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 [email protected]. |
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The Lastest News From The Chason Group
Upcoming Executive Searches
Birmingham Business Alliance, Birmingham, Alabama - Vice President of Economic Development
City of Canton, Georgia - Economic Development Manager
esp Savannah, Savannah, Georgia - Executive Director
Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Gainesville, Georgia - President and CEO
North Carolina
Deathe Selected for Asheboro-Randolph
Chamber President & CEO Position
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(Asheboro, North Carolina – July 2024) The Asheboro-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has unanimously selected Adam Deathe as their new president and chief executive officer. He most recently served as president of Warroad Community Development in Warroad, Minnesota and begins his tenure in Asheboro this week. The Chason Group led the executive search process for the chamber.
The new chamber leader is recognized for his communication skills and experience as a marketer and collaborator. Deathe’s abilities to move an organization to the next level of service, as well as his enthusiasm and energy, were key skill sets and traits that matched the chamber’s profile required of candidates interested in the position.
In 2014, Adam became Manager of the Durham Business Improvement District in Durham, England. He focused his efforts on the creation of brands and events to develop and promote the city as well as championing partnerships working with city stakeholders. In 2021, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to work as Director of Business Development for Avid Wealth Management Group LLC. With the Warroad Community Development, Deathe led initiatives to develop a more sustainable and vibrant community for Warroad’s citizens and visitors. This led to the development of Warroad Point Regional Park and other public access areas.
For the complete announcement and Deathe's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of The Chason Group's active executive searches, please click here.
The new chamber leader is recognized for his communication skills and experience as a marketer and collaborator. Deathe’s abilities to move an organization to the next level of service, as well as his enthusiasm and energy, were key skill sets and traits that matched the chamber’s profile required of candidates interested in the position.
In 2014, Adam became Manager of the Durham Business Improvement District in Durham, England. He focused his efforts on the creation of brands and events to develop and promote the city as well as championing partnerships working with city stakeholders. In 2021, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to work as Director of Business Development for Avid Wealth Management Group LLC. With the Warroad Community Development, Deathe led initiatives to develop a more sustainable and vibrant community for Warroad’s citizens and visitors. This led to the development of Warroad Point Regional Park and other public access areas.
For the complete announcement and Deathe's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of The Chason Group's active executive searches, please click here.
London Mainor Joins The Chason Group
Executive Search Team
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London Mainor, an experienced marketing and public relations professional, has joined The Chason Group executive search team. She will be serving as Vice President of Business Development.
"I am very excited to have London joining our team," Tim Chason, President and CEO, said. "She brings a wealth of knowledge to our model in terms of marketing TCG's executive search services to chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, foundations, destination marketing organizations, and other non-profits. One of her primary roles will be to work with professionals considering a move from one executive level position to another."
London began her love of business development in Savannah, Georgia where she served as Vice President of Public Relations for outpatient rehab company, Spine & Sport. While working with Spine & Sport, London expanded her team of two to six marketing and public relations professionals and helped grow the company from two locations to six locations.
She served as the Service Line Marketing Account Executive for Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, Georgia for four years before moving to the role of Executive Director of Terrell County Chamber of Commerce in rural Georgia. London implemented programs such as digital marketing education for members and re-implemented Leadership Terrell. In her position she was also responsible for Economic Development and the Visitors Bureau for Terrell County. London participated in the Annual Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Georgia Quail Hunt each year which helped showcase the area of Southwest Georgia to potential businesses looking to locate in the state of Georgia.
Upon returning to North Georgia to her hometown of Cartersville, London began working for PruittHealth, developing relationships with the community and referral sources to grow the market.
London is a graduate of Georgia Southern University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in public relations. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State, Coles College of Business with a focus on marketing.
"I am very excited to have London joining our team," Tim Chason, President and CEO, said. "She brings a wealth of knowledge to our model in terms of marketing TCG's executive search services to chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, foundations, destination marketing organizations, and other non-profits. One of her primary roles will be to work with professionals considering a move from one executive level position to another."
London began her love of business development in Savannah, Georgia where she served as Vice President of Public Relations for outpatient rehab company, Spine & Sport. While working with Spine & Sport, London expanded her team of two to six marketing and public relations professionals and helped grow the company from two locations to six locations.
She served as the Service Line Marketing Account Executive for Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, Georgia for four years before moving to the role of Executive Director of Terrell County Chamber of Commerce in rural Georgia. London implemented programs such as digital marketing education for members and re-implemented Leadership Terrell. In her position she was also responsible for Economic Development and the Visitors Bureau for Terrell County. London participated in the Annual Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Georgia Quail Hunt each year which helped showcase the area of Southwest Georgia to potential businesses looking to locate in the state of Georgia.
Upon returning to North Georgia to her hometown of Cartersville, London began working for PruittHealth, developing relationships with the community and referral sources to grow the market.
London is a graduate of Georgia Southern University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in public relations. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State, Coles College of Business with a focus on marketing.
Georgia
Development Authority of Appling County Selects
Matt Carter for President and CEO Position
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(Baxley, Georgia – June 2024) The Development Authority of Appling County has selected Matt Carter, a professional economic developer with years of experience, as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. The announcement was made this week by David Douglas, chair of the authority and owner of Matrix Cabinets in Baxley. The Chason Group led the executive search for the development authority.
Carter has served as executive director of the Pierce County Industrial Development Authority in Blackshear, Georgia since July 2011. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and earned his Certified Economic Developer certificate from the University of Georgia.
Carter is replacing John Henry who spent almost two years with the economic development organization before relocating last fall to his hometown of Sylvania in Screven County, Georgia to take a similar position and be closer to family.
For Carter's complete announcement and his new contact information, please click here.
Carter has served as executive director of the Pierce County Industrial Development Authority in Blackshear, Georgia since July 2011. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and earned his Certified Economic Developer certificate from the University of Georgia.
Carter is replacing John Henry who spent almost two years with the economic development organization before relocating last fall to his hometown of Sylvania in Screven County, Georgia to take a similar position and be closer to family.
For Carter's complete announcement and his new contact information, please click here.
Northwest Georgia
Sarah Bradfield Named Executive Director of esp Rome
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(Rome, Georgia / June 2024) esp, Inc. has named Sarah Bradfield of Rome as Executive Director for esp Rome. She will manage strategic implementation of the organization’s programs, operations and fundraising specific to Rome. The announcement was made by esp Chief Executive Officer Laura Hope Whitaker. The Chason Group led the executive search for esp.
esp exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. The non-profit group recently purchased a facility at 1818 Kingston Highway in Rome and received special zoning approval from the Floyd County Board of Commissioners.
Bradfield most recently served as the Executive Director of Advancement at Georgia Highlands College where she provided oversight for institutional advancement for the Georgia Highlands College Foundation. Other positions she has held include Director of Development and Alumni at Shorter University and as Director of Development for the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia. As a classroom teacher earlier in her career, Bradfield developed a program for students with intellectual disabilities and was the Director of Special Education at a Rome City middle school.
For the complete announcement and Ms. Bradfield's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of TCG's current executive searches, please click here.
esp exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. The non-profit group recently purchased a facility at 1818 Kingston Highway in Rome and received special zoning approval from the Floyd County Board of Commissioners.
Bradfield most recently served as the Executive Director of Advancement at Georgia Highlands College where she provided oversight for institutional advancement for the Georgia Highlands College Foundation. Other positions she has held include Director of Development and Alumni at Shorter University and as Director of Development for the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia. As a classroom teacher earlier in her career, Bradfield developed a program for students with intellectual disabilities and was the Director of Special Education at a Rome City middle school.
For the complete announcement and Ms. Bradfield's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of TCG's current executive searches, please click here.
Texas
Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce
Opens Search Chief Executive Officer
(Allen, Texas) The Allen Fairview Texas Chamber of Commerce has opened a search for the Chief Executive Officer position. The Chason Group has been retained to assist the Chamber with the executive search.
As a US Chamber Five-Star Chamber, the organization works closely with community leaders to advocate, educate, and connect members for the growth and development of the Allen Fairview business community. With a budget of $600,000 and a staff of three full-time professionals, the Chamber serves as a voice for the business community. The vision of the Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is to be the indispensable resource for Allen, Fairview, and Collin County businesses. The Allen Fairview Chamber Board is seeking a visionary leader who inspires, collaborates, and understands the needs of a rapidly growing business community. An extremely competitive compensation package is offered for this position, including health insurance, life insurance, retirement, incentive plan and more. For more information on the Allen Fairview Chamber's CEO position, please click here. To upload a cover letter and resume, please click here. |
Georgia
Development Authority of Bryan County
Initiates Search For Chief Executive Officer
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(Pembroke, Georgia) The Development Authority of Bryan County, Georgia has initiated an executive search for a Chief Executive Officer. The economic development organization, which has truly experienced unprecedented success in the last three years, is the point of contact for new and expanding businesses.
Located in the peach state’s coastal region, Bryan County is home to the Hyundai Motor Group’s ‘Metaplant”. The $7.6 billion factory will blend artificial intelligence, robotics, and human labor for a “smart factory” – putting the meta into a “Metaplant”. Electric vehicle and battery production is scheduled to begin in Q4 2024 and employ approximately 8,500 workers at full build-out. Several supply companies have already chosen sites and are under construction in the region with many others expected.
The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com) has been retained by the Authority to lead the executive search process. To review the complete position announcement, please click here.
Located in the peach state’s coastal region, Bryan County is home to the Hyundai Motor Group’s ‘Metaplant”. The $7.6 billion factory will blend artificial intelligence, robotics, and human labor for a “smart factory” – putting the meta into a “Metaplant”. Electric vehicle and battery production is scheduled to begin in Q4 2024 and employ approximately 8,500 workers at full build-out. Several supply companies have already chosen sites and are under construction in the region with many others expected.
The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com) has been retained by the Authority to lead the executive search process. To review the complete position announcement, please click here.
South Carolina
Beaufort Regional Chamber
Launches Search For President
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(Beaufort, South Carolina) The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, based in Beaufort, South Carolina, has launched a search for a president. The Chason Group has been retained to assist the Chamber with the executive search.
Ian Scott, the previous president, accepted a position as vice president of advocacy at the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro in North Carolina to be closer to family.
The Beaufort Regional Chamber is recognized by its members and government leaders for the strong role the business organization takes in advocating for its investors. With a budget of over $700,000 and a professional staff of three, the Chamber serves as the voice of business for the region. The service area includes Northern Beaufort County, specifically the South Carolina Lowcountry areas of Beaufort, Port Royal, Lady’s Island, Burton, Sheldon, Yemassee, St. Helena Island, and the Sea Islands.
The Chamber is seeking a strategic visionary and collaborator who will build upon the solid, forward-looking foundation the organization already has in place. An extremely competitive compensation package is offered for the President’s position, including health insurance, life insurance, retirement, incentive plan, and more.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Ian Scott, the previous president, accepted a position as vice president of advocacy at the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro in North Carolina to be closer to family.
The Beaufort Regional Chamber is recognized by its members and government leaders for the strong role the business organization takes in advocating for its investors. With a budget of over $700,000 and a professional staff of three, the Chamber serves as the voice of business for the region. The service area includes Northern Beaufort County, specifically the South Carolina Lowcountry areas of Beaufort, Port Royal, Lady’s Island, Burton, Sheldon, Yemassee, St. Helena Island, and the Sea Islands.
The Chamber is seeking a strategic visionary and collaborator who will build upon the solid, forward-looking foundation the organization already has in place. An extremely competitive compensation package is offered for the President’s position, including health insurance, life insurance, retirement, incentive plan, and more.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
Georgia
Stacey Gross Named Director of Tourism
Development for Forsyth Chamber
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(Cumming, Georgia – March 2024) Stacey Gross has been named Director of Tourism Development for the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s tourism development entity, Discover FOCO.
Discover FOCO is the outsourced visitor investment development service for the City of Cumming and Forsyth County governments. The Chason Group assisted the Forsyth Chamber in the executive search.
Gross previously served as Event Coordinator for the City of Johns Creek. She earned a BBA in Organizational Management from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Previous positions she has held include serving as Executive Director of the Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau and operated her own business.
For the complete position announcement and Gross' new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here.
Discover FOCO is the outsourced visitor investment development service for the City of Cumming and Forsyth County governments. The Chason Group assisted the Forsyth Chamber in the executive search.
Gross previously served as Event Coordinator for the City of Johns Creek. She earned a BBA in Organizational Management from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Previous positions she has held include serving as Executive Director of the Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau and operated her own business.
For the complete position announcement and Gross' new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here.
South Carolina
Jim Tunison Selected for
Aiken Chamber President & CEO Position
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(Aiken, South Carolina – March 2024) The Aiken Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has unanimously selected Jim Tunison as their next president and chief executive officer. For the past five years, he has been serving as the director of membership services for the business organization. The Chason Group was retained by the Aiken Chamber to lead the executive search.
Tunison is replacing David Jameson who served the Aiken Chamber for 18 years before retiring at the end of February.
The 29-year-old Tunison is a graduate of Misericordia University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration. He has also completed his first year of US Chamber Institute for Organization Management. Institute is designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize association, chamber of commerce, and other nonprofit professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of nonprofit management.
"Jim has the experience as a chamber leader, collaborator, and energy the search committee was looking for to fill the position,” according to Charlie Hartz, volunteer chair of the chamber and owner of Village Café and Scenthound. “He is a confident professional who has the enthusiasm required to move our 5-star chamber to a new level of service for the membership and community. Jim understands the local issues and has proven himself as someone who is committed to making a positive difference in the community.”
For the complete position announcement and Tunison's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here.
Tunison is replacing David Jameson who served the Aiken Chamber for 18 years before retiring at the end of February.
The 29-year-old Tunison is a graduate of Misericordia University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration. He has also completed his first year of US Chamber Institute for Organization Management. Institute is designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize association, chamber of commerce, and other nonprofit professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of nonprofit management.
"Jim has the experience as a chamber leader, collaborator, and energy the search committee was looking for to fill the position,” according to Charlie Hartz, volunteer chair of the chamber and owner of Village Café and Scenthound. “He is a confident professional who has the enthusiasm required to move our 5-star chamber to a new level of service for the membership and community. Jim understands the local issues and has proven himself as someone who is committed to making a positive difference in the community.”
For the complete position announcement and Tunison's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here.
Georgia
Cheney Eldridge Chosen to Lead
Economic Development in Columbia County
(Evans, Georgia – February 2024) The Development Authority of Columbia County (DACC) has selected Cheney Eldridge, an economic development professional in the region, as the professional to serve as executive director. The announcement was made by Rick Evans of SME CPAs and Chair of the DACC Board. Eldridge’s first day at the authority is scheduled for March 4.
The Chason Group, a firm specializing in economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, tourism, and non-profit executive searches, assisted the authority in the executive search process. “Cheney is an excellent candidate to serve as the next executive director of DACC,” according to Evans. “Her expertise and energy in the field of economic development will mix well with the needs of our community in terms of existing companies and new developments. She is known in the region and on the state level as someone who is pro-active and focused.” For the complete position announcement and Eldridge's new contact information effective March 4, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here. |
Chris Doane Selected to Lead Southern Conservation Trust
(Fayetteville, Georgia – February 2024) The Board of Directors of Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) has unanimously selected Chris Doane, a dedicated and proven conservation enthusiast, as their new President and Chief Executive Officer. The announcement was made by James Yates, Chair of the Board and Senior Construction Manager for Comcast. The Chason Group assisted SCT with the search process.
Doane most recently served as President and Creative Director for The Crezent Agency in Newnan, Georgia. The award-winning marketing agency offers a broad range of consulting services to a diverse client base. Doane and his team consulted for multiple international brands and hundreds of small businesses including Hella, Duracell, Yanmar, and Piedmont Hospital. Previously, he held positions with Atlanta American Corporation, Paxton Media Group, and Flint River College. “A lifelong aspiration of mine has been to positively influence my community,” Doane says. “Aligning with organizations focused on outdoor recreation, conservation, outdoor programming, and health and wellness has been my chosen path. My passion for adopted initiatives is reflected in tangible actions and measurable results. The position with Southern Conservation Trust resonates with my interests, successes, and achievements.” For the complete position announcement and Doane's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here. |
Craig Portwood Named Executive Director of esp Athens
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(Watkinsville, Georgia / February 2024) esp, Inc. has named Craig Portwood, a senior management professional with experience in not-for-profit organizations, as the new executive director for esp Athens. He will oversee strategic implementation of esp’s programs, operations and fundraising specific to Athens. The announcement was made by esp Chief Executive Officer Laura Hope Whitaker and Chief People Officer Ashley Stewart.
The Chason Group was retained by esp Athens to lead the executive search process.
The executive position was recently developed under a new model of operations for the organization. Whitaker has been serving in the role and now will transition to spend more of her energies growing esp on a national level. Three other fully operational sites are planned for 2024 in Georgia.
Portwood most recently served as associate vice president of alumni and main campus operations at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia. He has also held the director of alumni and community engagement and director of development positions with the college.
For the complete position announcement and Portwood's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here.
The Chason Group was retained by esp Athens to lead the executive search process.
The executive position was recently developed under a new model of operations for the organization. Whitaker has been serving in the role and now will transition to spend more of her energies growing esp on a national level. Three other fully operational sites are planned for 2024 in Georgia.
Portwood most recently served as associate vice president of alumni and main campus operations at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia. He has also held the director of alumni and community engagement and director of development positions with the college.
For the complete position announcement and Portwood's new contact information, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here.