President & CEO - Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority
Position to be filled by: March 3, 2025
Company: Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority - The Chason Group
Location: Valdosta, Georgia
Category: Development Authority
Position Type: Full-Time
Education Requirement: Bachelor's
Experience Requirement: 3-5 years
Salary: Based on qualifications
How to Apply: www.thechasongroup.com
Job Description & Details:
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, located in Valdosta, Georgia, has announced an executive search for a new President and Chief Executive Officer. The area, which was recently featured in Georgia Trend Magazine’s “Southwest Georgia Working in Harmony” article, is experiencing unprecedented growth and success, and was recognized as a hub for progress and innovation.
The Authority has retained The Chason Group to lead the executive search process to continue the success of the organization.
Position Summary
The President and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning, and the best economic development practices for Lowndes County, Georgia. The role is focused on developing and maintaining an environment necessary to bolster existing business support, new business recruitment and business expansion in the community.
The professional works with the Development Authority and other stakeholders to execute plans designed to maintain and grow existing businesses as well as attract targeted new business to Lowndes County. The leader shall provide tactical guidance to the Board, local governments, and other stakeholders, oversee all daily operations, and in collaboration with the community, develop, implement, and maintain an economic development plan of action. The President and Chief Executive Officer represents the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority at meetings with clients and collaborating with various partners.
About Valdosta-Lowndes County, Georgia.
Valdosta - Lowndes County has a population of 120,000 plus citizens and is located on the Georgia / Florida border. The dynamic community offers two thriving K-12 education systems and is home to five higher education establishments including Valdosta State University and Wiregrass Technical College. The area boasts a “Live, Work, Play” community that offers access to many cultural and recreational activities. Valdosta is home to South Georgia Medical Center. The health system is a 418-bed hospital that is in the process of a $150 million master facilities expansion plan that will add a women and infant tower at the main campus, and a new emergency department to expedite care and trauma services.
The region is also known for its pro-business environment, robust housing market, recreational opportunities, outdoor venues, entertainment, and a thriving art community. The area is home to Wild Adventures Theme Park, Valdosta Wake Compound, a bustling downtown, and exciting year-round events for the community.
Economic Development in Valdosta and Lowndes County. Valdosta and Lowndes County are conveniently located in the heart of Southwest Georgia right off Interstate-75 mid-way between Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida.
In 2023, the Development Authority announced that a Walmart milk-processing facility, bringing 390 jobs and $350 million in investment chose Valdosta as their home based on the proximity to dairy farms in Georgia and Florida. The facility is the company’s second milk-processing center. The facility is expected to open in late 2025. The area is also benefiting from the building of Arglass which will employ 150 area citizens and invest $150 million in capital in the region. The company chose Valdosta-Lowndes due to the area’s natural resources, proximity of I-75, and CSX Class 1 rail connections.
Other recent successes include GAF, a Standard Industries Company and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer will begin production in September 2025 and add 135 jobs to the economy; as well as P&B Cold Storage, who will be building a 200,000-square-foot cold storage facility and bringing 100 more jobs to the community in 2025.
Over the past four years, Valdosta - Lowndes County have added 1,431 jobs and $996.3 million in capital investment.
Position Requirements: Education, Experience, Leadership.
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.
Proven track record of successful business attraction, retention, and expansion projects.
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.
How To Apply?
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority has retained TCG to lead the executive search process. Professionals interested in applying for the President and Chief Executive Officer’s 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 deadline for submitting the initial materials is January 20, 2024. Candidates will be reviewed by TCG utilizing a weighting scale approved by the Valdosta-Lowndes 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.