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
Brittany Ivey Named President and CEO of
Stephens County Development Authority

(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.
Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council
Announces Search for President and CEO

(Conyers, Georgia) The Chason Group has been retained to lead an executive search for the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council's President and CEO position. The CREDC is a joint partnership of the City of Conyers, Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, Development Authority of Rockdale County and the Conyers-Rockdale County Chamber of Commerce. Funding and support for the economic development organization is provided at different levels by the partners. Rockdale County’s population has grown 34% since 2000 and is expected to grow another 30% by 2050.
Key areas of economic development responsibilities include recruitment of advanced manufacturing, technology and fintech type companies in order to diversity the local economy; retention and servicing existing operations; providing support for the film industry; and working with entrepreneurs and retail businesses to locate and grow.
For a complete position announcement for the CREDC position, please click here. To view a complete list of The Chason Group executive searches underway, please click here.
Key areas of economic development responsibilities include recruitment of advanced manufacturing, technology and fintech type companies in order to diversity the local economy; retention and servicing existing operations; providing support for the film industry; and working with entrepreneurs and retail businesses to locate and grow.
For a complete position announcement for the CREDC position, please click here. To view a complete list of The Chason Group executive searches underway, please click here.
Forsyth Chamber Names Slade Gulledge
VP of Economic Development

(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.
Waycross-Ware Development Authority Seeking President For Economic Development Initiatives

(Waycross, Georgia) The leadership of the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority is seeking a highly motivated and energetic professional to serve as the organization's president. Waycross is one hour from Georgia’s Golden Isles and approximately one hour from the Jacksonville, FL International Airport .
The city is a key railroad junction for the movement of products throughout the southeastern United States. Lines from six directions meet in the city. The authority owns and manages industrial sites and works closely with local property owners and developers. The president and will be 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.
For more information about the position, please click here.
The city is a key railroad junction for the movement of products throughout the southeastern United States. Lines from six directions meet in the city. The authority owns and manages industrial sites and works closely with local property owners and developers. The president and will be 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.
For more information about the position, please click here.
Gilmer Chamber Leaders Select Jennifer Grimmer
as President and Chief Executive Officer

(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

(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
(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.
Henry County Dev Authority Selects Trisha Colpetzer
to Serve as Manager, Established Industry

(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

(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

(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.