seoul, Korea. He specialized in market research and partner identification with a focus on F & B, IT, service, and other industry sectors. IRC manages the State of Georgia’s Korean Office for Trade and Investment. As a State of Georgia Korea Office Trade Representative, Lee supported over 100 Georgia companies and completed over 200 cases of market research and partner identifications. He also organized, scheduled, and supported several visits of Georgia elected leaders and trade delegations. For the complete announcement and Lee'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.
Sarah Jacobs Chosen to Lead
Economic Development for Coweta County
Sarah Jacobs
(Newnan, Georgia) The Coweta County Development Authority and Development Authority of Coweta County have chosen Sarah Jacobs, an experienced professional in the economic development industry, to serve as the new president of the organizations. The announcement was made by John Daviston, chair of the authorities and owner of McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan. The Chason Group partnered with the authorities to lead the executive search.
Since 2018, Jacobs served as Spire Energy’s manager, economic development in St. Louis, Missouri. Spire is a 160-year-old utility company that serves 1.7 million homes and businesses across Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri.
“Early in the executive search process, we took the time to listen to our stakeholders in the community and at the regional and state levels to learn about the skill sets and character traits they felt were important for our new president,” Daviston said. “Experience, negotiation talents, strategic thinking, strong collaboration and relationship building skills, and marketing expertise where key phrases we heard. Sarah has these abilities and more. I look forward to working with her.”
For the complete position announcement and Jacobs new contact information, please click here.
Since 2018, Jacobs served as Spire Energy’s manager, economic development in St. Louis, Missouri. Spire is a 160-year-old utility company that serves 1.7 million homes and businesses across Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri.
“Early in the executive search process, we took the time to listen to our stakeholders in the community and at the regional and state levels to learn about the skill sets and character traits they felt were important for our new president,” Daviston said. “Experience, negotiation talents, strategic thinking, strong collaboration and relationship building skills, and marketing expertise where key phrases we heard. Sarah has these abilities and more. I look forward to working with her.”
For the complete position announcement and Jacobs 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.
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Names Two New Team Members
Bozeman
Daniel
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(Atlanta, Georgia) Georgia Department of Economic Development leaders have announced the addition of two new team members. Christy Bozeman joins the state’s economic development marketing agency as the Region 8 Existing Industry & Regional Recruitment project manager. Kimberlyn Daniel will serve as a statewide project manager with the Corporate Solutions & Cyber Security team. The Chason Group led the talent searches for the state’s economic development organization.
Bozeman, a native south Georgian, began her career as economic development coordinator for the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce. She worked extensively with the local industrial development authority on communications, marketing, and grants. In her most recent role, Bozeman served eight years as economic development coordinator for the Cordele-Crisp County Industrial Development Council. Her work with the IDC focused on business recruitment and existing industry initiatives, including workforce development. Daniel joins GDEcD as a new graduate of the University of Georgia’s Master of Public Administration program. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University. During her college years, she served as a communications and scheduling intern in the Washington DC office of the late US Senator Johnny Isakson. Both of the new project managers started their GDEcD positions on May 16. For the complete announcement and new contact information for Bozeman and Daniel, please click here. |
Dawson Chamber Selects Kevin Herrit to
Serve as Director of Economic Development
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(Dawsonville, Georgia) The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has selected Kevin Herrit to serve as Director of Economic Development. The announcement was made by Mandy Power, President and Chief Executive Officer of the business organization. The Chason Group was retained by the chamber to lead the executive search.
“The economic development search committee has been very strategic in making a selection in this process,” according to Power. “As a group, we were looking for a professional who understands a rural area while at the same time has the knowledge and skill sets to move our area forward in terms of new jobs and retaining existing businesses. Kevin brings those experiences to the chamber team.” Herrit has served as Community Development Director for the City of Dahlonega; Principal Planner, Columbus (GA) Consolidated Government; Community Transportation Planner, Tennessee Department of Transportation; and City/County Planner, Whitfield County. For Herrit's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here. |
Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce
Names Jason Mock as New President & CEO
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(Dalton, Georgia) The board of directors of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce has unanimously voted to select Jason Thomas Mock as the next president and chief executive officer of the 800-member business organization. The announcement was made by 2022 chair Dr. Margaret Venable who also serves as president of Dalton State College, and search committee chair Bill Davies, Truist President – Northwest Georgia. The Chason Group led the executive search for the chamber.
Mock currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce in Texas, which is located 30 miles south of Austin and 40 miles north of San Antonio. He previously served as director of small business services for the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce in Cumming. For the complete announcement regarding the Greater Dalton Chamber and Mock's new contact information, please click here. |
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North Carolina
Trent McGee Chosen to Lead
Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce
(Greenville, North Carolina) Leaders of the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce have chosen Trent McGee to serve as the business organization’s next president and chief executive officer. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search for the chamber.
The announcement was made by Jonathan Taft of Taft Family Adventures and 2021 chair of the chamber. McGee has been serving as interim president of the organization since August.
“I’m excited to have Trent as our president,” said Taft. “With more than 11 years of employment with the chamber, Trent has the support of the staff, leadership and our community. He also has great institutional knowledge and the desire to improve the work of the chamber as we meet the needs of our members and community. Most importantly, Trent is a companion of the members of our chamber’s board of directors and a champion of the Greenville-Pitt County community.”
McGee joined the chamber team in 2010 as director of programs and director of public policy. In 2018, he transitioned to director of marketing & communications.
For the complete position announcement and his contact information, please click here.
The announcement was made by Jonathan Taft of Taft Family Adventures and 2021 chair of the chamber. McGee has been serving as interim president of the organization since August.
“I’m excited to have Trent as our president,” said Taft. “With more than 11 years of employment with the chamber, Trent has the support of the staff, leadership and our community. He also has great institutional knowledge and the desire to improve the work of the chamber as we meet the needs of our members and community. Most importantly, Trent is a companion of the members of our chamber’s board of directors and a champion of the Greenville-Pitt County community.”
McGee joined the chamber team in 2010 as director of programs and director of public policy. In 2018, he transitioned to director of marketing & communications.
For the complete position announcement and his contact information, please click here.
City of Peachtree Corners Selects
Louis Svehla as Communications Director
(Peachtree Corners, Georgia) Louis Svehla, a seasoned professional public information officer, has been selected as the new Communications Director for the City of Peachtree Corners. The announcement was made by City Manager Brian Johnson. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search for the municipality.
Svehla was serving as the Public Information Manager for the Walton County Board of Commissioners in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He replaced Judy Putnam, who announced her retirement earlier this year.
Svehla had been with the Walton County Board of Commissioners since 2012. He is no stranger to Georgia having served as Public Information Director for the Richmond County School System in Augusta from 2008 until 2012. Prior to working with the school system, he served as Director of Marketing for Augusta Medical Systems.
As a graduate of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, Svehla earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications while focusing on journalism, advertising, and public relations.
For the complete position announcement and Svehla's new contact information, please click here.
Svehla was serving as the Public Information Manager for the Walton County Board of Commissioners in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He replaced Judy Putnam, who announced her retirement earlier this year.
Svehla had been with the Walton County Board of Commissioners since 2012. He is no stranger to Georgia having served as Public Information Director for the Richmond County School System in Augusta from 2008 until 2012. Prior to working with the school system, he served as Director of Marketing for Augusta Medical Systems.
As a graduate of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, Svehla earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications while focusing on journalism, advertising, and public relations.
For the complete position announcement and Svehla's new contact information, please click here.
