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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
Sarah Jacobs Chosen to Lead
Economic Development for Coweta County
Sarah Jacobs
(Newnan, Georgia) The Coweta County Development Authority and Development Authority of Coweta County have chosen Sarah Jacobs, an experienced professional in the economic development industry, to serve as the new president of the organizations. The announcement was made by John Daviston, chair of the authorities and owner of McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan. The Chason Group partnered with the authorities to lead the executive search.
Since 2018, Jacobs served as Spire Energy’s manager, economic development in St. Louis, Missouri. Spire is a 160-year-old utility company that serves 1.7 million homes and businesses across Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri.
“Early in the executive search process, we took the time to listen to our stakeholders in the community and at the regional and state levels to learn about the skill sets and character traits they felt were important for our new president,” Daviston said. “Experience, negotiation talents, strategic thinking, strong collaboration and relationship building skills, and marketing expertise where key phrases we heard. Sarah has these abilities and more. I look forward to working with her.”
For the complete position announcement and Jacobs new contact information, please click here.
Since 2018, Jacobs served as Spire Energy’s manager, economic development in St. Louis, Missouri. Spire is a 160-year-old utility company that serves 1.7 million homes and businesses across Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri.
“Early in the executive search process, we took the time to listen to our stakeholders in the community and at the regional and state levels to learn about the skill sets and character traits they felt were important for our new president,” Daviston said. “Experience, negotiation talents, strategic thinking, strong collaboration and relationship building skills, and marketing expertise where key phrases we heard. Sarah has these abilities and more. I look forward to working with her.”
For the complete position announcement and Jacobs new contact information, please click here.
Roswell Arts Fund Searching for Director of Development
(Roswell, Georgia) The Roswell Arts Fund, Inc. (RAF), located in Roswell, Georgia, has initiated an executive search for a Director of Development. The Chason Group has been retained to assist with the search process for a professional who will lead the fundraising initiatives for RAF.
RAF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded to strengthen the scope of public arts in the City of Roswell and to champion the ability of the arts to excite the imagination, strengthen public places, and encourage conversation.
The RAF Director of Development is responsible for leading all development activities for the organization to increase revenues for operations and the expansion of public art programs in the City of Roswell. The professional is accountable for developing, implementing, and monitoring a comprehensive fundraising plan to expand support of the organization – including identifying and strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, actively pursuing and managing corporate and individual leads, foster strong donor and sponsor stewardship, and seeking, applying for and managing grant funding. Duties shall also include planning all fundraising events, interacting with former and future donors to encourage ongoing investments, and contributing to the development of an annual budget and annual report for RAF.
For the complete position description and how to apply, please click here.
RAF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded to strengthen the scope of public arts in the City of Roswell and to champion the ability of the arts to excite the imagination, strengthen public places, and encourage conversation.
The RAF Director of Development is responsible for leading all development activities for the organization to increase revenues for operations and the expansion of public art programs in the City of Roswell. The professional is accountable for developing, implementing, and monitoring a comprehensive fundraising plan to expand support of the organization – including identifying and strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, actively pursuing and managing corporate and individual leads, foster strong donor and sponsor stewardship, and seeking, applying for and managing grant funding. Duties shall also include planning all fundraising events, interacting with former and future donors to encourage ongoing investments, and contributing to the development of an annual budget and annual report for RAF.
For the complete position description and how to apply, please click here.
Georgia Economic Developers Association
Launches Executive Search for President
(Georgia) The Georgia Economic Developers Association Board of Directors has launched an executive search for a professional to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the 501(c)(6) organization. The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com) has been retained to assist the statewide economic development professional group with the executive search process. Kevin Shea, the long-time leader of the organization, is retiring in September.
GEDA is one of the leading organizations for economic development professionals in the Southeastern US. Established in 1963, GEDA’s primary mission is to serve as the resource for networking, professional development, and public policy for Georgia’s economic development community.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of GEDA will serve as the resource, educator, connector, and voice for state’s economic development community. General duties shall include becoming actively engaged in state and federal legislative and policy issues affecting GEDA’s members and their communities by serving as the go-to resource or economic development; management of the organization’s operations, finances, and activities; supervision of professional staff members and contractual entities; coordination of membership communications and external relations; and logistical support for the Officers, Directors, committee chairs, and volunteers.
For more information about the GEDA position, please click here.
GEDA is one of the leading organizations for economic development professionals in the Southeastern US. Established in 1963, GEDA’s primary mission is to serve as the resource for networking, professional development, and public policy for Georgia’s economic development community.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of GEDA will serve as the resource, educator, connector, and voice for state’s economic development community. General duties shall include becoming actively engaged in state and federal legislative and policy issues affecting GEDA’s members and their communities by serving as the go-to resource or economic development; management of the organization’s operations, finances, and activities; supervision of professional staff members and contractual entities; coordination of membership communications and external relations; and logistical support for the Officers, Directors, committee chairs, and volunteers.
For more information about the GEDA position, please click here.
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Selects Two New Project Managers
Jacob Cone
Ambria Hardy
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(Atlanta, Georgia) Two new statewide project managers have been added to the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team. Jacob Cone will begin his economic development career with the Industrial group and Ambria Hardy has been assigned to the Corporate Solutions and Cyber Security sector. The Chason Group led the talent searches for GDEcD.
Cone is a graduate of the University of Georgia earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Public and International Affairs with a minor in Sport Management from the College of Education. As an Eagle Scout, Cone served as a small group leader for three years at First Baptist Church, Watkinsville. He also was selected to serve as a first-year senator for the University of Georgia’s Student Government Association and a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Hardy and her husband are proud residents of the City of Atlanta and former members of the Georgia Army National Guard. Hardy was enlisted as a Geospatial Engineer (12Y) with a secondary MOS as a Geospatial Imagery Intelligence Analyst (35G) while simultaneously earning her AAS in Intelligence Operation Studies. Following soon after, Hardy ventured into entrepreneurship becoming a licensed associate real estate broker in the State of Georgia. She is also a recent graduate of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University with a B.S. in Public Policy. For the complete position announcement, please click here. |
Metro Atlanta
Decide DeKalb Development Authority Seeking
Business Relations Specialist for Economic Development
(Decatur, Georgia) Decide DeKalb Development Authority and WorkSource DeKalb are seeking a Business Relations Specialist for the organizations. The professional chosen for the position will focus on connecting employers with talent pools in the metro Atlanta county. The Chason Group has been retained to assist the organizations with the executive search process.
Decide DeKalb is the economic development marketing arm for DeKalb County. The organization assists new and expanding companies looking to either locate in the area or increase their current footprint. WorkSource DeKalb provides programs to enrich local talent pools to prepare aspiring business owners and employees with competence, confidence and skill sets that appeal to world-class industry leaders. The two organizations have formed a partnership to help better address the needs of DeKalb County’s talented workforce so that they may better serve and participate in the area’s target industry clusters.
The Business Relations Specialist will work with existing and new companies in DeKalb County to ensure that businesses have the talent pipeline and other workforce development tools they need to thrive. This position will report jointly to Decide DeKalb and WorkSource DeKalb and is the key workforce development expert for aiding economic development projects in DeKalb. The professional chosen for the position should be self-motivated; have an ability to work autonomously; and willing to travel the county on a daily basis.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Decide DeKalb is the economic development marketing arm for DeKalb County. The organization assists new and expanding companies looking to either locate in the area or increase their current footprint. WorkSource DeKalb provides programs to enrich local talent pools to prepare aspiring business owners and employees with competence, confidence and skill sets that appeal to world-class industry leaders. The two organizations have formed a partnership to help better address the needs of DeKalb County’s talented workforce so that they may better serve and participate in the area’s target industry clusters.
The Business Relations Specialist will work with existing and new companies in DeKalb County to ensure that businesses have the talent pipeline and other workforce development tools they need to thrive. This position will report jointly to Decide DeKalb and WorkSource DeKalb and is the key workforce development expert for aiding economic development projects in DeKalb. The professional chosen for the position should be self-motivated; have an ability to work autonomously; and willing to travel the county on a daily basis.
For the complete position announcement, 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.
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Names Two New Team Members
Bozeman
Daniel
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(Atlanta, Georgia) Georgia Department of Economic Development leaders have announced the addition of two new team members. Christy Bozeman joins the state’s economic development marketing agency as the Region 8 Existing Industry & Regional Recruitment project manager. Kimberlyn Daniel will serve as a statewide project manager with the Corporate Solutions & Cyber Security team. The Chason Group led the talent searches for the state’s economic development organization.
Bozeman, a native south Georgian, began her career as economic development coordinator for the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce. She worked extensively with the local industrial development authority on communications, marketing, and grants. In her most recent role, Bozeman served eight years as economic development coordinator for the Cordele-Crisp County Industrial Development Council. Her work with the IDC focused on business recruitment and existing industry initiatives, including workforce development. Daniel joins GDEcD as a new graduate of the University of Georgia’s Master of Public Administration program. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University. During her college years, she served as a communications and scheduling intern in the Washington DC office of the late US Senator Johnny Isakson. Both of the new project managers started their GDEcD positions on May 16. For the complete announcement and new contact information for Bozeman and Daniel, please click here. |
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Cartersville-Bartow Tourism Council
Initiates Executive Director Search
(Cartersville, Georgia) The Cartersville-Bartow County Tourism Council, Inc. d/b/a Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau has initiated a search for an executive director to replace their retiring professional. The council is the Destination Marketing Organization representing all of Bartow County, Georgia. The Chason Group has been retained to assist with the search process.
Located north of Atlanta, Cartersville and Bartow County are a part of the Atlanta MSA. The population of the county is approximately 108,000. One of Bartow County’s greatest tourism advantages is Interstate 75, which runs through the center of the county. This interstate is one of the country’s major north/south transportation arteries, connecting states from Michigan to Florida.
The ideal candidate for the position is an innovative, experienced tourism professional with strong skill sets in destination marketing, building brand relevancy, business acumen, developing alliances, communications at all levels, strategic planning, and day-to-day leadership/management of a professional team.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Located north of Atlanta, Cartersville and Bartow County are a part of the Atlanta MSA. The population of the county is approximately 108,000. One of Bartow County’s greatest tourism advantages is Interstate 75, which runs through the center of the county. This interstate is one of the country’s major north/south transportation arteries, connecting states from Michigan to Florida.
The ideal candidate for the position is an innovative, experienced tourism professional with strong skill sets in destination marketing, building brand relevancy, business acumen, developing alliances, communications at all levels, strategic planning, and day-to-day leadership/management of a professional team.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Dawson Chamber Selects Kevin Herrit to
Serve as Director of Economic Development
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(Dawsonville, Georgia) The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has selected Kevin Herrit to serve as Director of Economic Development. The announcement was made by Mandy Power, President and Chief Executive Officer of the business organization. The Chason Group was retained by the chamber to lead the executive search.
“The economic development search committee has been very strategic in making a selection in this process,” according to Power. “As a group, we were looking for a professional who understands a rural area while at the same time has the knowledge and skill sets to move our area forward in terms of new jobs and retaining existing businesses. Kevin brings those experiences to the chamber team.” Herrit has served as Community Development Director for the City of Dahlonega; Principal Planner, Columbus (GA) Consolidated Government; Community Transportation Planner, Tennessee Department of Transportation; and City/County Planner, Whitfield County. For Herrit's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here. |
Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce
Names Jason Mock as New President & CEO
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(Dalton, Georgia) The board of directors of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce has unanimously voted to select Jason Thomas Mock as the next president and chief executive officer of the 800-member business organization. The announcement was made by 2022 chair Dr. Margaret Venable who also serves as president of Dalton State College, and search committee chair Bill Davies, Truist President – Northwest Georgia. The Chason Group led the executive search for the chamber.
Mock currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce in Texas, which is located 30 miles south of Austin and 40 miles north of San Antonio. He previously served as director of small business services for the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce in Cumming. For the complete announcement regarding the Greater Dalton Chamber and Mock's new contact information, please click here. |
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Waycross-Ware County Development Authority
Begins Search For President & CEO
(Waycross, Georgia) The Waycross-Ware Development Authority, located in Waycross, Georgia, is seeking candidates for president and chief executive officer of the economic development organization. The Chason Group has been retained by the authority to lead the executive search.
The president and chief executive officer is responsible for directing and facilitating inclusive and strategic economic development initiatives to grow and maintain jobs and increase the tax base of Waycross and Ware County. The professional is accountable for both commercial and industrial recruitment and maintenance. Financially, the City of Waycross and Ware County have committed to funding for the development authority in order to grow the local economy.
To learn more about the position, please click here. Candidates interested in applying for the position, please click here to upload a cover letter and resume.
The president and chief executive officer is responsible for directing and facilitating inclusive and strategic economic development initiatives to grow and maintain jobs and increase the tax base of Waycross and Ware County. The professional is accountable for both commercial and industrial recruitment and maintenance. Financially, the City of Waycross and Ware County have committed to funding for the development authority in order to grow the local economy.
To learn more about the position, please click here. Candidates interested in applying for the position, please click here to upload a cover letter and resume.
North Carolina
Trent McGee Chosen to Lead
Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce
(Greenville, North Carolina) Leaders of the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce have chosen Trent McGee to serve as the business organization’s next president and chief executive officer. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search for the chamber.
The announcement was made by Jonathan Taft of Taft Family Adventures and 2021 chair of the chamber. McGee has been serving as interim president of the organization since August.
“I’m excited to have Trent as our president,” said Taft. “With more than 11 years of employment with the chamber, Trent has the support of the staff, leadership and our community. He also has great institutional knowledge and the desire to improve the work of the chamber as we meet the needs of our members and community. Most importantly, Trent is a companion of the members of our chamber’s board of directors and a champion of the Greenville-Pitt County community.”
McGee joined the chamber team in 2010 as director of programs and director of public policy. In 2018, he transitioned to director of marketing & communications.
For the complete position announcement and his contact information, please click here.
The announcement was made by Jonathan Taft of Taft Family Adventures and 2021 chair of the chamber. McGee has been serving as interim president of the organization since August.
“I’m excited to have Trent as our president,” said Taft. “With more than 11 years of employment with the chamber, Trent has the support of the staff, leadership and our community. He also has great institutional knowledge and the desire to improve the work of the chamber as we meet the needs of our members and community. Most importantly, Trent is a companion of the members of our chamber’s board of directors and a champion of the Greenville-Pitt County community.”
McGee joined the chamber team in 2010 as director of programs and director of public policy. In 2018, he transitioned to director of marketing & communications.
For the complete position announcement and his contact information, please click here.
City of Peachtree Corners Selects
Louis Svehla as Communications Director
(Peachtree Corners, Georgia) Louis Svehla, a seasoned professional public information officer, has been selected as the new Communications Director for the City of Peachtree Corners. The announcement was made by City Manager Brian Johnson. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search for the municipality.
Svehla was serving as the Public Information Manager for the Walton County Board of Commissioners in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He replaced Judy Putnam, who announced her retirement earlier this year.
Svehla had been with the Walton County Board of Commissioners since 2012. He is no stranger to Georgia having served as Public Information Director for the Richmond County School System in Augusta from 2008 until 2012. Prior to working with the school system, he served as Director of Marketing for Augusta Medical Systems.
As a graduate of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, Svehla earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications while focusing on journalism, advertising, and public relations.
For the complete position announcement and Svehla's new contact information, please click here.
Svehla was serving as the Public Information Manager for the Walton County Board of Commissioners in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He replaced Judy Putnam, who announced her retirement earlier this year.
Svehla had been with the Walton County Board of Commissioners since 2012. He is no stranger to Georgia having served as Public Information Director for the Richmond County School System in Augusta from 2008 until 2012. Prior to working with the school system, he served as Director of Marketing for Augusta Medical Systems.
As a graduate of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, Svehla earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications while focusing on journalism, advertising, and public relations.
For the complete position announcement and Svehla's new contact information, please click here.
Discover Dunwoody Names Ray Ezelle to
Executive Director Position
(Dunwoody, Georgia) Ray Ezelle, a senior hospitality sales, marketing, event and business development executive, has been named Executive Director of Discover Dunwoody. The Chason Group was retained to lead the executive search for the tourism organization.
“Ray brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Discover Dunwoody,” according to Alicia Wiley, Chair of the search committee and General Manager of Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter. “The organization has a strong, solid foundation. As tourism re-emerges from the pandemic, Ray’s leadership is going to be a key component of moving the community forward in terms of growth in revenues for local businesses.”
Ezelle has served as Vice President of Sales, Sports and Services with Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Roanoke, Virginia; Executive Vice President of Business Development, Connections Housing, Suwanee, Georgia; Vice President, Connect Meetings, Norcross, Georgia; and Area Director of Sales and Marketing, PCH Hotels – Resort Collection on Alabama RTJ Golf Trail, Florence and Montgomery Alabama. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ray founded Total Hospitality Industry Solutions (THIS) in Suwanee.
The mission of Discover Dunwoody is to generate economic development by effectively marketing the facilities of the community and the surrounding areas as a preferred business, convention and tourism destination. The organization partners with the City of Dunwoody to provide these services. Led by an eleven-member Board of Directors and professional staff, Discover Dunwoody had a pre-COVID annual budget of approximately $1.7 million generated by hotel/motel tax revenues.
For the complete position announcement and Ezelle's new contact information, please click here.
“Ray brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Discover Dunwoody,” according to Alicia Wiley, Chair of the search committee and General Manager of Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter. “The organization has a strong, solid foundation. As tourism re-emerges from the pandemic, Ray’s leadership is going to be a key component of moving the community forward in terms of growth in revenues for local businesses.”
Ezelle has served as Vice President of Sales, Sports and Services with Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Roanoke, Virginia; Executive Vice President of Business Development, Connections Housing, Suwanee, Georgia; Vice President, Connect Meetings, Norcross, Georgia; and Area Director of Sales and Marketing, PCH Hotels – Resort Collection on Alabama RTJ Golf Trail, Florence and Montgomery Alabama. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ray founded Total Hospitality Industry Solutions (THIS) in Suwanee.
The mission of Discover Dunwoody is to generate economic development by effectively marketing the facilities of the community and the surrounding areas as a preferred business, convention and tourism destination. The organization partners with the City of Dunwoody to provide these services. Led by an eleven-member Board of Directors and professional staff, Discover Dunwoody had a pre-COVID annual budget of approximately $1.7 million generated by hotel/motel tax revenues.
For the complete position announcement and Ezelle's new contact information, please click here.
Virginia
Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc.
Names Karl Heck as President and CEO
(Franklin, Virginia) The Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. (FSEDI) Board of Directors has named Karl Heck, an experienced economic developer, as their new President and Chief Executive Officer. Heck started earlier this month in Franklin, Virginia. The Chason Group led the executive search process for the economic development organization.
“The board took a very strategic approach in identifying candidates to lead FSEDI,” according to Harrell Turner, former Chairman of the Board. “Our goal was to find a professional who has the economic development background that will move our community forward in terms of job growth and development of our tax base. Karl has a strong history in the field and the industry expertise to lead FSEDI.”
Heck has been a part of the Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning in Catskill, New York since 2003. He most recently served as the Director of Economic Development and Planning.
Other positions Heck has held include Deputy Director, Cortland Housing Authority in Cortland, New York and Community/Economic Development Specialist for the Tompkins County Planning Department in Ithaca, New York.
For Heck's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here.
“The board took a very strategic approach in identifying candidates to lead FSEDI,” according to Harrell Turner, former Chairman of the Board. “Our goal was to find a professional who has the economic development background that will move our community forward in terms of job growth and development of our tax base. Karl has a strong history in the field and the industry expertise to lead FSEDI.”
Heck has been a part of the Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning in Catskill, New York since 2003. He most recently served as the Director of Economic Development and Planning.
Other positions Heck has held include Deputy Director, Cortland Housing Authority in Cortland, New York and Community/Economic Development Specialist for the Tompkins County Planning Department in Ithaca, New York.
For Heck's new contact information and the complete announcement, please click here.
