President - Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority

Position to be filled by: April 1, 2025

Company: Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority

Location: Dublin, Georgia

Category: Development Authority

Position Type: Full-Time

Education Requirement: Bachelor's

Experience Requirement: 3-5 years

Salary: Based on experience

How to Apply: www.thechasongroup.com

Job Description & Details:

The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority located in Dublin, Georgia, has initiated a search for a President. The area, which is experiencing great success with the expansion of existing companies and new investments of businesses, has received tremendous attention with the announcement of Hwashin and Woory deciding to “set up shop” and bring over 600 jobs combined to the area.

The Authority has retained The Chason Group to lead the executive search process to continue the success of the Development Authority.

Position Summary

The President is responsible for pursuing industrial development for the Dublin-Laurens County area. The professional will lead the strategic planning and execution of economic development initiatives; recruiting target sector new businesses; retaining, supporting, and expanding existing businesses; and collaboration with community partners to develop, retain and attract a strong workforce for the area. This executive is also responsible for oversight and direction of the DLCDA internal team to include those dedicated to existing industry retention, project management, and administration. The President will serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

About Dublin and Laurens County, Georgia

Laurens County, Georgia is conveniently located between Atlanta and Savannah, giving access to the busiest airport in the United States, and the fastest growing and third busiest container port on the East Coast. The county is located along Interstate 16, one of the primary interstate highways in the Georgia highway system. Laurens County is home to the Heart of Georgia Mega Site, a 2,000-acre industrial park designed for large-scale facilities and recognized as the first dual certified Mega site and Super Park in the nation. The site is one of the largest available tracts in the state of Georgia, and includes amenities such as air, road, rail, and sea transportation accessibility. Dublin, the county seat of Laurens, is the regional employment hub for 15 counties and represents a workforce of over 300,000.

Dublin is home to the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center and Fairview Park Hospital. The community offers two public school systems, Laurens County and the Dublin City School District, as well as a private school, Trinity Christian.

The area is also home to Oconee Fall Line Technical College, Georgia Military College - Dublin Campus, and Middle Georgia State University - Dublin. The schools and community leadership partner together to maintain their strong workforce development to ensure students have easy access to the continuing education or job placement of their choice. Dublin is also close to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and Savannah. The area is known for its people and Southern Hospitality. The community is warm and welcoming and has a thriving close-knit charm that people look for in a town to call home.

There are plenty of outdoor activities in the wide-open spaces the area offers, along with the Oconee River, and their downtown has a variety of local shopping and eateries to enjoy. Dublin, named after the capital of Ireland, celebrates an annual Dublin-Lauren’s Saint Patrick’s Day Festival with the 60th Festival coming up in 2025. The area prides itself on its beautiful architecture, relaxed quality of life, and friendly people.

About the Position

The leadership of Development Authority is seeking a professional with experience in the field of economic development. Candidates with proven results in job creation and nurturing new investments in a community, region, or state will be excellent applicants. Collaboration and relationship building skills are key for economic developers. Marketing is another important skill required of candidates applying. Non-traditional candidates (outside the realm of economic development) are encouraged to submit a resume. Communication in the areas of listening, verbal, written, and technical are considered valuable for professionals in the field.

Education, Experience, Leadership Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally with an MBA or other post-graduate work, in the area(s) of economic development, community development, real estate, public relations, public administration, business and/or marketing from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience.
• Successful track record of growing the tax base of a community, region or state through innovative marketing and job creation strategies.
• Three years of executive-level leadership experience in economic development, with substantial experience in a managerial role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive strategic planning and execute complex projects.
• An innovative, creative, and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant initiatives and goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of public policy, economic trends, and business climates.
• Ability to navigate government processes and leverage public-private partnerships.
• Qualify and possess a Georgia Driver’s License within 90 days of date of employment.

How to Apply for the Position

The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority has retained TCG to lead the executive search process for the economic development organization. Professionals interested in applying for the President position may upload a cover letter and a copy of their resume at www.thechasongroup.com to be considered for the position. The most qualified candidates will receive a detailed application to determine if an interview is required.

The position will remain posted until filled. Candidates will be reviewed by TCG utilizing a weighting scale approved by the Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority. For more information, contact Tim Chason at 404.735.0540 or tchason@thechasongroup.com or Randy Cardoza at 404.661.9438 or rcardoza@thechasongroup.com.