Organization: McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority - The Chason Group
Location: Darien, GA
Category: Development Authority
Job Type: Full time

Education Required: Bachelor's
Experience: 3–5 years

Salary: Based on qualifications

Application Deadline: 8/1/2026

Contact:
Tim Chason
📧 tchason@thechasongroup.com
📞 404.735.0540

To Apply:
Professionals interested in this executive leadership opportunity are invited to upload a cover letter and resume at www.thechasongroup.com by April 30, 2025. For more information, please contact Randy Cardoza at 404.661.9438.

Economic Development on Georgia’s Coast

The McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority has initiated an executive search for a President and Chief Executive Officer. The current executive, Tom Draffin, is retiring this year after a very successful career in the economic development arena.

The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in economic development, has been selected by the IDA to lead a national search for the organization.

Darien and McIntosh County are located along Georgia’s coast, with Interstate 95 serving as a major thoroughfare through the region. Ports in Savannah, Brunswick, and Jacksonville play an important role in the economy of the area.

Surrounded by marshlands, maritime forests, and the mighty Altamaha River, McIntosh County is the most distinctive ecological, historical, cultural, ethnic, and archaeological area on the Eastern Seaboard. Nearly one-third of the county’s land area is owned by the state and federal governments, and is thus protected from development.

Upscale neighborhoods such as Belvedere Island Plantation and Sutherland Bluff Plantation in Townsend/Shellman Bluff offer remote, private living amid breathtaking beauty; access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, and private beaches of Georgia’s barrier islands; and one of the most beautiful golf courses on Georgia’s Coast.

The cost of living in McIntosh County is significantly less than the U.S. average, more than 15% less, and 10% less than the statewide cost of living.

The Opportunity

The President and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all aspects of operations for the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority. The professional will lead the strategic planning and execution of economic development for the area.

The leader is responsible for recruiting new businesses, retaining and supporting existing businesses, and collaborating with community partners to develop, retain, and attract a strong workforce for the region.

The executive is also accountable for oversight and direction of the Authority’s internal team, including volunteers, project management, and administration.

The President’s Role

The President and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all aspects of operations for the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority. The professional will lead the strategic planning and execution of economic development for the area.

The leader is responsible for recruiting new businesses, retaining and supporting existing businesses, and collaborating with community partners to develop, retain, and attract a strong workforce for the region.

The executive is also accountable for oversight and direction of the Authority’s internal team, including volunteers, project management, and administration.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for the McIntosh County IDA will possess:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Personable, approachable leadership style
• Integrity and credibility with public and private partners
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build partnerships
• Community-focused perspective and long-term thinking
• Resilience and ability to navigate small-town dynamics
• Adaptability and comfort managing varied responsibilities
• Tenacity in pursuing economic development opportunities

The professional will provide long-term vision and strategy to the Board, local governments, and other stakeholders; oversee all daily operations; and, in collaboration with the community, develop, implement, and maintain an economic development strategy that is updated on a consistent basis.

Additional Skill Sets

Communication Skills

• Ability to develop and nurture value-added relationships with diverse business, government, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to make oral presentations to persuade others to accept a specific opinion, action, and/or provide information or explain procedures, policies, etc.
• Excellent written communication and marketing skills that will enhance the initiatives undertaken by the Authority.
• Outstanding listening skills to clearly understand positions and instructions.

Site Development

• Experience with industrial site development and infrastructure.
• Technical understanding of permitting and development processes.

Project Management

• Economic development project management experience.
• Familiarity with logistics, ports, and regional industry sectors.
• Skill in navigating local political dynamics.

Financial Skills

• Sound understanding of budgets, income statements, and balance sheets.
• Ability to prepare and adhere to annual and long-term budgets.
• Ability to communicate the financial position of the organization to the Board and community.
• Accountable for timely financial oversight of checks and balances.
• Capacity and responsibility to manage accounts receivable and accounts payable for the organization.

Technology

• Proficient with M365 Office Suite, presentation programs such as PowerPoint or Canva, social media, and location analytics programs (such as Placer.ai).

Key Economic Development and Marketing Skills

• Develop an organizational culture that exudes collaboration and partnerships for the global success of the Authority and community. These duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following initiatives:
• Develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies that align with the vision and mission of the Authority.
• Lead efforts to attract new businesses to the region by promoting the area’s economic advantages.
• Continuously build upon a creative target marketing action plan to attract specific sector-related businesses identified by the Authority, in order to build a diverse tax base and blend of local businesses.
• Work with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, governments, and business leaders on local, state, and federal levels to enhance the economic development environment of the community.
• Maintain relationships with statewide project managers, site selection consultants, property owners, and real estate brokers.
• Develop, organize, and deliver reports monthly to the Authority and other stakeholders as allowed by confidentiality agreements with projects.
• Promote and provide various sources of financing for qualifying projects.
• Provide research, data, and appropriate guidance to local, state, and federal business and government leaders regarding the impact of economic development on the local tax digest.
• Serve as a long-term visionary, team builder, and facilitator between all local, state, and federal officials as well as local and statewide utility and infrastructure vendors that impact the community.
• Analyze economic trends, prepare reports, and provide insights to leadership and stakeholders on economic development, progress, and opportunities.
• Develop and nurture relationships with existing businesses to keep current investments in the area and resolve challenges impacting their growth and success.
• Develop and maintain measurable programs that encourage the expansion of existing businesses for jobs and investments