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 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
Development Authority of Coweta County
Selects Walker Jeffers for Project Manager Role

(Newnan, Georgia) Walker Jeffers, a recent graduate of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, has been selected to serve as an economic development project manager for the Development Authority of Coweta County in Newnan. The announcement was made by Sarah Jacobs, president and chief executive officer of the economic development organization. The Chason Group (TCG) led the executive search for Jeffers. TCG was also retained by the Development Authority to lead the executive search for Jacobs in 2022.
“The authority currently has record setting project activity in terms of new companies considering Coweta and existing businesses expanding,” according to Jacobs. “Walker brings the motivation and values we have been looking for to build relationships with existing companies. He has the skill sets that are transferable from his college experiences to the project manager role.”
As an economic development project manager, Jeffers will be accountable for assisting in the development and implementation of effective marketing and sales initiatives focused on the attraction and retention of new businesses and jobs. He will be working closely with existing companies in the area to maintain their investments in the community and provide assistance for expansion opportunities.
For the complete announcement and Jeffers new contact information, please click here.
“The authority currently has record setting project activity in terms of new companies considering Coweta and existing businesses expanding,” according to Jacobs. “Walker brings the motivation and values we have been looking for to build relationships with existing companies. He has the skill sets that are transferable from his college experiences to the project manager role.”
As an economic development project manager, Jeffers will be accountable for assisting in the development and implementation of effective marketing and sales initiatives focused on the attraction and retention of new businesses and jobs. He will be working closely with existing companies in the area to maintain their investments in the community and provide assistance for expansion opportunities.
For the complete announcement and Jeffers new contact information, please click here.
Georgia
Megan King Selected to Serve as
Director, Programs and Events at Council for Quality Growth
(Atlanta, Georgia) Megan King has been named Director, Programs and Events at the Council for Quality Growth. The announcement was made by Michael Paris, President and CEO of the organization. The Chason Group led the executive search for the Council.
“Megan brings a wealth of association experience to the Council,” according to Paris. “Her previous work leading a regional manufacturers organization links well with initiatives we are involved with like the Four Pillar Tribute and the state of the county series. She also understands our mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth while proactively representing a complex network of stakeholder and member interests.” King previously served as President and CEO of the Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She started with the organization in 2011 as Executive Assistant to the President and CEO and was promoted to Operations Director in 2014. In 2017 she was promoted to the top leadership position. For Ms. King's contact information and the complete announcement, please click here. |
Alabama
Kyle South Chosen to Lead
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

(Tuscaloosa, Alabama) The Board of Directors of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has chosen Kyle South, a business leader and State Representative, to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization, effective July 1. The announcement was made by Michele Coley of the Allstate Coley Agency, 2023 Chair of the Board, and Bobby Bragg of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC, Chair of the Search Committee. The Chason Group was retained by the Chamber to lead the executive
search process.
“This announcement is a strategic move for the Chamber,” Coley said. “Kyle has the business acumen and existing relationships already in place to continue the important role this organization plays in West Alabama to promote economic prosperity and growth. His abilities to tackle tough issues and seek solutions are qualities that will build upon the solid foundation already in place at the Chamber.”
The Chamber has an annual budget of more than $2.1 million, which does not include its significant financial management responsibility of West AlabamaWorks! and the West Alabama Chamber Foundation. The Chamber recently completed its latest comprehensive, five-year strategic planning process and capital campaign, known as ALL IN. The Chamber was named the 2021 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
For the complete position announcement and Mr. South's new contact information, please click here.
search process.
“This announcement is a strategic move for the Chamber,” Coley said. “Kyle has the business acumen and existing relationships already in place to continue the important role this organization plays in West Alabama to promote economic prosperity and growth. His abilities to tackle tough issues and seek solutions are qualities that will build upon the solid foundation already in place at the Chamber.”
The Chamber has an annual budget of more than $2.1 million, which does not include its significant financial management responsibility of West AlabamaWorks! and the West Alabama Chamber Foundation. The Chamber recently completed its latest comprehensive, five-year strategic planning process and capital campaign, known as ALL IN. The Chamber was named the 2021 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
For the complete position announcement and Mr. South's new contact information, please click here.
Georgia
City of Chamblee Selects Wylly Harrison
as New Economic Development Director
(Chamblee, Georgia) The City of Chamblee has selected Wylly Harrison, a seasoned economic development professional, as their new Economic Development Director. The appointment was confirmed by mayor and council upon the recommendation of City Manager Jon Walker. The city retained The Chason Group to lead the executive search.
“Wylly brings a tremendous amount of economic development knowledge to the city,” according to Walker. “His understanding of what it takes for a business to prosper and how to connect all of the moving parts can have a significant impact on our area in the years to come. I am very proud to have him on the Chamblee team.” Harrison has served in several key economic development positions at regional and statewide levels. His most recent experience was with Walton EMC as Commercial & Industrial Account Executive. For the complete position announcement and Harrison's new contact information, please click here. |
Georgia
Perry Convention and Visitors Bureau Selects
Nastasha "Anya" Edgley-Turpin for President/CEO Position

(Perry, Georgia) The Perry Convention and Visitors Bureau has selected Nastasha “Anya” Edgley-Turpin as the new President and Chief Executive Officer for the destination marketing organization. The announcement was made by Mike Baker, Chair of the organization and a Sales Engineer for Hargray in Perry. The Chason Group was retained to assist the organization with the executive search.
Edgley-Turpin was serving as Special Events Administrator for the City of Perry. She has been an integral part of planning and executing an average of over 40 events annually that reflect the mission of the city’s strategic plan. Another key aspect of her previous position was the generation of social media content, website development, print marketing, and managing media relations pertaining to special events.
Prior to arriving in Perry, Edgley-Turpin was the Executive Director of the Grayson County Tourism in Leitchfield, Kentucky. Her responsibilities in Grayson County included the operations of the Welcome Center and an adjacent event venue.
For the complete position announcement and Ms. Edgley-Turpin's new contact information, please click here.
Edgley-Turpin was serving as Special Events Administrator for the City of Perry. She has been an integral part of planning and executing an average of over 40 events annually that reflect the mission of the city’s strategic plan. Another key aspect of her previous position was the generation of social media content, website development, print marketing, and managing media relations pertaining to special events.
Prior to arriving in Perry, Edgley-Turpin was the Executive Director of the Grayson County Tourism in Leitchfield, Kentucky. Her responsibilities in Grayson County included the operations of the Welcome Center and an adjacent event venue.
For the complete position announcement and Ms. Edgley-Turpin's new contact information, please click here.
Florida
Douglas C. Evans Named President & CEO
of Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce

(Palm Beach, Florida) The Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Douglas C. Evans as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the business organization. The announcement was made by William Shepherd, Chair of the Board and a Partner with Holland & Knight LLP in West Palm Beach. The Chason Group was retained by the chamber to lead the executive search process.
Evans previously served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for The Guy Harvey Foundation and is a resident of the Town of Palm Beach.
“Doug has the experience in the business and nonprofit sectors the Search Committee was looking for when we initiated the process,” according to Shepherd. “He has proven his ability to develop strategic fundraising plans in other positions and serve as the key leader and voice of organizations. The Board believes Doug has the abilities to build upon the solid foundation the Chamber already has in place.”
For the complete announcement and Mr. Evans' new contact information, please click here.
Evans previously served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for The Guy Harvey Foundation and is a resident of the Town of Palm Beach.
“Doug has the experience in the business and nonprofit sectors the Search Committee was looking for when we initiated the process,” according to Shepherd. “He has proven his ability to develop strategic fundraising plans in other positions and serve as the key leader and voice of organizations. The Board believes Doug has the abilities to build upon the solid foundation the Chamber already has in place.”
For the complete announcement and Mr. Evans' new contact information, please click here.
Grant Cagle Named President & CEO
of Georgia Economic Developers Association
(Atlanta, Georgia) The board of directors of the Georgia Economic Developers Association has named Grant Cagle as the professional organization’s next president and chief executive officer. The announcement was made by Benjy Thompson, chair of GEDA and chief executive officer of the Development Authority of Bulloch County in Statesboro, Georgia. Cagle’s first day at GEDA is set for Monday, November 28.
The Chason Group was retained by the GEDA board to lead the executive search. Cagle is a native Georgian and started his career in the economic development arena in 2015 as marketing and communications assistant for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. His responsibilities included creating and developing all social media platforms. In January 2017, Cagle joined the Electric Cities of Georgia economic development team as a project manager. Two years later, he was promoted to a senior project manager level and in 2021 was selected to serve in his current position of manager, industrial development, economic development for ECG. Cagle is responsible for member engagement; assisting with strategic planning, marketing analyses, community marketing strategies, and business recruitment; and regularly meeting with political, regional, and local officials, partnering to bring jobs, investment, and load growth for member cities. For the complete announcement and Cagle's new contact information, please click here. |
Jason Rubenbauer Chosen to Lead
Waycross-Ware Development Authority

(Waycross, Georgia) Jason Rubenbauer has been chosen to lead the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority. The announcement was made by Daniel Morris, Chair of the economic development organization and Community President for First Southern Bank in Waycross. The Chason Group was retained by the authority to lead the executive search for the President and Chief Executive Officer.
Rubenbauer most recently served as County Manager for Pierce County, a position he has held since April 2017. His responsibilities included managing the daily operations of the county with 155 team members, budgeting, finance, purchasing, grants, facilities maintenance, public safety, information technology, policy development, and public relations. During his time with Pierce County government, Rubenbauer led the process to build a revenue reserve of $2.5 million.
For the complete position announcement and Rubenbauer's new contact information, please click here.
Rubenbauer most recently served as County Manager for Pierce County, a position he has held since April 2017. His responsibilities included managing the daily operations of the county with 155 team members, budgeting, finance, purchasing, grants, facilities maintenance, public safety, information technology, policy development, and public relations. During his time with Pierce County government, Rubenbauer led the process to build a revenue reserve of $2.5 million.
For the complete position announcement and Rubenbauer's new contact information, please click here.
Joshua Williams Selected for Business Relations Specialist
Position with Decide DeKalb / WorkSource DeKalb
(Decatur, Georgia) Joshua Williams has been selected to serve as Business Relations Specialist for workforce development initiatives with the Decide DeKalb Development Authority and WorkSource DeKalb. The position is designed to focus on connecting employers with talent pools in the metro Atlanta county. The Chason Group was retained by the two organizations to assist with the talent search.
“Joshua brings his experiences of working in the private sector to the table for our organizations,” according to Randi Mason, Vice President of Economic Development for Decide DeKalb. “He understands the dynamics of connecting the talent pipeline in our area with existing and new companies. A trainable workforce is one of the key components of economic development and we are confident Joshua will make significant strides in the role.” For the complete announcement and Williams' new contact information, please click here. For a complete listing of the current executive searches, please click here. |
Steven Schumacher Named President
of Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau

(Cartersville, Georgia) The board of directors of the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention and Visitors Bureau has named Steven Schumacher, an experienced destination marketing professional, as the new president of the organization. Schumacher replaced the organization’s long-time leader, Ellen Archer, who retired earlier this month. The Chason Group was retained by the convention and visitors bureau to lead the executive search.
Schumacher was serving as senior sales manager for Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center in Dunwoody, Georgia. From 2016 through 2021, he held the director of sales position with Discover Dunwoody, the destination marketing organization for the city. Also, Schumacher was interim executive director of the organization from March 2020 until August 2021.
For the complete announcement and Schumacher's new contact information, please click here.
Schumacher was serving as senior sales manager for Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center in Dunwoody, Georgia. From 2016 through 2021, he held the director of sales position with Discover Dunwoody, the destination marketing organization for the city. Also, Schumacher was interim executive director of the organization from March 2020 until August 2021.
For the complete announcement and Schumacher's new contact information, please click here.
Alabama
Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Selects
Michelle Hawkins as Next President

(Vestavia Hills, Alabama) The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce board of directors has selected Michelle Hawkins, a seasoned business entrepreneur, as the new president and chief executive officer of the organization. The announcement was made by Sandra Cleveland, a partner with BCR Wealth Strategies and 2022 chair of the chamber. The Chason Group was engaged by the business organization to lead the process.
Hawkins previously served as the owner/operator of Alabama Weddings Magazine based in Birmingham. She was the sole founder of the startup and produced a luxury style printed publication for 20 years.
The new president is replacing Karen Odle, who has successfully led the chamber through tremendous growth in both membership and programs over the past 19 years. Odle announced her retirement late last year.
For the complete announcement and Hawkins' new contact information, please click here.
Hawkins previously served as the owner/operator of Alabama Weddings Magazine based in Birmingham. She was the sole founder of the startup and produced a luxury style printed publication for 20 years.
The new president is replacing Karen Odle, who has successfully led the chamber through tremendous growth in both membership and programs over the past 19 years. Odle announced her retirement late last year.
For the complete announcement and Hawkins' new contact information, please click here.
For more position announcements for The Chason Group clients, please click here.