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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
Humane Society of Northeast Georgia Names
Allison Mayfield as Executive Director
(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
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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. |
Explore Newnan-Coweta Seeking
President and CEO for Newly Formed DMO
(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.
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.
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.
Stephens County Development Authority
Initiates Executive Search for President/CEO
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(Toccoa, Georgia) Members of the Stephens County Development Authority have initiated the executive search process for a new leader. Tim Martin, who has served as executive director of the economic development organization since 2008, announced his retirement last month. The Chason Group has been retained to conduct the search.
Key skill sets the Development Authority will be looking for in the new economic development professional include proven leadership skills; business experience; strong communication and personal skills in the areas of listening, written, verbal and digital; and a proven extended tenure in guiding an organization through visionary growth and meaningful change to improve the tax base of the community. For more information on the position, please click here. |
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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
(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.
Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce Launches Search for President and CEO
(Ellijay, Georgia) The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce in Ellijay, Georgia has launched a search for a president and chief executive officer. The Chason Group has been retained to lead the process.
The chamber is recognized as the community’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Tourism is a huge contributor to Gilmer’s economy as well as Georgia’s resources.
Candidates applying for the president’s position must hold a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree desired, in the area(s) of public relations, association management, tourism, business and/or marketing from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
The search committee is seeking candidates with a collaborative leadership style. The successful candidate will be working with small and large groups on a continuous basis – including a board of directors, members, internal team and governments.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
The chamber is recognized as the community’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Tourism is a huge contributor to Gilmer’s economy as well as Georgia’s resources.
Candidates applying for the president’s position must hold a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree desired, in the area(s) of public relations, association management, tourism, business and/or marketing from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
The search committee is seeking candidates with a collaborative leadership style. The successful candidate will be working with small and large groups on a continuous basis – including a board of directors, members, internal team and governments.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Forsyth County Chamber Seeking Candidates
For Vice President of Economic Development
(Cumming, Georgia) The Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, located in Cumming, Georgia which is a part of the Metro Atlanta MSA, is seeking candidates for the Vice President of Economic Development. The Chason Group has been retained by the chamber to lead the executive search.
The chamber serves as the economic development marketing arm for the community. The business organization is responsible for leading a focused effort to increase nonresidential investment and support the creation of new, high-quality jobs in Forsyth County. The community is recognized as one of the top ten fastest growing population centers in America. Today’s numbers stand at 244,252 citizens which is an almost 40% increase over the past ten years.
The Search Committee for the chamber is seeking a professional who has a keen knowledge and experience in the commercial and industrial development fields; excellent communication skills in terms of verbal, written, listening and digital means; and has experience in building strong, viable work teams to accomplish strategic goals.
For more information on the position, please click here.
The chamber serves as the economic development marketing arm for the community. The business organization is responsible for leading a focused effort to increase nonresidential investment and support the creation of new, high-quality jobs in Forsyth County. The community is recognized as one of the top ten fastest growing population centers in America. Today’s numbers stand at 244,252 citizens which is an almost 40% increase over the past ten years.
The Search Committee for the chamber is seeking a professional who has a keen knowledge and experience in the commercial and industrial development fields; excellent communication skills in terms of verbal, written, listening and digital means; and has experience in building strong, viable work teams to accomplish strategic goals.
For more information on the position, please click here.
Kim Bednarek Named Executive Director
of Okefenokee Swamp Park
Kim Bednarek
(Waycross, Georgia) The Okefenokee Swamp Park (OSP) Board of Trustees has named Kim Bednarek as the organization’s first, full-time Executive Director in over 50 years. The announcement was made this week by Dr. William Clark, III Chair of the Board. The Chason Group was retained by the OSP to lead the executive search.
Bednarek currently serves as the Head of School for The Discovery School in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, a nationally recognized Montessori – International Baccalaureate academic program.
For the complete announcement and Bednarek's new contact information, please click here.
Bednarek currently serves as the Head of School for The Discovery School in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, a nationally recognized Montessori – International Baccalaureate academic program.
For the complete announcement and Bednarek's new contact information, please click here.
Clayton County Chamber Selects
Valencia Williamson, IOM as President and CEO
Valencia Williamson, IOM
(Jonesboro, Georgia) The Board of Directors of the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce has voted unanimously to select Valencia Williamson, a seasoned chamber of commerce executive, as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the business organization. Her first day at the chamber will be Monday, July 6. The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, was retained to lead the search for the Clayton Chamber.
Williamson currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The partnership is a regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization serving three counties and a diverse population of 150,000 residents in South Mississippi. She has been with the organization since 2010.
For the complete announcement and Williamson's new contact information, please click here.
Williamson currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The partnership is a regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization serving three counties and a diverse population of 150,000 residents in South Mississippi. She has been with the organization since 2010.
For the complete announcement and Williamson's new contact information, please click here.
Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy Names Blair Walker
to Executive Director Position
Blair Walker
(Atlanta, Georgia) The Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy Board of Directors has named Blair Walker as Executive Director of the non-profit organization based at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Chason Group was retained by the IAC to lead the executive search.
Walker most recently served as an executive at Point University, a four-year liberal arts college based in West Point, Georgia. He began his new role at the world’s busiest airport on June 1.
“Our team focused on four key areas when identifying candidates for this position,” according to Rich Sanders, Chair of the board, an attorney with Southern Health Lawyers, LLC and Priest Associate at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell. “Proven leadership experience, understanding of religion, communication skills and development were the experiences we wanted in an Executive Director. Blair certainly meets and exceeds these qualities in many ways. Our board is excited about the opportunity to have him lead the IAC in our ministry of presence for the travelers and employees of the airport in this time of dramatic change."
For the complete announcement and Walker's new contact information, please click here.
Walker most recently served as an executive at Point University, a four-year liberal arts college based in West Point, Georgia. He began his new role at the world’s busiest airport on June 1.
“Our team focused on four key areas when identifying candidates for this position,” according to Rich Sanders, Chair of the board, an attorney with Southern Health Lawyers, LLC and Priest Associate at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell. “Proven leadership experience, understanding of religion, communication skills and development were the experiences we wanted in an Executive Director. Blair certainly meets and exceeds these qualities in many ways. Our board is excited about the opportunity to have him lead the IAC in our ministry of presence for the travelers and employees of the airport in this time of dramatic change."
For the complete announcement and Walker's new contact information, please click here.
Coweta County Development Authority Names Molly Giddens to Economic Development Project Manager Position
Molly Giddens
Newnan, Georgia - The Coweta County Development Authority has named Molly Giddens as the new economic development project manager for the community’s business recruitment and retention organization. The Chason Group was retained by the development authority to lead the executive search process.
“Molly has the knowledge and understanding of what businesses need to operate successfully,” according to Trae Westmoreland, president of the authority. “From the legislative and workforce development perspectives, she will be a great addition to Coweta County. She is a motivated professional with a servant’s heart.”
Giddens is currently regional manager for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in Tifton. The Marietta native built the organization's south Georgia regional program by working with development authorities, chambers of commerce, local governments, education institutions, and businesses.
For the complete announcement and Giddens' new contact information, please click here.
“Molly has the knowledge and understanding of what businesses need to operate successfully,” according to Trae Westmoreland, president of the authority. “From the legislative and workforce development perspectives, she will be a great addition to Coweta County. She is a motivated professional with a servant’s heart.”
Giddens is currently regional manager for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in Tifton. The Marietta native built the organization's south Georgia regional program by working with development authorities, chambers of commerce, local governments, education institutions, and businesses.
For the complete announcement and Giddens' new contact information, please click here.
Post COVID-19:
Real Ideas From Your Colleagues
By Tim Chason, The Chason Group
Updated March 30, 2020 with full presentation.
Over the past few weeks, my emotions have ranged from “this will not happen” to “let’s think about how we plan out the next few weeks at home”. I am almost certain you have been on the roller coaster with me.
The time is now - not tomorrow - to set the wheels in motion for Post COVID-19. Tomorrow may be too late.
As professionals with ties to chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, destination marketing organizations, foundations and other non-profits, we must look forward. We must plan now. We must leverage our best leadership skills to set the stage for our economy.
With the help of colleagues, I have compiled some "real ideas" for organizations of all sizes to consider as they move forward.
Click here to access both the full series Post COVID-19: Real Ideas From Your Colleagues. I hope this is useful to you, your board, your members and your community. Please let me hear from you if this is useful. I value your feedback.
May God place His healing hands on our world during these trying times.
Updated March 30, 2020 with full presentation.
Over the past few weeks, my emotions have ranged from “this will not happen” to “let’s think about how we plan out the next few weeks at home”. I am almost certain you have been on the roller coaster with me.
The time is now - not tomorrow - to set the wheels in motion for Post COVID-19. Tomorrow may be too late.
As professionals with ties to chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, destination marketing organizations, foundations and other non-profits, we must look forward. We must plan now. We must leverage our best leadership skills to set the stage for our economy.
With the help of colleagues, I have compiled some "real ideas" for organizations of all sizes to consider as they move forward.
Click here to access both the full series Post COVID-19: Real Ideas From Your Colleagues. I hope this is useful to you, your board, your members and your community. Please let me hear from you if this is useful. I value your feedback.
May God place His healing hands on our world during these trying times.
Rome Floyd Chamber Selects Pam Powers-Smith for
Director of Business & Industry Services Position
Pam Powers-Smith
Rome, Georgia – The leadership of the Rome Floyd Chamber, in conjunction with the Greater Rome Existing Industries Association, has selected Pam Powers-Smith to serve as the community’s contact for existing businesses and industries in the area. The executive search was led by The Chason Group.
Powers-Smith currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce in Alabama. Her new title in Rome will be Director of Business and Industry Services.
“Pam is bringing a wealth of knowledge to the position,” according to Jeanne Krueger, President and CEO of the chamber. “Her comprehension of working with economic development projects already located in a community will serve as a huge asset to the chamber. She has proven her ability in Opelika by developing meaningful relationships with corporate executives and elected leaders.”
For the complete announcement and Smith's new contact information, please click here.
Powers-Smith currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce in Alabama. Her new title in Rome will be Director of Business and Industry Services.
“Pam is bringing a wealth of knowledge to the position,” according to Jeanne Krueger, President and CEO of the chamber. “Her comprehension of working with economic development projects already located in a community will serve as a huge asset to the chamber. She has proven her ability in Opelika by developing meaningful relationships with corporate executives and elected leaders.”
For the complete announcement and Smith's new contact information, please click here.