Chief Executive Officer - Development Authority of Bryan County

Position to be filled by: July 2, 2024

Company: Development Authority of Bryan County

Location: Pembroke, GA

Category: Development Authority

Position Type: Full-Time

Education Requirement: Bachelor's Degree

Experience Requirement: 5-10 Years

How to Apply: www.thechasongroup.com 

Job Description & Details:

Background.
The Development Authority of Bryan County, Georgia has launched 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 production 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.

About Bryan County, Georgia.
Bryan County is located in Georgia’s coastal region, approximately 35 miles from Savannah.  Interstates 16 and 95 dissect the county and are significant transportation corridors for the southeastern United States.  Fort Stewart, home to the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River and the 3rd Infantry Division, occupies one-third of the community.  The 2023 census count indicates over 49,000 citizens live in the county.

Bryan County is a desired place to live and work.  With a crime rate well below the national average; excellent local and regional K-12 and post-secondary education options; exceptional regional healthcare that includes a Level 1 Trauma Center, Children's Hospital and the Savannah Campus of Mercer University School of Medicine; an established existing business base with companies like Daniel Defense, Orafol, and Blue Bell; and two interstate business parks with ample land remaining for development, the county is experiencing a significant number of young families, professionals and industries moving to the area.

About the Development Authority.
With the announcement of Hyundai Motor Group’s new plant, as well as Hyundai Mobis, and the expansion of C&H Precision, a leading firearms manufacturer, the Authority has many new opportunities ahead. The leadership of the economic development organization has initiated the development of a strategic plan focused on how to work with existing employer’s workforce needs.  The blueprint also keeps the welcome mat out for new businesses considering the area.  Target sector industries have been identified by the Authority and will guide economic growth moving forward.

Comprised of nine members, the Authority Board is appointed by the Bryan County Board of Commissioners.  The members serve as volunteers and set policy.  Revenues to operate the Authority are provided through a multi-year agreement with the Board of Commissioners. 

The Authority owns and controls a number of locations suitable for business use in Bryan County.  Those sites include multiple business parks with ample land for development throughout the county.  

About the CEO Position.
The Development Authority of Bryan County, with offices in Pembroke and Richmond Hill, Georgia,  delivers economic development services for the county as a whole.  The Chief Executive Officer, which is a full-time position, is responsible to the Board of Directors of the DABC and charged with providing leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning and implementing best economic development practices in terms of business recruitment, retaining existing businesses, growing the tax base, and job opportunities.  

Specific responsibilities shall include new business recruitment, workforce development, and encouraging the expansion of existing businesses. The leader shall provide tactical guidance to the Board, local governments, and other stakeholders; oversight of all daily operations; and, in collaboration with the community, develop, implement, and maintain an economic development plan of action. 

The CEO shall represent Bryan County and the Development Authority at meetings with clients and working with various partners.

Position Requirements.
The following represent the key position requirements for the CEO.

• Bachelor’s degree in the area(s) of economic development, community development, real estate, public relations, public administration, business, economics, and/or marketing from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.  
• Five years of executive management leadership experience in the business, economic development and/or community development field, chamber of commerce, association, or a combination of these, is preferred.
• A proven tenure in leading an organization through visionary growth and meaningful change to improve the business environment of the community.
• An innovative, creative, and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant initiatives and goals.
• Experienced team builder and leader who will effectively represent Bryan County in many environments.
• A proven track record of successfully collaborating with economic development organizations, governments, and community stakeholders.

How to Apply.
The DABC has retained The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in economic development organizations, to lead the recruitment process. Candidates interested in applying for the CEO position may upload a cover letter and a copy of their resume at www.thechasongroup.com.  

All cover letters and resumes must be received no later than May 22, 2024. The most qualified candidates will receive a detailed application to complete prior to the interview process. The anticipated start date for the position is July 2024.