The Development Authority of Columbia County has announced that it is seeking a new executive director.
Robbie Bennett, who was director of the authority for 10 years, left the role in April to serve as president and CEO of the SRS Community Reuse Organization.
“Robbie provided excellent leadership and vision for the development authority,” said Authority chairman Rick Evans. “The economic development foundation that has been established for the community is in large part due to his forward thinking and initiatives.”
To aid in its search for a new leader, the Development Authority has retained the services of the Chason Group, an executive recruitment firm based in Cartersville, Ga. specializing in economic development. The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is also consulting the Chason Group in its search for a chamber president.
The executive director for the Authority recruits businesses and industry for identified by the board and community stakeholders, and oversees site inventory, media relations and marketing.
The director also manages daily office operations, budgeting, and special events, such as hosting guests during Masters Week.
“The Search Committee has broken the executive search process into three phases,” said Evans, noting that the first phase is complete after interviews with more than 15 business, community, and government leaders on the state and local levels “to hear their thoughts on what the authority needs in terms of the next leader and what that professional should be focusing on during their first few years.”
The second phase of the process will entail casting the net for viable candidates, which includes a nationwide search of postings by associations such as the Georgia Economic Developers Association, Southern Economic Developers Association, and International Economic Development Council.
“The vetting of the candidates will be critical in order to make sure the authority understands the background of the individuals interviewed, their visions, and strategic thinking processes,” Evans said, commenting on the third phase of the recruitment process. “Finding the right person is more important than a timeline to the committee.”
The Development Authority will be accepting resumes for its executive director position, via the Chason Group, until Dec. 15. The Authority aims to have the new director start by February or March of 2024.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
