|
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. |
|
The Lastest News From The Chason Group
Joshua S. Johnson Selected to Lead
Economic Development for City of Prattville
(Prattville, AL) City of Prattville officials have taken the next step in their initiative to establish an economic development department within the municipality. With a recommendation by Mayor Bill Gillespie, the city council has voted unanimously to select Joshua S. Johnson as Economic Development Director. The Chason Group was retained by the city to lead the executive search.
Johnson previously served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Madison, Alabama, a suburb of Huntsville.
Johnson, a native of Alabama, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of North Alabama and a masters of public administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a professional certification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is a Certified Transportation Planner through the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).
For the complete position announcement and Johnson's new contact information, please click here.
Johnson previously served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Madison, Alabama, a suburb of Huntsville.
Johnson, a native of Alabama, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of North Alabama and a masters of public administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a professional certification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is a Certified Transportation Planner through the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).
For the complete position announcement and Johnson's new contact information, please click here.
Heather Daniel Named President & CEO
of Explore Newnan-Coweta, Inc.
Heather Daniel, TMP
(Newnan, Georgia) The board of directors of Explore Newnan-Coweta, Inc. (ENC), the community’s new tourism entity, has named Heather Daniel as the first president and chief executive officer. Mayor Keith Brady, who serves as chair of the board, made the announcement. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search for the tourism organization.
Daniel most recently led business development for Rhyme & Reason Design, a private sector branding and design firm that has built a solid reputation of working with DMOs across the country to strategize and implement tourism marketing initiatives. She held the position with the Atlanta-based company for the past six years.
For the complete position announcement and Daniel's new contact information, please click here.
Daniel most recently led business development for Rhyme & Reason Design, a private sector branding and design firm that has built a solid reputation of working with DMOs across the country to strategize and implement tourism marketing initiatives. She held the position with the Atlanta-based company for the past six years.
For the complete position announcement and Daniel's new contact information, please click here.
City of Peachtree Corners, Georgia Searching
for Director of Communications
|
(City of Peachtree Corners, Georgia) The City of Peachtree Corners, a northern suburb of metro Atlanta, Georgia, has initiated an executive search for a Director of Communications. The Chason Group has been retained to assist the City Manager with the talent search.
Incorporated in July 2012, Peachtree Corners is an active, family-oriented city. Residents enjoy a variety of living lifestyles from riverfront homes, swim-tennis communities, townhome, apartment, and senior living choices. Seven miles of the Chattahoochee River define its western border. Residents have access to fishing, boating, and other recreational activities at one of the four public parks located on the river. The Director of Communications will be responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating communications to provide information to the public. The City’s leadership is searching for an innovative, creative, and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant communication programs and goals to enhance the quality of life of a community’s citizens. Other key skill sets required of applicants include experience in building and being an active participant in teams and a proven track record of successfully working with community stakeholders, media, and elected officials. Candidates should possess the ability to develop and nurture value-added relationships with diverse business, government, community groups and individuals. For the complete position announcement, please click here. |
City of Roswell, Georgia Launches Search
for Economic Development Director
|
(Roswell, Georgia) City leaders have launched an executive search for an Economic Development Director. The city of 94,000 residents is located in the north metro Atlanta region along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The Chason Group is leading the executive search for the City of Roswell.
The Economic Development Director will serve as the city's chief economic development strategist with the continuous goal of putting the city on the international economic development map. The professional will be responsible for leading, directing, and facilitating inclusive and strategic economic development initiatives to grow and maintain jobs and increase the business tax base for Roswell and surrounding areas. The director is accountable for both commercial and industrial recruitment and support services for existing businesses. The search committee for the City of Roswell is seeking a professional who has keen knowledge and experience in the commercial redevelopment field. Also, applicants should have a proven track record of working with existing businesses to retain employment and investments. For the complete position announcements, please click here. |
Roswell is located along the Chattahoochee River in the north Metro Atlanta area.
|
Karen Handel Selected to Lead Carroll Tomorrow
as President and Chief Executive Officer
Karen Handel
(Carrollton, Georgia) Karen Handel has been selected by the leadership of Carroll Tomorrow as the economic development organization’s new president and chief executive officer. She will also serve in the same role for the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made this week by Loy Howard, chair of the Carroll Tomorrow Board of Directors, following an extensive executive search process.
The Chason Group led the executive search for Carroll Tomorrow.
Handel currently serves as president of Cogent Strategies which provides strategic counsel on business, public policy, and communication matters. She served as president and chief executive officer of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce in Alpharetta from 2000 until 2003.
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. In concert with city and county leaders, the organization works closely with state economic developers and site selection consultants to support expansion of existing business and recruit new companies to the area. The economic development initiative is a “one-stop-shop” for businesses seeking growth opportunities.
For the complete position announcement and Handel's new contact information, please click here.
The Chason Group led the executive search for Carroll Tomorrow.
Handel currently serves as president of Cogent Strategies which provides strategic counsel on business, public policy, and communication matters. She served as president and chief executive officer of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce in Alpharetta from 2000 until 2003.
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. In concert with city and county leaders, the organization works closely with state economic developers and site selection consultants to support expansion of existing business and recruit new companies to the area. The economic development initiative is a “one-stop-shop” for businesses seeking growth opportunities.
For the complete position announcement and Handel's new contact information, please click here.
Henry County Development Authority Adds
Cameron Barnhill to Economic Development Team
Cameron Barnhill
|
(McDonough, Georgia) The Henry County Development Authority has added Cameron Barnhill to their economic development team as a project manager. He begins his transition into the position this month. The Chason Group was retained by the authority to lead the talent search.
Barnhill, a metro Atlanta native, is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in management. Earning a place on the President’s and Dean’s List multiple times, he was also a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. While at KSU, Barnhill was selected as one of 100 college-aged nationwide ambassadors that organized, hosted, and led events showcasing the vast technologies and services offered by Amazon. He also volunteered for KSU Miracle, a student run philanthropy organization devoted to raising money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through different fundraisers. For the complete position announcement and Barnhill's new contact information, please click here. |
Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council
Selects Kevin Hanna for President & CEO Position
Kevin Hanna
|
(Conyers, Georgia) The Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREDC) Board of Directors has selected a new President and Chief Executive Officer. Kevin Hanna, a career economic developer and Conyers resident, assumes the position effective June 1. The announcement was made by Mayor Vince Evans who serves as Chair of the economic development organization. The Chason Group was retained to lead the search for CREDC.
Since 2014, Hanna has operated as President/CEO of Donaldson Development Group LLC, a real estate development company; Principal, Kevin Hanna & Associates LLC, a boutique consulting firm with a mission of collaborating with local community organizations to attract capital to transform neighborhoods; and Chairman of the Board, Liberty Group Senior Services, Inc., a 501c(3) non-profit which provides healthcare services to seniors in the metro Atlanta area. Earlier in his career, Hanna served as Director of Real Estate Development, New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, New Orleans, Louisiana and Secretary of the Office of Housing and Community Development / Director of Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia for the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From April 1997 through 2002, he was President, Atlanta Development Authority (now known as InvestAtlanta). For the complete position announcement and Hanna's new contact information, please click here. |
Jonathan Lupo Named President and CEO
of Waycross-Ware Development Authority
|
(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
|
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Opens
Executive Search for Chief Executive Officer
|
(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. |
Discover Dunwoody Seeking Executive Director
For Destination Marketing Organization
(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.
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.
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.
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
|
(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.
