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. |
|
The Lastest News From The Chason Group
Georgia
Development Authority of Bryan County
Initiates Search For Chief Executive Officer
(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
(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.
Metro Atlanta Area
Extra Special People Seeking
Executive Director for Atlanta Operations
(Metro Atlanta Region) Extra Special People, Inc. (esp) is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. The Chason Group has been retained to lead a search for the esp Atlanta Executive Director.
The esp team is unrelenting in their mission. They are champions of people of all abilities, the tireless advocates, the activators, and the believers-in-potential. Team members are cheerleaders, celebrators, innovators, and connectors for all. esp now has Georgia campuses in Athens, Atlanta, and Rome. Work is underway to raise funds for an esp Savannah as well. Each campus will have an Executive Director position.
The esp Atlanta Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational implementation of the organization’s programs, operations, and fundraising for the Atlanta site specifically. The professional will be heavily involved in the development of esp presence in the region and a key member of the fundraising team. The Executive Director will be responsible for selecting and building a team for the Atlanta campus. The leader will manage full-time staff directly and hold the entire team accountable for the completion of their annual goals. The Executive Director is responsible for the development and execution of transformative experiences for participants and their families; staff, volunteers, and interns; donors and community partners; and the greater esp community. The Executive Director is a representation of esp’s core values and mission, ensuring the site fulfills the greater objectives of the organization as a whole.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
The esp team is unrelenting in their mission. They are champions of people of all abilities, the tireless advocates, the activators, and the believers-in-potential. Team members are cheerleaders, celebrators, innovators, and connectors for all. esp now has Georgia campuses in Athens, Atlanta, and Rome. Work is underway to raise funds for an esp Savannah as well. Each campus will have an Executive Director position.
The esp Atlanta Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational implementation of the organization’s programs, operations, and fundraising for the Atlanta site specifically. The professional will be heavily involved in the development of esp presence in the region and a key member of the fundraising team. The Executive Director will be responsible for selecting and building a team for the Atlanta campus. The leader will manage full-time staff directly and hold the entire team accountable for the completion of their annual goals. The Executive Director is responsible for the development and execution of transformative experiences for participants and their families; staff, volunteers, and interns; donors and community partners; and the greater esp community. The Executive Director is a representation of esp’s core values and mission, ensuring the site fulfills the greater objectives of the organization as a whole.
For the complete position announcement, please click here.
North Carolina
]
Asheboro Randolph Chamber of Commerce Announces
Executive Search For President & CEO
(Asheboro, North Carolina) The Asheboro Randolph Chamber of Commerce is conducting an executive search for a president and chief executive officer. The organization represents the business community in terms of advocacy, small business support, and leadership initiatives. The Chason Group has been engaged by the chamber to lead the search process.
The ideal candidate for the position is a professional who has business and/or chamber of commerce experiences. The individual should have a proven track record of successful leadership in terms of guiding volunteers and developing a team of staff members. The role of the chamber president requires a person who understands how to collaborate and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels of business, government, and community status. Accountability, both fiscal and measurable goals, will be a key indicator of the success of the person chosen for the position.
Major employers in Asheboro include Randolph Health, Energizer Battery, The Timken Company, Technimark LLC, Georgia Pacific Corrugated, Asheboro City Schools, and Post Consumer Brands.
The chamber, with a membership of almost 770 strong, is the largest voluntary, membership-driven organization of businesses in Randolph County. The chamber is recognized for its focus on small business growth and entrepreneurship. Programs are designed each year by the professional staff and board of directors that provide valuable resources and markets to the businesses in the area.
For more information about the Asheboro Randolph Chamber of Commerce position, please click here.
The ideal candidate for the position is a professional who has business and/or chamber of commerce experiences. The individual should have a proven track record of successful leadership in terms of guiding volunteers and developing a team of staff members. The role of the chamber president requires a person who understands how to collaborate and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels of business, government, and community status. Accountability, both fiscal and measurable goals, will be a key indicator of the success of the person chosen for the position.
Major employers in Asheboro include Randolph Health, Energizer Battery, The Timken Company, Technimark LLC, Georgia Pacific Corrugated, Asheboro City Schools, and Post Consumer Brands.
The chamber, with a membership of almost 770 strong, is the largest voluntary, membership-driven organization of businesses in Randolph County. The chamber is recognized for its focus on small business growth and entrepreneurship. Programs are designed each year by the professional staff and board of directors that provide valuable resources and markets to the businesses in the area.
For more information about the Asheboro Randolph Chamber of Commerce position, please click here.
Alabama
Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce
Launches Search For Chief Executive Officer
(Hoover, Alabama) The Hoover Area Chamber, based in Hoover, Alabama, has launched a search for a Chief Executive Officer. The Chason Group has been retained to assist the Chamber with the executive search.
Hoover, located in central Alabama and a part of the Birmingham-Hoover MSA, is the sixth largest city in the state with a population of 92,589. The area is known for innovative businesses in the technology and financial sectors as well as one of the Southeast’s most livable cities. The school system in Hoover has been recognized as one of the leading K-12 education institutions in the country.
The Chamber is seeking a proven leader to take the business organization to a new level of service for entrepreneurs and existing businesses of all sizes. A new initiative, Elevate Hoover, was launched by the Chamber last year. Dozens of stakeholders have provided input, ideas, and feedback through focus groups and confidential one-on-one interviews. Three pillars of action have been established as the focal points for the economic development strategy – all of which will be led by the Chamber.
For more information about the leadership position with the Hoover Area Chamber, please click here.
Hoover, located in central Alabama and a part of the Birmingham-Hoover MSA, is the sixth largest city in the state with a population of 92,589. The area is known for innovative businesses in the technology and financial sectors as well as one of the Southeast’s most livable cities. The school system in Hoover has been recognized as one of the leading K-12 education institutions in the country.
The Chamber is seeking a proven leader to take the business organization to a new level of service for entrepreneurs and existing businesses of all sizes. A new initiative, Elevate Hoover, was launched by the Chamber last year. Dozens of stakeholders have provided input, ideas, and feedback through focus groups and confidential one-on-one interviews. Three pillars of action have been established as the focal points for the economic development strategy – all of which will be led by the Chamber.
For more information about the leadership position with the Hoover Area Chamber, please click here.
Georgia
St. Marys Methodist Church Foundation
Announces Search For President & CEO
(St. Marys, Georgia) The St. Marys Methodist Church Foundation, Inc., established in January 2001, is a 501(c)(3) Type 1 supporting organization of St. Marys Methodist Church and based in St. Marys, Georgia. The Foundation is a non-profit, Christian organization, which makes grants to non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organizations and ministries. Jeff Barker, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since the Foundation’s inception, has announced his plans to retire at the end of 2024. The SMMCF Board has retained The Chason Group to lead an executive search for their new leader.
In July 2000, Warren Bailey, a local St. Marys, Georgia businessman and member of the St. Marys United Methodist Church passed away. Known only to Mr. Bailey’s attorney and a few close friends, Mr. Bailey had willed the majority of his estate to the St. Marys UMC. Initially, the value of the bequest was thought to be in the range of $5 million. This eventually turned out to be closer to $60 million.
The ideal candidate for the President’s position is a high-energy professional who is a practicing Christian; experienced leader in the areas of team building, collaboration, board and community relations, and strategic planning; and an analytical thinker with strong planning and financial management skills. The leader must have a high level of personal and professional integrity and a passion for serving those in need. Excellent communication skills in the areas of listening, speaking to groups of all sizes, and writing reports and correspondences are also key requirements. The individual must also possess organizational and financial management skills for oversight of grants and budgets, internally and externally, and also have experience and knowledge of markets and financial investing. In addition, the professional must be willing to become consistently engaged in the communities served by the Foundation.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here.
In July 2000, Warren Bailey, a local St. Marys, Georgia businessman and member of the St. Marys United Methodist Church passed away. Known only to Mr. Bailey’s attorney and a few close friends, Mr. Bailey had willed the majority of his estate to the St. Marys UMC. Initially, the value of the bequest was thought to be in the range of $5 million. This eventually turned out to be closer to $60 million.
The ideal candidate for the President’s position is a high-energy professional who is a practicing Christian; experienced leader in the areas of team building, collaboration, board and community relations, and strategic planning; and an analytical thinker with strong planning and financial management skills. The leader must have a high level of personal and professional integrity and a passion for serving those in need. Excellent communication skills in the areas of listening, speaking to groups of all sizes, and writing reports and correspondences are also key requirements. The individual must also possess organizational and financial management skills for oversight of grants and budgets, internally and externally, and also have experience and knowledge of markets and financial investing. In addition, the professional must be willing to become consistently engaged in the communities served by the Foundation.
For the complete position announcement, please click here. For a listing of current executive searches underway by TCG, please click here.
Development Authority of Appling County, Georgia
Begins Executive Search for President & CEO
(Baxley, Georgia - March 2024) The Development Authority of Appling County (DAAC), located in Baxley, Georgia, has initiated a search for a President and Chief Executive Officer. The Authority has retained The Chason Group to lead the executive search process.
DAAC delivers economic development services for the community as a whole. The President and CEO is responsible only to the Board of Directors of DAAC and is charged with providing leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning and implementing best economic development practices in Appling County. The role is focused on developing and maintaining the ecosystem necessary to carry out existing business support, new business recruitment, and retail development.
The largest private employer in the region is the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant, located in Baxley. The plant was Georgia’s first nuclear-powered electric generating station and is one of three nuclear facilities in the Southern Company System. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1975. More than 800 people oversee the plant’s operations 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
For more information about the position, please click here.
DAAC delivers economic development services for the community as a whole. The President and CEO is responsible only to the Board of Directors of DAAC and is charged with providing leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning and implementing best economic development practices in Appling County. The role is focused on developing and maintaining the ecosystem necessary to carry out existing business support, new business recruitment, and retail development.
The largest private employer in the region is the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant, located in Baxley. The plant was Georgia’s first nuclear-powered electric generating station and is one of three nuclear facilities in the Southern Company System. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1975. More than 800 people oversee the plant’s operations 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
For more information about the position, please click here.
Georgia
Stacey Gross Named Director of Tourism
Development for Forsyth Chamber
(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
(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
(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.
Georgia
esp Rome Begins Search For Executive Director
(Rome, Georgia) esp is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. The organization has retained The Chason Group to assist in the search for an Executive Director to lead the Rome, Georgia campus. Prior experience in the area of disabilities is not required.
The esp team is unrelenting in their mission. They are champions of people of all abilities, the tireless advocates, the activators, and the believers-in-potential. Team members are cheerleaders, celebrators, innovators, and connectors for all.
The esp Rome Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational implementation of the organization’s programs, operations, and fundraising for the Rome site specifically. The professional will be heavily involved in the construction of a new campus in Rome and a key member of the fundraising team to keep esp viable in the area. The Executive Director will be responsible for selecting and building a team for the esp Rome campus. The leader will manage full-time staff directly and hold the entire team accountable for the completion of their annual goals. The Executive Director is responsible for the development and execution of transformative experiences for participants and their families; staff, volunteers, and interns; donors and community partners; and the greater esp community.
For more information about the esp Rome Executive Director position, please click here. For a complete listing of executive searches in progress with The Chason Group, please click here.
The esp team is unrelenting in their mission. They are champions of people of all abilities, the tireless advocates, the activators, and the believers-in-potential. Team members are cheerleaders, celebrators, innovators, and connectors for all.
The esp Rome Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational implementation of the organization’s programs, operations, and fundraising for the Rome site specifically. The professional will be heavily involved in the construction of a new campus in Rome and a key member of the fundraising team to keep esp viable in the area. The Executive Director will be responsible for selecting and building a team for the esp Rome campus. The leader will manage full-time staff directly and hold the entire team accountable for the completion of their annual goals. The Executive Director is responsible for the development and execution of transformative experiences for participants and their families; staff, volunteers, and interns; donors and community partners; and the greater esp community.
For more information about the esp Rome Executive Director position, please click here. For a complete listing of executive searches in progress with The Chason Group, please click here.
For more position announcements for The Chason Group clients, please click here.