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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
Jonathan Lupo Named President and CEO
of Waycross-Ware Development Authority
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(Waycross, Georgia) Jonathan Lupo, an experienced state and local economic developer, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority (WWDA). The announcement was made this week by James Willis, Chair of the authority and Area Manager for Georgia Power Company, following a unanimous vote by the board. WWDA engaged The Chason Group to lead the executive search process.
Lupo most recently served as Director, Business Recruitment for the Douglas County Development Authority in Douglasville, Georgia. His most notable new business wins in Douglas County included Stitch Fix, an e-logistics facility that created 981 net new jobs and BANG Energy, a manufacturing/distribution operation that created 600 jobs. “The authority was looking for a professional in the economic development field to take us to the next level of creating and retaining jobs in our community,” according to Willis. “Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts with him. He has worked in two different states, including Georgia, on the state economic development team as well as on the local level. He understands the needs of communities and has a grasp of rural areas as well.” For the complete announcement and Lupo's new contact information, please click here. |
Jonathan Lupo
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Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Opens
Executive Search for Chief Executive Officer
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(Athens, Georgia) The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, based in Athens, Georgia, has opened the executive search for a Chief Executive Officer. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the Board of Directors through the process.
The Food Bank was founded in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) in an effort to end hunger in fourteen counties across the region. The organization gathers donated items and purchased surplus food and distributes it to human-service agencies. With over 25 years of experience serving the region, the Food Bank now distributes more than 11 million pounds of food to the fourteen county service area through more than 225 partner organizations every year. Applicants interested in the CEO’s position should have a proven track record of providing strong leadership skills either through a non-profit organization or business. The individual should also have experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors; generating sustainable revenue growth; and excellent collaboration and team building skills. For the complete position announcement, please click here. |
Executive Search for Carroll Tomorrow
President and Chief Executive Officer Underway
(Carrollton, Georgia) Carroll Tomorrow, a combination of the community's economic development arm and chamber of commerce, has retained The Chason Group to lead an executive search for a President and Chief Executive Officer. The organization is based in Carrollton, which is located in the northwestern section of Georgia.
Established in 2001, Carroll Tomorrow is a unique countywide public-private economic development organization that serves as the staff for Carroll County’s four industrial development authorities. The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce has been the economic engine for the community since 1955.
Applicants should have a minimum of five years of executive management leadership experience in the business, economic development and/or community development field, chamber of commerce, association, or a combination of these. The Search Committee is seeking a professional who has a proven tenure in leading an organization through visionary growth and meaningful change to improve the business environment of the community.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Established in 2001, Carroll Tomorrow is a unique countywide public-private economic development organization that serves as the staff for Carroll County’s four industrial development authorities. The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce has been the economic engine for the community since 1955.
Applicants should have a minimum of five years of executive management leadership experience in the business, economic development and/or community development field, chamber of commerce, association, or a combination of these. The Search Committee is seeking a professional who has a proven tenure in leading an organization through visionary growth and meaningful change to improve the business environment of the community.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. Initiates Executive Search for President/CEO |
Discover Dunwoody Seeking Executive Director For Destination Marketing Organization |
(Franklin Southampton County, Virginia) Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. (FSEDI) Board of Directors has launched an executive search for a President and Chief Executive Officer to lead the community’s economic development initiatives. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the executive search.
The independent City of Franklin is located in southeastern Virginia immediately adjacent to the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and approximately nine miles from the North Carolina state line. Southampton County encompasses a geographic area of over 600 square miles and is home to 26,000 of the 1.6 million people within the Hampton Roads region. FSEDI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The organization is the point of contact for all aspects of economic development initiatives including commercial, professional and industrial marketing to new business and maintaining/growing the investments of existing companies. For the complete position announcement, please click here. |
(Dunwoody, Georgia) Discover Dunwoody, the Destination Marketing Organization and convention and visitors bureau for the City of Dunwoody, Georgia, has initiated a search for an Executive Director. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the process.
The mission of Discover Dunwoody is to generate economic development by effectively marketing the facilities of the community and surrounding areas as a preferred business, convention and tourism destination. Discover Dunwoody is the visitor’s and meeting professional’s trusted partner – the heart, soul and energy of the destination. 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. Experience in marketing will be key for the position as the world emerges post-COVID. Led by an eleven-member Board of Directors and professional staff of three, Discover Dunwoody had a pre-COVID annual budget of approximately $1.7 million generated by hotel/motel tax revenues. For the complete position announcement, please click here. |
City of Prattville, Alabama Launches
Executive Search for Economic Development Director
(Prattville, Alabama) The City of Prattville, located in central Alabama, has launched an executive search for an economic development director. The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com) has been retained to lead the Mayor and Council through the process.
The economic development director is responsible for directing and facilitating inclusive and strategic economic development initiatives to grow and maintain jobs and increase the tax base in the City of Prattville and surrounding areas. The professional is accountable for both commercial and industrial recruitment and maintenance. Other responsibilities include: providing leadership and guidance to the City of Prattville’s economic development team; oversight of all daily operations; and, in collaboration with the community, developing and implementing a strategic economic development plan on an annual basis. The director represents the City of Prattville at meetings with clients and working with various partners.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. To upload a cover letter and resume, please click here.
The economic development director is responsible for directing and facilitating inclusive and strategic economic development initiatives to grow and maintain jobs and increase the tax base in the City of Prattville and surrounding areas. The professional is accountable for both commercial and industrial recruitment and maintenance. Other responsibilities include: providing leadership and guidance to the City of Prattville’s economic development team; oversight of all daily operations; and, in collaboration with the community, developing and implementing a strategic economic development plan on an annual basis. The director represents the City of Prattville at meetings with clients and working with various partners.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. To upload a cover letter and resume, please click here.
Project Manager, Business Development
Position Open in Henry County
Luxottica is one of the the latest economic development success stories for Henry County.
(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 an economic development project manager, business development. The project manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining meaningful and effective professional relationships with statewide and regional economic development project managers, utility companies, real estate contacts and site location consultants. Other responsibilities include responding to Requests for Information and Proposals from various entities and developing proposals and other client-centered presentations.
Evidence of Henry County’s recent success in economic growth can be proven with the increase in new jobs, investments and the number of projects on record. Over the past 5 years, companies including De Wafelbakkers, Encompass Health, The Home Depot, Luxottica, and TSYS have chosen to locate and expand in Henry. One of the newest additions to Henry’s Advanced Manufacturing sector is Purple Innovation, Inc.
The director will report to F.J. “Josh” Fenn who serves as the executive director of the organization. He previously served as director of business development for ECS Southeast, LLP in Marietta, Georgia.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. To upload a cover letter and resume, please click here.
Evidence of Henry County’s recent success in economic growth can be proven with the increase in new jobs, investments and the number of projects on record. Over the past 5 years, companies including De Wafelbakkers, Encompass Health, The Home Depot, Luxottica, and TSYS have chosen to locate and expand in Henry. One of the newest additions to Henry’s Advanced Manufacturing sector is Purple Innovation, Inc.
The director will report to F.J. “Josh” Fenn who serves as the executive director of the organization. He previously served as director of business development for ECS Southeast, LLP in Marietta, Georgia.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. To upload a cover letter and resume, please click here.
Executive Search For DMO Professional to
Lead Explore Newnan-Coweta
(Newnan, Georgia) Explore Newnan-Coweta, Inc. (ENC) is a newly formed 501c-6 and has been designated as the community’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). ENC is seeking a tourism professional to serve as the organization’s first president and chief executive officer. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the executive search.
DMO leadership experience is a key criteria for applicants. The ENC Board is seeking candidates who have led or are leading a DMO. Funding for the new organization is expected to average $500,000 annually. Benefits have been established for the position including health insurance, retirement and a relocation package.
The newly appointed president will have the opportunity to build the organization and team from ground up. As a salaried full-time employee, the professional reports to the chair of the board and serves as the spokesperson for tourism in Newnan and Coweta County.
Positioned in the southwest quadrant of the Atlanta MSA, Newnan and Coweta County are located along Interstate 85. Coweta has a population of 148,509.
For more information about the position, please click here.
DMO leadership experience is a key criteria for applicants. The ENC Board is seeking candidates who have led or are leading a DMO. Funding for the new organization is expected to average $500,000 annually. Benefits have been established for the position including health insurance, retirement and a relocation package.
The newly appointed president will have the opportunity to build the organization and team from ground up. As a salaried full-time employee, the professional reports to the chair of the board and serves as the spokesperson for tourism in Newnan and Coweta County.
Positioned in the southwest quadrant of the Atlanta MSA, Newnan and Coweta County are located along Interstate 85. Coweta has a population of 148,509.
For more information about the position, please click here.
Brittany Ivey Named President and CEO of
Stephens County Development Authority
Brittany Ivey
(Toccoa, Georgia) Brittany Ivey has been named the president and chief executive officer of the Stephens County Development Authority effective March 8, 2021. The announcement was made today by Brian Akin, chair of the authority and president of North Georgia Credit Union. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search.
“The authority had a great selection of candidates to choose from,” according to Akin. “There was interest from both traditional and nontraditional economic development professionals. Brittany’s previous experiences with the authority and her knowledge of the region made a positive impact on our selection process. Speaking on behalf of the board, I look forward to her joining the team and working to retain our existing companies while at the same time marketing Toccoa and Stephens County for new investments.”
For Ivey's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here.
“The authority had a great selection of candidates to choose from,” according to Akin. “There was interest from both traditional and nontraditional economic development professionals. Brittany’s previous experiences with the authority and her knowledge of the region made a positive impact on our selection process. Speaking on behalf of the board, I look forward to her joining the team and working to retain our existing companies while at the same time marketing Toccoa and Stephens County for new investments.”
For Ivey's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here.
Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council
Announces Search for President and CEO
(Conyers, Georgia) The Chason Group has been retained to lead an executive search for the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council's President and CEO position. The CREDC is a joint partnership of the City of Conyers, Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, Development Authority of Rockdale County and the Conyers-Rockdale County Chamber of Commerce. Funding and support for the economic development organization is provided at different levels by the partners. Rockdale County’s population has grown 34% since 2000 and is expected to grow another 30% by 2050.
Key areas of economic development responsibilities include recruitment of advanced manufacturing, technology and fintech type companies in order to diversity the local economy; retention and servicing existing operations; providing support for the film industry; and working with entrepreneurs and retail businesses to locate and grow.
For a complete position announcement for the CREDC position, please click here.
Key areas of economic development responsibilities include recruitment of advanced manufacturing, technology and fintech type companies in order to diversity the local economy; retention and servicing existing operations; providing support for the film industry; and working with entrepreneurs and retail businesses to locate and grow.
For a complete position announcement for the CREDC position, please click here.
Forsyth Chamber Names Slade Gulledge
VP of Economic Development
Slade Gulledge
(Cumming, Georgia) Slade Gulledge has been named Vice President of Economic Development for the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. The business organization is the key point of contact for new and existing business expansions. The Chason Group led the executive search process for the chamber.
The Forsyth Chamber serves as the economic development marketing arm for the community. The business organization is responsible for leading a focused effort to increase non-residential investment and support the creation of new, high-quality jobs in Forsyth County. Partners in the economic development initiative, named Forward Forsyth, include the Forsyth County Government, Forsyth County Development Authority, Forsyth County Schools, Lanier Technical College and universities with an interest in Forsyth County.
For the past 17 years, Gulledge has served as Vice President, Advocacy and Government Relations for the Cobb Chamber in Marietta, Georgia. His responsibilities included local, state, and federal advocacy efforts for the chamber, working with a diverse group of business and community leaders to advance pro-business public policy.
For Gulledge's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here.
The Forsyth Chamber serves as the economic development marketing arm for the community. The business organization is responsible for leading a focused effort to increase non-residential investment and support the creation of new, high-quality jobs in Forsyth County. Partners in the economic development initiative, named Forward Forsyth, include the Forsyth County Government, Forsyth County Development Authority, Forsyth County Schools, Lanier Technical College and universities with an interest in Forsyth County.
For the past 17 years, Gulledge has served as Vice President, Advocacy and Government Relations for the Cobb Chamber in Marietta, Georgia. His responsibilities included local, state, and federal advocacy efforts for the chamber, working with a diverse group of business and community leaders to advance pro-business public policy.
For Gulledge's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here.
Gilmer Chamber Leaders Select Jennifer Grimmer
as President and Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer Grimmer
(Ellijay, Georgia) Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce leaders have selected an experienced chamber and tourism professional as the new president and chief executive officer of the business organization. Jennifer Grimmer was unanimously approved by the chamber’s board of directors to lead the 650 member chamber which serves as the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for East Ellijay, Ellijay and Gilmer County. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search for the chamber.
Grimmer previously served as the executive director of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau – Atlanta Regional Tourism from 2015 – 2018. She is currently the marketing manager / digital marketing specialist for the Natural Resources and Wildlife Division with the State of Utah in Salt Lake City where she has created and implemented a marketing strategy for the Department of Wildlife Resources.
For Grimmer's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here.
Grimmer previously served as the executive director of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau – Atlanta Regional Tourism from 2015 – 2018. She is currently the marketing manager / digital marketing specialist for the Natural Resources and Wildlife Division with the State of Utah in Salt Lake City where she has created and implemented a marketing strategy for the Department of Wildlife Resources.
For Grimmer's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here.
Humane Society of Northeast Georgia Names
Allison Mayfield as Executive Director
Allison Mayfield
(Gainesville, Georgia) The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia has named Allison Mayfield, an experienced non-profit leader, as Executive Director of the 107-year-old organization. The announcement was made by Cindy Askounis, chair of the board.
Mayfield most recently served as Chief Development Officer of the Brigade Boys & Girls Club, an after-school youth development organization, in Wilmington, North Carolina. As a part of the senior leadership team, she is responsible for all resource development including grants, marketing, media, communications, annual fund, major gifts and volunteer development.
“Our search committee identified key skill sets the Humane Society needs in an executive,” according to Askounis. “Allison has those attributes and many more. Her experience in building teams, communications and developing partnerships is evident by her proven track records at other non-profits. She will be a great addition to the Humane Society team both internal and external.”
For the complete announcement on Mayfield's new position, please click here.
Mayfield most recently served as Chief Development Officer of the Brigade Boys & Girls Club, an after-school youth development organization, in Wilmington, North Carolina. As a part of the senior leadership team, she is responsible for all resource development including grants, marketing, media, communications, annual fund, major gifts and volunteer development.
“Our search committee identified key skill sets the Humane Society needs in an executive,” according to Askounis. “Allison has those attributes and many more. Her experience in building teams, communications and developing partnerships is evident by her proven track records at other non-profits. She will be a great addition to the Humane Society team both internal and external.”
For the complete announcement on Mayfield's new position, please click here.
Murray County Industrial Development Authority
Selects Eli Falls as President and Chief Executive Officer
Eli Falls
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(Chatsworth, Georgia) Members of the Murray County Industrial Development Authority have voted unanimously to select Eli Falls, an economic development professional with experience on a national level, to the position of president and chief executive officer. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search.
“The IDA was looking for someone with experience in the economic development field working with companies and who also wanted to be a part of a rural community,” according to Steve Smith, chair of the IDA and manager of Chatsworth Water Works. “Eli brings that experience to Murray County and understands the role existing industries and the Appalachian Regional Port play in our regional economy.” For the past five years, Falls has served as industrial development manager for Norfolk Southern Corporation in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was responsible for business and economic development in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. For the complete announcement and Falls' new contact information, please click here. |
Henry County Dev Authority Selects Trisha Colpetzer
to Serve as Manager, Established Industry
Trisha Colpetzer
(McDonough, Georgia) The Henry County Development Authority has selected Trisha Colpetzer as the economic development organization’s manager, established industry. The announcement was by F. J. “Josh” Fenn, executive director of the organization. The Chason Group was retained for the executive search.
Colpetzer currently serves as public information officer for the City of McDonough, a position she has held since 2018. She also provides support for the mayor and council for the Henry County city, a responsibility Colpetzer has been charged with since 2016.
As a graduate of the University of Georgia and Wright University, Colpetzer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and minor in psychology. She has been extremely active in the Henry County community over the past several years, including serving as chair of the governmental affairs committee for the Henry County Chamber of Commerce; board member for Youth Leadership Henry; board member for the Henry County Chamber of Commerce; board member for Leadership Henry; and a member of the Wheelchair Tennis Steering Committee.
For the complete announcement and Moore's new contact information, please click here.
Colpetzer currently serves as public information officer for the City of McDonough, a position she has held since 2018. She also provides support for the mayor and council for the Henry County city, a responsibility Colpetzer has been charged with since 2016.
As a graduate of the University of Georgia and Wright University, Colpetzer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and minor in psychology. She has been extremely active in the Henry County community over the past several years, including serving as chair of the governmental affairs committee for the Henry County Chamber of Commerce; board member for Youth Leadership Henry; board member for the Henry County Chamber of Commerce; board member for Leadership Henry; and a member of the Wheelchair Tennis Steering Committee.
For the complete announcement and Moore's new contact information, please click here.
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 Dyke
(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.