Search continues for Columbia County's next economic development leader

Columbia County has hired a Georgia executive search company to help find the next executive director of the county’s development authority.

The search company, The Cason Group based in Cartersville, is the same firm that helped the Augusta Economic Development Authority find its current executive director, Cal Wray, in 2018.

Robbie Bennett, the former executive director for the Development Authority of Columbia County, left the organization in April to become president and CEO of the SRS Community Reuse Organization, based in Aiken County. It’s a nonprofit focused on diversifying the economy around the Savannah River Site federal nuclear facility.

“Robbie provided excellent leadership and vision for the development authority,” said Rick Evans, the DACC’s 2023 chairman. “The economic development foundation that has been established for the community is in large part due to his forward thinking and initiatives.”

Highlights of Bennett’s tenure include helping guide the county in establishing the White Oak Business Park in Appling, which has since attracted tenants such as Amazon and Club Car, providing the Augusta area with more jobs.

The first phase of the executive director search is over, Evans said. The authority interviewed more than a dozen state and local business and community leaders to collect feedback on the skill sets to look for in an ideal job candidate.

Moving on: Development executive leaves Columbia County to lead SRS nonprofit

The second phase involves looking for the right candidates who possess those skills in a nationwide search.

The DACC hopes to have a new executive director in place by February or March, but without rushing the process.

“The final phase of the executive search process will be the most important,” according to Evans. “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. Finding the right person is more important than a timeline to the committee.”

Candidates interested in the open position can upload cover letters and copies of their résumés to www.thechasongroup.com. All cover letters and résumés must be received no later than Dec. 15.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Columbia County still seeking executive to lead development authority