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About The Chason Group's
Executive Search Services Executive recruitment 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. |
The Executive Search Process
Learn more about The Chason Group's executive search process by clicking on the play button below. 
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Green B. Suttles III Selected As President & Chief Executive Officer of Development Authority of Pickens County
Green B. Suttles III
(Jasper, Georgia) A joint committee of City of Jasper and Pickens County leaders has announced Green B. Suttles III as the president and chief executive officer of the Development Authority of Pickens County in Jasper, Georgia. The executive search was led by The Chason Group.
Suttles has been operating his own economic development firm, Vibrant Futures Consulting, LLC, in Mobile, Alabama. The company has a positive track record of working with rural communities on economic development programs and issues, including target market studies and workforce development. Other positions held by Suttles include Industrial Marketing and Economic Development, Mobile Gas Service Corporation; Business Development Director, Gulf States Engineering, Inc.; and Economic Development Project Manager, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of the University of South Alabama.
For the complete announcement and Suttles' contact information, please click here.
Suttles has been operating his own economic development firm, Vibrant Futures Consulting, LLC, in Mobile, Alabama. The company has a positive track record of working with rural communities on economic development programs and issues, including target market studies and workforce development. Other positions held by Suttles include Industrial Marketing and Economic Development, Mobile Gas Service Corporation; Business Development Director, Gulf States Engineering, Inc.; and Economic Development Project Manager, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of the University of South Alabama.
For the complete announcement and Suttles' contact information, please click here.
Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy Seeking Organization Management Professional for Executive Director Position
Atlanta, Georgia - The Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy, Inc., located at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, is seeking a professional to lead their organization in the areas of volunteer recruitment, training and fundraising. The IAC Board has selected The Chason Group to provide executive search services.
The organization has been providing pastoral care programs at the airport since 1980. Interfaith chaplains and volunteer associates offer a ministry of compassion and physical assistance to more than 60,000 airport employees and over 200,000 passengers daily.
The professional leading the IAC will serve as the group’s liaison to airport related entities to include the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, TSA, passengers, emergency personnel and airport vendors. Other duties include maintaining all administration aspects of the IAC in terms of board communications and development, office operations, financial reports and personnel. Candidates applying for the position should possess a Bachelor’s degree. The board’s preference is a clergy ordained and endorsed by a recognized mainstream faith group with a Master of Divinity.
For more information on the IAC position, please click here.
The organization has been providing pastoral care programs at the airport since 1980. Interfaith chaplains and volunteer associates offer a ministry of compassion and physical assistance to more than 60,000 airport employees and over 200,000 passengers daily.
The professional leading the IAC will serve as the group’s liaison to airport related entities to include the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, TSA, passengers, emergency personnel and airport vendors. Other duties include maintaining all administration aspects of the IAC in terms of board communications and development, office operations, financial reports and personnel. Candidates applying for the position should possess a Bachelor’s degree. The board’s preference is a clergy ordained and endorsed by a recognized mainstream faith group with a Master of Divinity.
For more information on the IAC position, please click here.
Development Authority of Elbert County, Elberton & Bowman Names Daniel Dobbins to President and CEO Position
Daniel Dobbins
Elberton, Georgia - The Development Authority of Elbert County, Elberton & Bowman has selected Daniel Dobbins as president and chief executive officer. His first day at the economic development organization will be January 6, 2020. The authority engaged The Chason Group to lead the executive search.
Dobbins most recently served as the Region 5 existing industry project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Elbert County is one of the twelve counties within the district. Other positions he has held include economic development specialist for the City of Hawkinsville, Georgia and government services specialist for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission.
For the complete announcement and Dobbins' new contact information, please click here. For information on current executive searches, please click here.
Dobbins most recently served as the Region 5 existing industry project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Elbert County is one of the twelve counties within the district. Other positions he has held include economic development specialist for the City of Hawkinsville, Georgia and government services specialist for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission.
For the complete announcement and Dobbins' new contact information, please click here. For information on current executive searches, please click here.
Jamal Lewis Joins Henry County Development Authority
as Project Manager, Business Development
Jamal Lewis
McDonough, Georgia - Jamal Lewis has been named project manager, business development for the Henry County Development Authority. The announcement was made this week by Josh Fenn, executive director of the economic development organization. The authority was assisted in the executive search by The Chason Group.
Lewis currently serves as a project manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development based on Atlanta. He joined the department in 2016 as marketing services manager and was promoted to his current position earlier this year. Lewis was a member of the state’s team created to respond to Amazon’s HQ2 Request for Proposal where he co-developed the design concept of marketing materials to be presented and collaborated with external private and public sector partners.
For the complete announcement about Lewis, please click here. For information on current active searches, please click here.
Lewis currently serves as a project manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development based on Atlanta. He joined the department in 2016 as marketing services manager and was promoted to his current position earlier this year. Lewis was a member of the state’s team created to respond to Amazon’s HQ2 Request for Proposal where he co-developed the design concept of marketing materials to be presented and collaborated with external private and public sector partners.
For the complete announcement about Lewis, please click here. For information on current active searches, please click here.
Rome-Floyd Chamber Announces Search for
Director of Business & Industry Services
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Rome, Georgia - The Chason Group, Inc. has been selected to conduct an executive search for a Director of Business & Industry Services with the Rome-Floyd Chamber in Rome, Georgia. The main focus for the position is to lead and serve as an advocate for the Greater Rome Existing Industries Association, a committee of the Chamber, in the areas of workforce development, talent recruitment, transportation, environment and infrastructure.
The Director will be accountable for the management and operation of GREIA, including assisting the Chair of GREIA with planning and development of programs, seminars and activities; attending monthly meetings; take minutes; prepare communications and distribute; and serve as the group’s contact. The professional will also be required to maintain a high level of familiarity with the county’s existing manufacturing base of companies as well as develop and maintain meaningful and effective professional relationships with the leadership of those industries in order to provide a confidential source of communicating critical information as required. For more information about the executive search, please click here. |
Emily Ellison Named Executive Director of St. Simons Land Trust
Emily Ellison
St. Simons Island, Georgia - The Board of Directors of the St. Simons Land Trust has named Emily Ellison as their new executive director. The St. Simons Island resident has been serving as development and communications director for the Land Trust since January 2018 and will begin her new role immediately. The Chason Group led the executive search for the organization.
Ellison is a graduate of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta with a concentration in art and literature. She has also graduated from Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program and Emory University’s Executive Leadership Program for Nonprofit Organizations.
For the complete announcement, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by The Chason Group, please click here.
Ellison is a graduate of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta with a concentration in art and literature. She has also graduated from Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program and Emory University’s Executive Leadership Program for Nonprofit Organizations.
For the complete announcement, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by The Chason Group, please click here.
Development Authority of Pickens County Seeking President/CEO
The Chason Group, Inc. has been selected to conduct an executive search for a professional to serve as president and chief executive officer for the Development Authority of Pickens County in Jasper, Georgia. The elected and appointed leadership of the City of Jasper, Pickens County Board of Commissioners and the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce have combined forces to create a partnership for retaining and attracting investments in the community. The development authority has been in existence for several years and will be the operating body for the economic development program. The president’s position is a new initiative for the group.
The president will be responsible for pursuing commercial, industrial and tourism development projects. Candidates applying for the position should have a Bachelor’s degree, ideally with an MBA or other post-graduate work, from an accredited college; or equivalent experience in real estate management, business, marketing, finance, and/or economic development. Applicants should also have a minimum of three years of strategic leadership experience and new/expanding project management in the economic development field or related area(s).
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
The president will be responsible for pursuing commercial, industrial and tourism development projects. Candidates applying for the position should have a Bachelor’s degree, ideally with an MBA or other post-graduate work, from an accredited college; or equivalent experience in real estate management, business, marketing, finance, and/or economic development. Applicants should also have a minimum of three years of strategic leadership experience and new/expanding project management in the economic development field or related area(s).
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Council for Quality Growth Launches Executive Search
for Director of Policy & Government Affairs
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Metro Atlanta, Georgia - The Council for Quality Growth, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has retained The Chason Group to lead an executive level search for a Director of Policy and Government Affairs. The senior-level executive will be accountable for managing the Council’s public policy agenda related to its mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth throughout the metro Atlanta region and state of Georgia.
The Council’s work on behalf of its members has a direct and profitable impact on their bottom line. By providing advocacy, information, and education to its members, the organization addresses strategic economic planning, infrastructure needs, and tough quality-of-life issues throughout the metro Atlanta region and state. The Council, a 34-year-old not-for-profit trade association, is the only organization that works every day to ensure the metro Atlanta region’s regulatory environment supports quality growth and development. For the complete position announcement, please click here. |
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Computer Museum of America
Executive Director Search Underway
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Metro Atlanta, Georgia - The Computer Museum of America, Inc. has launched a search for their first-ever Executive Director of the newly opened, state of the art education attraction located in Roswell, a northern suburb in metro Atlanta, Georgia. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the executive search.
The Computer Museum of America was created to preserve technology’s history, and educate visitors on the past and future of computing, empowering the innovators of tomorrow. The Executive Director of the CMoA will be responsible for leading and directing all aspects of the organization, including managing finances and overseeing fundraising; communications and marketing; education and programming; effective stewardship and management of facilities and collections; and providing guidance and direction for staff and volunteers. For a complete position announcement, please click here. |
Henry County Development Authority Selects
F.J. "Josh" Fenn as New Executive Director
F.J. "Josh" Fenn
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McDonough, Georgia - Members of the Henry County Development Authority board of directors have selected F.J. “Josh” Fenn as the new executive director for the community’s economic development agency. His first day on the job will be September 3. The Chason Group led the executive search for the development authority.
Fenn currently serves as director of business development for ECS Southeast, LLP which has a subsidiary in Marietta, Georgia. He has served in this role since January 2016. As a graduate of LaGrange College, he is extremely active in the Georgia Economic Developers Association, Southern Economic Development Council, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties – Georgia Chapter, International Economic Development Council, and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors – Georgia Chapter. For the complete announcement and Josh's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by The Chason Group, please click here. |
Okefenokee Swamp Park Seeking Executive Director
The Board of Trustees of the Okefenokee Swamp Park is seeking a professional who has the ability to build upon the stewardship and educational foundation of North America’s largest blackwater swamp and to take the Park to the next level. The board has retained the services of The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com) to lead this executive search.
The swamp, which is a part of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, is a 700 square mile watershed in the United States located in the southeastern corner of the state of Georgia, along the Florida/Georgia border.
The executive director will have several key responsibilities, including: staffing and leadership of the operations; serving as the key spokesperson for OSP; developing and implementing strategic goals mutually agreed upon by the Board of Trustees; and working as a development officer to increase funding for the organization. Key character traits required for the position are excellent communication skills – written, verbal and social media; proven leadership abilities; and a true commitment to environmental education.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
The swamp, which is a part of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, is a 700 square mile watershed in the United States located in the southeastern corner of the state of Georgia, along the Florida/Georgia border.
The executive director will have several key responsibilities, including: staffing and leadership of the operations; serving as the key spokesperson for OSP; developing and implementing strategic goals mutually agreed upon by the Board of Trustees; and working as a development officer to increase funding for the organization. Key character traits required for the position are excellent communication skills – written, verbal and social media; proven leadership abilities; and a true commitment to environmental education.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Ryan Waldrep to Serve as President of
Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority
Ryan Waldrep, CEcD
Dublin, Georgia - The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority board of directors has selected Ryan Waldrep to serve as president of the economic development organization. His first day on the job will be Monday, June 17. The Chason Group was retained by the authority to lead the executive search.
Waldrep currently serves as assistant director, entrepreneur and small business and regional project manager, existing industry and regional recruitment for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, positions he has held since January 2015 and October 2007 respectively. He is recognized by the International Economic Development Council as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a rigorous program that acknowledges professionals from around the world who have achieved the pinnacle of excellence in the economic development field.
For the complete announcement and Waldrep's new contact information, please click here.
Waldrep currently serves as assistant director, entrepreneur and small business and regional project manager, existing industry and regional recruitment for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, positions he has held since January 2015 and October 2007 respectively. He is recognized by the International Economic Development Council as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a rigorous program that acknowledges professionals from around the world who have achieved the pinnacle of excellence in the economic development field.
For the complete announcement and Waldrep's new contact information, please click here.
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Alex Warner
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Cumming, Georgia - The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce has named Alex Warner as project manager, existing industry for the business organization. The announcement was made by Robert Long, vice president of economic development for the chamber. The Chason Group led the talent search.
Warner is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a bachelor's degree in economics. The existing industry position is new for the chamber and a result of the recent economic development strategy established through a partnership with the Forsyth County Development Authority, Forsyth County and City of Cumming. The chamber provides economic development services for the community and serves as the lead contact for existing Forsyth County businesses and new companies looking to expand their footprints. For the complete announcement and Warner's new contact information, please click here. To learn how The Chason Group team can assist your organization with executive search services, please click here. |
Ralph Staffins III Chosen to Lead
Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce
Ralph Staffins III
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Brunswick, Georgia - After a nationwide executive search, the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has chosen Ralph Staffins III to lead the business organization as president and chief executive officer. His first day at the chamber will be June 1.
Current chamber leader Milton H. “Woody” Woodside, having served in the important role since 1985, is retiring this month. Staffins is serving as president and chief executive officer of the Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce in Covington, Georgia, located about 30 miles east of Atlanta. He has led the chamber of commerce, economic development office, main street program and tourism for the community since 2015. In 2018, under Staffins’ guidance, the chamber was awarded the 4-Star Certification by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, one of the highest designations afforded to chambers of commerce. Only the top three percent of chambers in the country have such a designation. For the complete announcement and Staffins' new contact information, please click here. |
Henry County Chamber of Commerce Selects Joseph Henning For President and Chief Executive Officer Position
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McDonough, Georgia - The Henry County Chamber of Commerce has selected Joseph Henning as the new president and chief executive officer of the business organization. He currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce in Aurora, Illinois, a position he has held since 2005.
Current chamber president and chief executive officer David Gill, who has led the organization since 2012, announced his retirement several months ago and will be working with Henning through the transition process. Henning served as chair of the National Board of Trustees for the US Chamber Institute for Organization Management in 2016-17 and continues as an instructor for classes throughout the country. The Institute is renowned as the leading training program for chamber executives. He is also recognized as the catalyst behind the Aurora Regional Chamber achieving the highest award in the industry with a five-star accreditation distinction by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation in 2012 and re-affirmed in 2017. For the complete announcement and Henning's new contact information, please click here. |
Joseph Henning
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Heather Shubirg Named Executive Vice President
of Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation
Heather Shubirg
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Daytona Beach, Florida - After a national search, Heather Shubirg, a professional in the economic development arena, has been named executive vice president at Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation. The announcement was made by Keith Norden, president and chief executive officer of the organization. The Chason Group led the executive search for Team Volusia.
Shubirg previously was on the Orlando Economic Partnership team as senior director of business development in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. She also worked with Enterprise Florida within the business development group. Enterprise Florida is the public private partnership responsible for leading statewide economic development efforts. In concert with Norden and other Team Volusia EDC staff, Shubirg’s key responsibilities will include growing the local economy through attraction and recruitment of new companies to Volusia County; maintaining a transparent and accurate communication plan for internal and external efficiency; and providing oversight, accountability and strategy for Team Volusia to enhance the overall success of the organization. For the complete announcement and Shubirg's new contact information, please click here. |
Megan Smith Named
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Megan Smith
Okeechobee, Florida - Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation leaders have named their first president and chief executive officer. Megan Smith is set to take the lead of the newly formed public-private partnership today, March 25. The executive search for Smith was conducted by The Chason Group.
“The board of directors has been very focused on finding the right professional to take the helm as the inaugural leader of the OCEDC,” according to Frank Irby, chair of the organization. “We believe Megan has the right skill sets to set our strategic plan in motion to prepare for job growth and improving the local economy.”
Smith most recently served as vice president for business development at the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Her key responsibilities included the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan called Advantage Coastal Alabama (ACA).
For the complete announcement regarding Smith and information on the OCEDC, please click here.
“The board of directors has been very focused on finding the right professional to take the helm as the inaugural leader of the OCEDC,” according to Frank Irby, chair of the organization. “We believe Megan has the right skill sets to set our strategic plan in motion to prepare for job growth and improving the local economy.”
Smith most recently served as vice president for business development at the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Her key responsibilities included the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan called Advantage Coastal Alabama (ACA).
For the complete announcement regarding Smith and information on the OCEDC, please click here.
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Names Two New Project Managers
Kirchner
Poole
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The Georgia Department of Economic Development has named two new project managers to the Global Commerce Division. Fernanda Barella Kirchner has joined as a Project Manager on the International Investment team and Emily Poole is now the Regional Project Manager for Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment for the metro Atlanta area. Mark Lytle and Tim Chason of The Chason Group led the talent searches for the GDEcD.
Kirchner has extensive international marketing experience through her work with Focus Brands and Newell Brands, both with operations in Atlanta. She has also served as a Light Commercial Vehicle Marketing Project Manager for Renault Trucks while living in Lyon, France. Poole has a solid background in economic development in the Atlanta region. She has served as Director, Economic Development for the City of Fayetteville; Vice President, Economic Development as well as Business Retention & Expansion Manager for the Fayette County Development Authority; and Director, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships for Clayton State University. For the complete announcement and contact information for the two new GDEcD team members, please click here. |
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