Stephens County Development Authority initiates executive search for new leader

Stephens County Development Authority has initiated its executive search for a new leader.

Following Stephens County Economic Development Executive Director Tim Martin’s retirement announcement last month, authority members have approved several supporting documents relating to the position including changing the title to president and chief executive officer. The authority also agreed upon a position description, weighting scale and position announcement.

According to Authority Chair Brian Akin, their goal is to initiate a strategic process to identify qualified candidates for the position. He says quote, “We now have a weighting scale in place that allows us to understand the key character traits and skill sets needed to build upon our foundation.”

The board has engaged The Chason Group to lead the executive search process. The firm, which is Georgia based, specializes in executive searches for economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations and other non-profits.

Recent placements by The Chason Group include professionals for the Henry County Development Authority, Murray County Development Authority and Pickens County Development Authority.

The search process is broken into three phases. The first stage, which has already been completed, is centered on determining the skill sets and focus points for the position.

Development Authority members, government leaders and other stakeholders were interviewed by The Chason Group in order to provide an updated position description and a candidate profile to the authority.

The second phase will be the casting of the net for candidates and specifically identifying professionals who may fit the criteria established. The final segment will be to interview candidates best suited for the role.  The process is expected to take 100 to 120 days.

Key skill sets the committee will be looking for in the new economic development professional include proven leadership skills; business experience; strong communication and personal skills in the areas of listening, written, verbal and digital; and a proven extended tenure in guiding an organization through visionary growth and meaningful change to improve the tax base of a community.

Candidates interested in the president’s position may upload a cover letter and resume at www.thechasongroup.com. The deadline to submit the documents is January 8, 2021.