\The Gilmer Chamber is searching for its next president and chief executive officer.
The president is responsible for all aspects of operations of the chamber and reports directly to the chamber’s board of directors, which is headed by an annually elected chairperson.
“The chamber is very strong and focused on our mission of promoting a strong business environment that enhances the quality of the community,” said Rebecca Harrell, the chamber’s current chair and CEO at RLH Solutions.
“Through the support of volunteers and an internal professional team, we have been able to accomplish a tremendous number of our goals over the past several years. That includes marketing the area for tourism and establishing programs that support our existing businesses.”
As the chamber’s lead spokesperson, the president represents its interests to the media, elected officials and all community and organizational stakeholders.
“Our search committee has identified several key skills and character traits we are looking for in a new president,” according to Harrell. “We want a dynamic leader with high integrity. Key skill sets required include the ability to manage and support current programs; develop new initiatives and collaborative partnerships; and to lead, engage and implement tourism marketing strategies for the region. Also of significant importance, is the ability to develop and follow through with initiatives that service Gilmer’s existing businesses, no matter their type or size.”
The chamber’s scope and size have both grown since forming in 1978. Today, it has over 750 members, and operations are split between the main office/welcome center in East Ellijay and a newer welcome center in downtown Ellijay, which is located in a historic building that served as the chamber’s home from 1991-98.
As the county’s official destination marketing organization, the chamber now receives a portion of hotel/motel tax revenue from the county, Ellijay and East Ellijay, which it uses for marketing purposes.
Of preference for the president/CEO position are candidates with a minimum three years of executive-level leadership and personnel management experience with a chamber of commerce, destination marketing organization, similar nonprofit or private sector with demonstrated working knowledge of business, public policy, tourism, community development, economic development, workforce development, event planning and program development.
The chamber’s board of directors is dedicated to ensuring a transparent and inclusive selection process and looks forward to welcoming a new leader who will continue to drive the organizatiom’s mission of fostering a thriving business environment in Gilmer County.
The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in chambers of commerce, has been retained by the search committee to lead the process. Candidates interested in applying can upload a cover letter and resume at TheChasonGroup.com.