Executive Director | Southwest Georgia Regional Commission
Organization: Southwest Georgia Regional Commission
Location: Camilla, GA
Category: Regional Commission
Job Type: Full time
Education Required: Bachelor's
Experience: 5–10 years
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications, experience and educational background
Application Deadline: 7/1/2026
Contact:
Suzanne Angell
📧 sangell@swgrc.org
📞 229-522-3552
Job Description
The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission is currently seeking an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR to provide leadership and direction toward the achievement of the organization’s mission and annual goals and objectives.
Organization Background
The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission is a regional quasi-governmental agency assisting fourteen counties and forty-three cities located in southwest Georgia. Counties in the region include Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas and Worth Counties. Total population, according to the 2020 census, was 352,426 and covers over 8,000 square miles.
Regional commissions are public agencies created and established by the Georgia Planning Act (O.C.G.A. 50-8-32) in order to assist local governments on a regional basis and to develop, promote and assist in establishing coordinated and comprehensive planning in the state. Regional Commissions are responsible for providing technical services, promoting coordinated planning and enhancing regional livability. Services provided by Regional Commissions may include grant writing, land-use development, planning, community and economic development, housing, historic preservation, and community services.
The Regional Council, the governing body of the Regional Commission, consists of 53 members representing all fourteen counties. Council Members include elected officials of county and municipal government, appointed representatives from the private sector and appointed representatives from the state level.
Funding for the SWGRC comes from local, state and federal sources. Local governments are currently assessed at $1.10 per capita, which generates approximately $382,000 in local revenues per year. The SWGRC’s FY26 total budget is currently over $17,000,000.
Position Overview
SWGRC is seeking a thoughtful, energetic, and empowering leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The successful candidate will be innovative and strategic, enabling SWGRC to serve local governments and its communities in a way that is relevant and forward-thinking, never losing sight of its mission - to serve our local governments by providing collaborative, progressive leadership and professional technical services to determine the needs of the region and improve the livability of communities for all citizens in the region.
The full-time Executive Director role requires a strong, empathetic people leader, strategic thinker, and problem solver. The successful candidate will have experience managing and collaborating with staff and key stakeholders, such as local, state and federal elected officials, state and federal government agencies, and community leaders and partners. Our next Executive Director will have a track record of implementing strategic goals into practice, managing a multi-million-dollar operating budget, and experience or knowledge of relationship building. As the most visible spokesperson for SWGRC, the Executive Director will be able to speak effectively in public, driving enthusiasm and investment from a variety of audiences.
The Executive Director reports to the Regional Council. In close partnership with the Council, the Executive Director will help define SWGRC’s future and work together frequently to ensure organizational success. This person will also oversee a staff of fifteen to twenty, including full-time, part-time and seasonal interns.
Position Details
LOCATION: The position is based out of SWGRC’s office in Camilla, GA
HOURS: This “at will” position is classified as “Exempt, Regular Full-Time.” While we strive for work-life balance, the individual best suited for this job will understand the need for and be willing to flex work time to accommodate periodic, irregular, and extended hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director provides inspiring, strategic, and organizational leadership to advance SWGRC’s mission. Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership, Planning, and Supervision
● Lead the implementation of SWGRC’s strategic work plan and ensure alignment across programs and staff.
● Represent SWGRC to local leaders, community partners, state and federal agency officials and local, state and federal elected officials.
● Strengthen visibility and relationships with our local governments, agency partners, and the broader community.
● Oversee financial management, budgeting, and long-term fiscal stability.
● Supervise and develop staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
Public Relations
● Serve as SWGRC’s chief ambassador and spokesperson.
● Build awareness of SWGRC’s mission through events, partnerships, and media engagement.
● Represent SWGRC at community events and conferences, at the local, statewide, or national level, throughout the year.
Council Relations
● Work closely with the Council to set organizational priorities and monitor progress.
● Provide timely, clear information to support informed Council decisions.
● Engage and support individual Council members in governance and outreach role.
Desired Experience and Qualifications
Note: We understand that not everyone has taken the same professional path, and we encourage interested individuals to apply even if they do not meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
Successful candidates will have:
● Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Planning, Public Administration or other related field and a minimum of seven years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, at least five of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. Master’s Degree preferred.
● Demonstrated success in a similar leadership position.
● Experience working with comparably-sized or complex organizations, diverse stakeholders, and various funding streams.
● Track record in excellent and intentional relationship building with key stakeholders, including navigating conflict.
● Skills and familiarity with communication and public relations best practices.
● Experience overseeing and tracking strategic goals, and the ability to distill goals into action.
● Experience working with and maintaining strong relationships with a governing board.
● An authentic and transparent communication style.
● This individual shall reside in the Southwest GA area, to ensure participation in community events and activities.
Compensation
Salary: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and educational background. SWGRC provides a generous fringe benefits package.
How To Apply
Please submit a resume and one-page cover letter detailing why you believe your experience and passions align with SWGRC’s needs to sangell@swgrc.org with the subject line:
[Your Name], Executive Director Application
No phone calls, please.
In your cover letter, please address the following:
● Your experience and track record of success, and how this will help you thrive as SWGRC’s next leader
● Why and how you align with SWGRC’s mission
● Your salary requirements
Additional Information
Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2026 or until the position is filled.