"The first step in TCG's executive search process is to listen."
- Tim Chason, President and CEO
- Tim Chason, President and CEO
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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 TCG makes the difference. For more information about The Chason Group, please contact Tim Chason at 404.735.0540 or [email protected]. |
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The Latest News From TCG...
Texas
Gonzales Economic Development Corporation
Launches Executive Director Search
The Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and relationship-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The Chason Group (TCG) is collaborating with the economic development organization to lead the executive search process.
Located between Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Victoria, Gonzales is strategically positioned within one of Texas' fastest-growing regions. The next Executive Director will serve as the community's chief economic development advocate, leading initiatives that support business expansion, investment attraction, workforce development, and long-term economic competitiveness.
The successful candidate will bring experience in economic development, business development, local government, or a related field; demonstrated success in business recruitment, retention, and strategic project development; strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills; political awareness and experience working with boards and elected officials; excellent communication and organizational leadership abilities; and a strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented leadership style.
For the complete position description for the GEDC, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches being led by TCG, please click here.
Located between Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Victoria, Gonzales is strategically positioned within one of Texas' fastest-growing regions. The next Executive Director will serve as the community's chief economic development advocate, leading initiatives that support business expansion, investment attraction, workforce development, and long-term economic competitiveness.
The successful candidate will bring experience in economic development, business development, local government, or a related field; demonstrated success in business recruitment, retention, and strategic project development; strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills; political awareness and experience working with boards and elected officials; excellent communication and organizational leadership abilities; and a strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented leadership style.
For the complete position description for the GEDC, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches being led by TCG, please click here.
Texas
Terrell Economic Development Corporation
Names Ty Behringer as Economic Development Manager
Ty Behringer
(Terrell, Texas – June 2026) The Terrell Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) has announced the selection of Ty Behringer as the organization’s new Economic Development Manager following a comprehensive national search process conducted by the TEDC Board of Directors and Search Committee. The Chason Group (TCG) collaborated with the economic development organization on the search process.
Coming to TEDC from the Celina Economic Development Corporation as Business Development Associate, Behringer played an active role in positioning Celina as a destination for investment and growth. In his new role, he will support TEDC’s efforts to advance business recruitment and retention, workforce partnerships, and strategic investment initiatives that strengthen Terrell’s economy and quality of place.
“Ty distinguished himself throughout the search process because of his strong understanding of economic development, his collaborative leadership style, and his ability to work effectively with businesses, developers, elected officials, and community stakeholders,” said Carlton Tidwell, President & CEO of the Terrell Economic Development Corporation. “He brings valuable experience from one of the fastest-growing communities in the region and understands how to balance strategic growth with community priorities. We are excited to welcome Ty to the TEDC team and believe he will make an immediate positive impact on our organization and community.”
For Behringer's new contact information, please click here. For a complete listing of current executive searches being led by TCG, please click here.
Coming to TEDC from the Celina Economic Development Corporation as Business Development Associate, Behringer played an active role in positioning Celina as a destination for investment and growth. In his new role, he will support TEDC’s efforts to advance business recruitment and retention, workforce partnerships, and strategic investment initiatives that strengthen Terrell’s economy and quality of place.
“Ty distinguished himself throughout the search process because of his strong understanding of economic development, his collaborative leadership style, and his ability to work effectively with businesses, developers, elected officials, and community stakeholders,” said Carlton Tidwell, President & CEO of the Terrell Economic Development Corporation. “He brings valuable experience from one of the fastest-growing communities in the region and understands how to balance strategic growth with community priorities. We are excited to welcome Ty to the TEDC team and believe he will make an immediate positive impact on our organization and community.”
For Behringer's new contact information, please click here. For a complete listing of current executive searches being led by TCG, please click here.
South Carolina
SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance
Chooses Andy Fulghum as Chief Operating Officer
Andy Fulghum
(Hampton, South Carolina – May 2026) The SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance (SCA) has chosen Andy Fulghum as Chief Operating Officer following a comprehensive national search led by the SCA Board of Directors and Search Committee. Fulghum will transition into the role of President & CEO later this year upon the retirement of longtime leader Danny Black. The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in economic development organizations, coordinated the executive search process for the SCA.
Fulghum brings nearly 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning local government management, regional collaboration, and economic development. He joins SCA at a pivotal time as the seven-county region continues to build on its strong momentum in growth, investment, and strategic positioning along the I-95 corridor.
He previously served as County Administrator for Jasper County, South Carolina, the fastest-growing county in the United States. States. Fulghum held the position since 2004.
For the complete announcement and Fulghum's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of The Chason Group's current executive-level searches, please click here.
Fulghum brings nearly 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning local government management, regional collaboration, and economic development. He joins SCA at a pivotal time as the seven-county region continues to build on its strong momentum in growth, investment, and strategic positioning along the I-95 corridor.
He previously served as County Administrator for Jasper County, South Carolina, the fastest-growing county in the United States. States. Fulghum held the position since 2004.
For the complete announcement and Fulghum's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of The Chason Group's current executive-level searches, please click here.
Texas
Amarillo Economic Development Corporation
Selects Dr. Andreas Eckstein as President & CEO
Dr. Andreas Eckstein
(Amarillo, Texas – May 2026) The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) recently announced the selection of Dr. Andreas Eckstein as its next President & Chief Executive Officer following a comprehensive national search conducted by the AEDC Board of Directors. The Chason Group led the executive search process for AEDC.
Dr. Eckstein brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in economic development, global investment strategy, and public-private partnership development. He will lead AEDC’s strategic direction and operations at a pivotal time as Amarillo continues to strengthen its competitive position, attract new investment, and expand opportunities for long-term economic growth.
Dr. Eckstein most recently served as Managing Director for Invest in Niedersachsen, where he established and led U.S. operations for Germany’s second-largest state’s economic development organization.
For the complete announcement and Dr. Eckstein's' new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches The Chason Group is leading, please click here.
Dr. Eckstein brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in economic development, global investment strategy, and public-private partnership development. He will lead AEDC’s strategic direction and operations at a pivotal time as Amarillo continues to strengthen its competitive position, attract new investment, and expand opportunities for long-term economic growth.
Dr. Eckstein most recently served as Managing Director for Invest in Niedersachsen, where he established and led U.S. operations for Germany’s second-largest state’s economic development organization.
For the complete announcement and Dr. Eckstein's' new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches The Chason Group is leading, please click here.
Metro Atlanta
Development Authority of Clayton County Names
Maceo Rogers, CEcD to President & CEO Position
Maceo Rogers, CEcD
(Morrow, Georgia – May 2026) The Development Authority of Clayton County has named Maceo Rogers, CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization. Dr. C. Harrison Braddy, Chair of the Authority and Interim President, made the announcement. The Chason Group (TCG) led the executive search for the authority.
“Maceo brings the experience, perspective, and executional strength needed to build on our momentum and help position Clayton County for its next era of growth,” said Dr. Braddy. “His leadership across development authorities and local governments will strengthen our marketing, business recruitment, business retention, and workforce development. He is widely respected by partners across the state for his work in Fulton, DeKalb, Macon-Bibb, and East Point.”
Rogers most recently served as Director of the Department of Economic Development for the City of East Point, Georgia, a role he has held since 2015. In this capacity, he led the day-to-day operations of the department, advancing strategic marketing initiatives, attracting new business investment, and developing policies and incentive strategies that position the city for competitive growth.
For the complete announcement and Rogers' new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches TCG is leading, please click here.
“Maceo brings the experience, perspective, and executional strength needed to build on our momentum and help position Clayton County for its next era of growth,” said Dr. Braddy. “His leadership across development authorities and local governments will strengthen our marketing, business recruitment, business retention, and workforce development. He is widely respected by partners across the state for his work in Fulton, DeKalb, Macon-Bibb, and East Point.”
Rogers most recently served as Director of the Department of Economic Development for the City of East Point, Georgia, a role he has held since 2015. In this capacity, he led the day-to-day operations of the department, advancing strategic marketing initiatives, attracting new business investment, and developing policies and incentive strategies that position the city for competitive growth.
For the complete announcement and Rogers' new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches TCG is leading, please click here.
Georgia
Rome Floyd County Development Authority
Begins Search For President & CEO
(Rome, Georgia - May 2026) The Rome Floyd County Development Authority has started a search for a new President and Chief Executive Officer. The Chason Group is leading the process for the Authority. Spencer Hogg, former leader of the economic development organization, has left the position to become Chief of Staff for newly elected Congressman Clay Fuller. Rome-Floyd County is located in northwest Georgia.
The Authority is the lead organization for business recruitment, expansion, and retention in the region. RFCDA serves as a proactive partner to local governments, educational institutions, and private sector leaders in shaping the area's economic future. The Authority is dedicated to attracting new industry and investment to the region; supporting the retention and expansion of existing businesses; developing workforce pipelines through strategic education-industry partnerships; and promoting Rome and Floyd County as a destination for commerce and innovation.
The ideal candidate will possess integrity, leadership skills, strong communication skills, marketing and public relations expertise, financial acumen, and be politically savvy. The professional will provide long-term vision and strategy to the Board, local governments, and other stakeholders; oversee all daily operations; and, in collaboration with the community, develop, implement, and maintain an economic development strategy that is updated on a consistent basis.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. To apply for the position, please click here.
The Authority is the lead organization for business recruitment, expansion, and retention in the region. RFCDA serves as a proactive partner to local governments, educational institutions, and private sector leaders in shaping the area's economic future. The Authority is dedicated to attracting new industry and investment to the region; supporting the retention and expansion of existing businesses; developing workforce pipelines through strategic education-industry partnerships; and promoting Rome and Floyd County as a destination for commerce and innovation.
The ideal candidate will possess integrity, leadership skills, strong communication skills, marketing and public relations expertise, financial acumen, and be politically savvy. The professional will provide long-term vision and strategy to the Board, local governments, and other stakeholders; oversee all daily operations; and, in collaboration with the community, develop, implement, and maintain an economic development strategy that is updated on a consistent basis.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. To apply for the position, please click here.
North Fulton Community Charities Selects
Dr. Amy Gates Stroud as President
Dr. Amy Gates Stroud
(Roswell, Georgia – April 2026) North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) has selected Dr. Amy Gates Stroud as the organization’s next President following a comprehensive national search conducted by the NFCC Board of Directors and Search Committee. Dr. Gates started in her new position this week. The Chason Group (TCG) led the executive search for the organization.
Dr. Gates brings nearly three decades of leadership experience across nonprofit organizations, education, and community initiatives. She will lead NFCC’s strategic direction, operational management, and community engagement efforts as the organization continues its mission of helping individuals and families overcome hardship and achieve financial stability.
“Dr. Gates stood out throughout this search process for her depth of nonprofit leadership experience, strategic mindset, and clear passion for community service,” said Matt Powell, Chair of the NFCC Board of Directors. “She brings a rare combination of operational expertise, relationship-building ability, and mission-driven leadership. The Board is confident that Amy will help guide North Fulton Community Charities into its next chapter while continuing to strengthen the programs and partnerships that make NFCC such an important community resource.”
For the complete announcement and Dr. Gates' new contact information, please click here. For a listing of TCG's current executive searches, please click here.
Dr. Gates brings nearly three decades of leadership experience across nonprofit organizations, education, and community initiatives. She will lead NFCC’s strategic direction, operational management, and community engagement efforts as the organization continues its mission of helping individuals and families overcome hardship and achieve financial stability.
“Dr. Gates stood out throughout this search process for her depth of nonprofit leadership experience, strategic mindset, and clear passion for community service,” said Matt Powell, Chair of the NFCC Board of Directors. “She brings a rare combination of operational expertise, relationship-building ability, and mission-driven leadership. The Board is confident that Amy will help guide North Fulton Community Charities into its next chapter while continuing to strengthen the programs and partnerships that make NFCC such an important community resource.”
For the complete announcement and Dr. Gates' new contact information, please click here. For a listing of TCG's current executive searches, please click here.
North Georgia
An Opportunity to Lead One of
Georgia's Premier Residential Communities
(Jasper, Georgia - April 2026) The Big Canoe Property Owners Association (POA) is seeking a dynamic, highly relational executive to serve as its next General Manager. This is a rare opportunity to lead a complex, high-performing organization that operates at the intersection of municipal-style governance, hospitality-driven service delivery, and community engagement. The Chason Group has been selected to lead the search process for the POA.
Big Canoe is widely recognized as one of Georgia’s most distinctive private residential communities—defined by its natural beauty, engaged property owners, and commitment to excellence. The next General Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the community by strengthening trust, enhancing operations, and ensuring long-term financial and organizational sustainability.
The ideal candidate will be a visible, relationship-driven executive who combines strong operational leadership with exceptional interpersonal effectiveness. Stakeholders consistently emphasized the importance of a leader who builds trust through transparency, consistency, and accessibility; demonstrates emotional intelligence and sound judgment in a highly engaged environment; balances collaboration with decisiveness and accountability; serves as a “community executive,” functioning similarly to a municipal leader or public-facing CEO; and engages stakeholders thoughtfully while maintaining focus on long-term priorities. Cultural fit is critical. The successful candidate will appreciate Big Canoe’s unique character, including its natural environment, strong community traditions, and highly involved property owners.
For the complete position announcement for Big Canoe's General Manager position, please click here.
Big Canoe is widely recognized as one of Georgia’s most distinctive private residential communities—defined by its natural beauty, engaged property owners, and commitment to excellence. The next General Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the community by strengthening trust, enhancing operations, and ensuring long-term financial and organizational sustainability.
The ideal candidate will be a visible, relationship-driven executive who combines strong operational leadership with exceptional interpersonal effectiveness. Stakeholders consistently emphasized the importance of a leader who builds trust through transparency, consistency, and accessibility; demonstrates emotional intelligence and sound judgment in a highly engaged environment; balances collaboration with decisiveness and accountability; serves as a “community executive,” functioning similarly to a municipal leader or public-facing CEO; and engages stakeholders thoughtfully while maintaining focus on long-term priorities. Cultural fit is critical. The successful candidate will appreciate Big Canoe’s unique character, including its natural environment, strong community traditions, and highly involved property owners.
For the complete position announcement for Big Canoe's General Manager position, please click here.
Coastal Georgia
Director of Tourism Position Open For Coastal Georgia
(Pooler, Georgia - March 2026) The Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau seeks a strategic, innovative leader to serve as Director of Tourism. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of Georgia’s fastest-growing visitor destinations. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the executive search. TCG led the executive search for Kate Miller, IOM, in 2025 to serve as President and CEO of the organization.
Located within the Savannah coastal tourism market, Pooler is emerging as a regional hub for retail, hospitality, and entertainment. The Director will lead efforts to strengthen the destination brand, increase visitation, and expand tourism’s economic impact. This position will collaborate closely with hospitality partners, local government, and regional tourism organizations to elevate Pooler’s profile within a dynamic Southeast tourism market.
For the complete position announcement, click here. To review TCG's complete listing of executive searches now underway, click here.
Located within the Savannah coastal tourism market, Pooler is emerging as a regional hub for retail, hospitality, and entertainment. The Director will lead efforts to strengthen the destination brand, increase visitation, and expand tourism’s economic impact. This position will collaborate closely with hospitality partners, local government, and regional tourism organizations to elevate Pooler’s profile within a dynamic Southeast tourism market.
For the complete position announcement, click here. To review TCG's complete listing of executive searches now underway, click here.
Georgia
Jackson County Area Chamber Names Murriel Wiley
to Director, Economic Development Position
Murriel Wiley
(Jefferson, Georgia- March 2026) Murriel Wiley has been named Director, Economic Development for the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce in Jefferson, Georgia. The Chason Group led the executive search for the chamber. The announcement was made by Steve Wittry, President and Chief Executive Officer of the chamber, and also a placement by The Chason Group.
“Economic development has many components,” according to Wittry. “Those include recruitment of new manufacturing as well as assisting our existing businesses. Murriel brings a tremendous amount of experience and energy to the chamber in those areas and many others, like entrepreneurship, small business development, and workforce development.”
Wiley most recently served as a Fellow for the Economic Development Recovery Corps, a multi-year, $30 million collaborative initiative designed to accelerate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in distressed communities and regions throughout the U.S. by connecting organizations with the talent and capacity needed to advance new ways of doing economic development that promote economic resilience and transformation. The program is led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in partnership with several other business-focused organizations.
For the complete announcement and Ms. Wiley's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of TCG's current executive searches in progress, please click here.
“Economic development has many components,” according to Wittry. “Those include recruitment of new manufacturing as well as assisting our existing businesses. Murriel brings a tremendous amount of experience and energy to the chamber in those areas and many others, like entrepreneurship, small business development, and workforce development.”
Wiley most recently served as a Fellow for the Economic Development Recovery Corps, a multi-year, $30 million collaborative initiative designed to accelerate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in distressed communities and regions throughout the U.S. by connecting organizations with the talent and capacity needed to advance new ways of doing economic development that promote economic resilience and transformation. The program is led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in partnership with several other business-focused organizations.
For the complete announcement and Ms. Wiley's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of TCG's current executive searches in progress, please click here.
Georgia
Heath Taylor, IOM Named President & CEO of
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
Heath Taylor, IOM
(Evans, Georgia - February 2026) Today marks Heath Taylor’s first day as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, where he brings over 18 years of proven leadership in chambers, business advocacy, and nonprofit management to one of Georgia’s fastest-growing regions. The Chason Group (TCG) led the executive search process for the chamber.
Taylor previously served as President and CEO of the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, where for the past ten years he led the organization through a period of sustained growth, increased financial strength, and expanded community impact. Known as a collaborative leader and strategic thinker, his experience spans membership development, workforce and education initiatives, advocacy, and the creation of successful revenue-generating programs that strengthen long-term organizational sustainability.
For the complete announcement and Taylor's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current and upcoming executive searches, please click here.
Taylor previously served as President and CEO of the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, where for the past ten years he led the organization through a period of sustained growth, increased financial strength, and expanded community impact. Known as a collaborative leader and strategic thinker, his experience spans membership development, workforce and education initiatives, advocacy, and the creation of successful revenue-generating programs that strengthen long-term organizational sustainability.
For the complete announcement and Taylor's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current and upcoming executive searches, please click here.
Five-Star Accredited
Albany Area Chamber Announces
Executive Search for President & CEO
(Albany, Georgia - October 2025) The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as its next President & CEO. This is a unique opportunity to guide the Chamber’s strategic direction, champion the interests of the business community, and advance Albany’s position as a leading center for commerce, innovation, and regional prosperity. The Chason Group (TCG) has been selected by the Chamber to lead the executive search.
Albany is recognized as a hub of economic diversity, home to thriving industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, defense, and healthcare. Major employers in the area include Phoebe Putney Health Systems, Procter & Gamble, Mars Wrigley, Georgia-Pacific, Molson Coors, Angelini Pharma, and Thrush Aircraft.
For the complete Albany Area Chamber position announcement, please click here. For a listing of TCG's current executive searches in progress, please click here
Albany is recognized as a hub of economic diversity, home to thriving industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, defense, and healthcare. Major employers in the area include Phoebe Putney Health Systems, Procter & Gamble, Mars Wrigley, Georgia-Pacific, Molson Coors, Angelini Pharma, and Thrush Aircraft.
For the complete Albany Area Chamber position announcement, please click here. For a listing of TCG's current executive searches in progress, please click here
Touwsma Named Manager of Programming and Events
for Leadership Georgia
(Atlanta, Georgia – December 2025) The Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Angel Touwsma as Manager of Programming and Events. The announcement was made by Jamie McCurry, Leadership Georgia chair.
The Chason Group led the executive search for the Leadership Georgia Board.
A Leadership Georgia alumna from the Class of 2013, Touwsma has remained actively involved with the organization for over a decade. She served as Program Chair in 2014 and later as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2019.
For the complete announcement and Touwsma's new contact information, please click here.
The Chason Group led the executive search for the Leadership Georgia Board.
A Leadership Georgia alumna from the Class of 2013, Touwsma has remained actively involved with the organization for over a decade. She served as Program Chair in 2014 and later as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2019.
For the complete announcement and Touwsma's new contact information, please click here.
Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau
Selects Kasey Summerville as President & CEO
Kasey L. Summerville
(Albany, Georgia- November 2025) The Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as Visit Albany, has announced Kasey L. Summerville as the new President and CEO. Johnny Seabrooks, Chair of the Albany CVB, made the announcement. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search for the organization.
Summerville has held multiple leadership roles with the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, including Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement, Senior Director of Tax Revenue, and Director of National Accounts. In these roles, she developed and implemented long-term marketing strategies, launched city-wide tourism campaigns, negotiated major event contracts, and built strong partnerships with community stakeholders.
For the complete announcement and Summerville's new contact information, please click here.
Summerville has held multiple leadership roles with the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, including Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement, Senior Director of Tax Revenue, and Director of National Accounts. In these roles, she developed and implemented long-term marketing strategies, launched city-wide tourism campaigns, negotiated major event contracts, and built strong partnerships with community stakeholders.
For the complete announcement and Summerville's new contact information, please click here.
Georgia
Paulding County Economic Development Names
Alex Almodóvar as New President & CEO
Alex Almodovar
(Dallas, Georgia - September 2025) The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) has named Alex Almodóvar, MPA, AICP, President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization.
The Chason Group (TCG) led the executive search for the economic development organization.
Almodóvar most recently served as Development Director for the City of Acworth, Georgia, where he managed the city’s comprehensive economic development efforts—including business recruitment and retention, downtown revitalization, and public-private partnerships. Under his leadership, Acworth has earned the prestigious PlanFirst Community designation from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and implemented a sweeping overhaul of its zoning ordinance and character overlay district.
For the complete announcement and Almodóvar's new contact information, click here.
The Chason Group (TCG) led the executive search for the economic development organization.
Almodóvar most recently served as Development Director for the City of Acworth, Georgia, where he managed the city’s comprehensive economic development efforts—including business recruitment and retention, downtown revitalization, and public-private partnerships. Under his leadership, Acworth has earned the prestigious PlanFirst Community designation from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and implemented a sweeping overhaul of its zoning ordinance and character overlay district.
For the complete announcement and Almodóvar's new contact information, click here.
Metro Atlanta
Aaron Szarowicz Named
Economic Development Director for City of Brookhaven
Aaron Szarowicz
- (Brookhaven, Georgia - September 2025) Aaron Szarowicz has been named Economic Development Director for the City of Brookhaven, bringing nearly a decade of experience in local government, site selection strategy, and business attraction to the role. The announcement was made by Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman following a competitive nationwide executive search.
The Chason Group led the executive search for the city.
Szarowicz most recently served as Senior Project Manager of Business Attraction at Invest Atlanta, where he led a project pipeline of nearly 80 initiatives, administered state and local incentive programs, and helped secure over $223 million in capital investment and nearly 5,000 new jobs in Atlanta between 2023 and 2025. He is recognized for developing data-informed economic solutions, strategic partnerships, and creative tools to streamline incentive modeling and community engagement.
For the complete announcement and Szarowicz's new contact information, please click here.
Georgia
Victoria Everhart Named
Director of Operations for Leadership Georgia
Victorial Everhart
(Atlanta, Georgia – September 2025) The Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Victoria Everhart as the organization’s Director of Operations.
The Chason Group led the executive search for the Leadership Georgia Board.
Everhart most recently served as Director of Engagement at Watercrest Senior Living in Macon, Georgia, where she developed strategic partnerships and created programming designed to enhance resident quality of life. She also worked at Reynolds Lake Oconee, leading operations and coordinating memorable experiences for both residents and guests.
For the complete announcement and Everhart's new contact information, please click here.
The Chason Group led the executive search for the Leadership Georgia Board.
Everhart most recently served as Director of Engagement at Watercrest Senior Living in Macon, Georgia, where she developed strategic partnerships and created programming designed to enhance resident quality of life. She also worked at Reynolds Lake Oconee, leading operations and coordinating memorable experiences for both residents and guests.
For the complete announcement and Everhart's new contact information, please click here.
Georgia
Angela Hall Named Economic Development Project Manager for
Henry County Development Authority
Angela Hall
(McDonough, Georgia – August 2025) The Henry County Development Authority (HCDA) has announced the appointment of Angela Hall as Economic Development Project Manager. The announcement was made by the Executive Director of the HCDA, Sharon K. Hill.
The Chason Group led the executive search process for the position.
Hall most recently served as a Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning leader for Renewal by Andersen, where she spearheaded recruitment strategies, developed community partnerships, and supported a major Southeast expansion project in Locust Grove, Georgia.
For the complete announcement and Hall's new contact information, please click here.
The Chason Group led the executive search process for the position.
Hall most recently served as a Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning leader for Renewal by Andersen, where she spearheaded recruitment strategies, developed community partnerships, and supported a major Southeast expansion project in Locust Grove, Georgia.
For the complete announcement and Hall's new contact information, please click here.
Texas
Franz Named Director of the Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau
Kristi Franz
(Denton, Texas – July 2025) Kristi Franz has been named Executive Director of the Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau, bringing over 12 years of experience in destination management, tourism marketing, and economic development to the role. The announcement was made by Dustin Sternbeck, City of Denton’s Chief Communications Officer.
The Chason Group led the executive search process for the city.
Franz most recently served as Executive Director of Explore Siouxland in Sioux City, Iowa, where she built a new Destination Marketing Organization from the ground up. She also led a comprehensive regional rebranding and expanded lodging partnerships to ensure long-term funding and visibility.
For the complete announcement and Franz' new contact information, please click here.
The Chason Group led the executive search process for the city.
Franz most recently served as Executive Director of Explore Siouxland in Sioux City, Iowa, where she built a new Destination Marketing Organization from the ground up. She also led a comprehensive regional rebranding and expanded lodging partnerships to ensure long-term funding and visibility.
For the complete announcement and Franz' new contact information, please click here.
Alabama
Huffman Named President and CEO of the
Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation
J. Scott Huffman
(Tuscaloosa, Alabama - July 2025) J. Scott Huffman, CFRE, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation, a charitable nonprofit supporting Alabama’s fourth specialty high school scheduled to open in Fall 2026. The announcement was made by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The Chason Group led the executive search process.
Huffman brings more than three decades of leadership experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and nonprofit development. For the past 21 years, he served as Executive Director of Development and Strategic Planning at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he also led advancement efforts for the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association. Earlier in his career, Huffman was the founding President of the Alabama School of Math and Science Foundation in Mobile.
For the complete announcement and Huffman's new contact information, please click here.
The Chason Group led the executive search process.
Huffman brings more than three decades of leadership experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and nonprofit development. For the past 21 years, he served as Executive Director of Development and Strategic Planning at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he also led advancement efforts for the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association. Earlier in his career, Huffman was the founding President of the Alabama School of Math and Science Foundation in Mobile.
For the complete announcement and Huffman's new contact information, please click here.
Georgia
Rich Johnson Named Executive Director of
the North Fulton Economic Alliance
Rich Johnson
(Alpharetta, Georgia - July 2025) Rich Johnson has been named Executive Director of the North Fulton Economic Alliance, a new public-private initiative of the Greater North Fulton Chamber. Johnson brings over a decade of leadership experience in government relations, broadband advocacy, and economic development strategy to the role. The announcement was made by the Greater North Fulton Chamber Board Chair, Dean Collins of Axis Companies.
The Chason Group led the executive search for the chamber.
Johnson recently served as AT&T’s Assistant Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, where he led statewide public affairs initiatives and served as the company’s subject matter expert on broadband policy and telecommunications regulation in Georgia.
For the complete announcement and Johnson's new contact information, please click here.
The Chason Group led the executive search for the chamber.
Johnson recently served as AT&T’s Assistant Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, where he led statewide public affairs initiatives and served as the company’s subject matter expert on broadband policy and telecommunications regulation in Georgia.
For the complete announcement and Johnson's new contact information, please click here.
Georgia
Kate E. Miller, IOM Named President & CEO of
Pooler Chamber of Commerce
Kate E. Miller
(Pooler, Georgia - July 2025) The Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Kate E. Miller, IOM as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. With over 13 years of experience in chamber leadership, economic development, and tourism strategy, Miller brings a track record of measurable success, community partnership, and innovative programming to Pooler at a time of tremendous opportunity and growth. The Chason Group led the executive search for the chamber.
Miller most recently served as President & CEO of the Middleton Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin, where she led a complete organizational transformation focused on member engagement, workforce development, and strategic partnerships. Her leadership resulted in the introduction of a tiered dues structure, the launch of a waitlist professional development series, and the creation of Mission: Workforce Alliance.
“I’m incredibly honored to join the Pooler Chamber at such an exciting time in the city’s evolution,” said Miller. “This community has so much energy, growth potential, and pride. I’m looking forward to listening deeply, building strong partnerships, and helping the Chamber serve as both a resource and a catalyst for business success and community connection.”
For the complete announcement and Miller's new contact information, please click here.
Miller most recently served as President & CEO of the Middleton Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin, where she led a complete organizational transformation focused on member engagement, workforce development, and strategic partnerships. Her leadership resulted in the introduction of a tiered dues structure, the launch of a waitlist professional development series, and the creation of Mission: Workforce Alliance.
“I’m incredibly honored to join the Pooler Chamber at such an exciting time in the city’s evolution,” said Miller. “This community has so much energy, growth potential, and pride. I’m looking forward to listening deeply, building strong partnerships, and helping the Chamber serve as both a resource and a catalyst for business success and community connection.”
For the complete announcement and Miller's new contact information, please click here.
