The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce (the “Chamber”) is the lead business, marketing and economic growth organization in West Central Georgia.  With a 180-year-old history, the Chamber is responsible for coordinating business connectivity, attracting new business and capital investment, fostering a sense of place, and supporting workforce development across a multi-county bi-state region. The Chamber has over 850 member organizations and an operating budget of $2.5MM.  The organization provides a variety of programs and services for its members and the business community including economic development recruitment, retention and expansion efforts, small business engagement and networking, Young Professionals group, Leadership Columbus, educational and workforce partnership programs, military affairs with Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) and government advocacy activities. 

President & Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) reports to the Chair of the Chamber’s 27-member Board of Directors and is also a member of the 5-member Executive Committee of the Board.  The Board, which includes 5 ex officio members, and the Executive Committee meet monthly. In addition, in an advisory role, the CEO supports the direction and execution of economic development policy in alignment with the Chair of the Board for the Development Authority of Columbus. The CEO will supervise a 14-member staff, with direct supervision of the Vice President-Partnership & Engagement, Vice President-Finance, Director-Economic Development and Executive Assistant.  Other important interactions for the CEO include: Chamber member organizations; local, bi-state and national elected officials; education officials; military leaders of Fort Moore; and representatives of other chambers, economic development, and business-focused organizations in the region. The CEO is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Chamber and all affiliates and will direct all Chamber and affiliate activities to promote and facilitate economic and industrial development, enhance government and public relations, and increase membership. The CEO is expected to provide the vision and leadership necessary to create a high level of enthusiasm, expectancy and momentum among the membership, Chamber staff, and the regional business community.

Outstanding opportunity for a chamber of commerce, association, economic development or private/public sector executive to lead and grow this organization in a dynamic regional community. The CEO will have an opportunity to put their stamp on the organization, building a dynamic, service-oriented team that is both responsive and proactive on behalf of members.  Residents of Columbus are proud of their collective heritage while believing “the best is yet to come”.  As such, the Chamber volunteer and staff leaders are not content with the status quo, and therefore there is significant anticipation and excitement surrounding the next chapter for the Columbus regional community.

Columbus Georgia is located approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta and is the 2^nd largest city in the State of Georgia with a population over 200,000.  It is part of the 6-county bi-state Columbus-Phenix City (AL) MSA of almost 325,000 and a multi-county regional trade area of 566,000.   The Greater Columbus region offers an outstanding quality of life and professional opportunities and is a hub for transportation, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure activities. The regional economy is diverse with major industry clusters including insurance, banking and related financial services, aerospace and defense, automotive, biosciences and healthcare, manufacturing, back-office operations and tourism.  Columbus is home to the U.S. Army’s Fort Moore, the region’s largest employer with more than 40,000 military personnel, contractors and civilians working at the installation each day. The area has a  number of  K-12 options within the Muscogee County School District and private school options along with an abundance of higher education choices.   Residents of the Greater Columbus region benefit from affordable homes and short commute times. Columbus offers a variety of recreational, sporting, and cultural activities year-round including access to the Chattahoochee River, golf courses, hiking trails, fishing, and state parks.  The Columbus Airport (CSG) provides convenient commercial air service for residents and visitors and accommodates over 100,000 annually.

Ideal candidate must have a proven track record of success and may come from a variety of backgrounds such as:  serving as the top executive within a progressive and comparably-sized chamber of commerce, or related significant business association, or economic development-focused organization; experience as a “#2” or other senior-level executive at a larger like enterprise as noted above; or an executive from a complex private or public sector entity.  Significant Board interaction and experience leading large numbers of volunteers is strongly desired.  The successful candidate will bring a sense of business urgency to the role with a track record of implementing new and creative ideas to create a high level of enthusiasm and momentum among membership, staff and the business community.   A bachelor’s degree is required.  Persons with an advanced university degree or having the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management certification, Certified Chamber Executive designation, or Certified Economic Developer designation may be advantaged.

About Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber c/o Waverly Partners

WAVERLY PARTNERS is a national retained executive search firm with consultants located in strategic regions across the country. We have been designated as the only "preferred provider" of executive search services by ACCE. WAVERLY PARTNERS is a generalist search firm, serving nationwide clients including chambers of commerce, economic development and other nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Fortune 1000 service and manufacturing corporations, privately held entrepreneurial growth companies, hospitals and healthcare organizations, and professional service firms.

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