Organization: Rome Floyd County Development Authority
Location: Rome, Georgia
Category: Development Authority
Job Type: Full time

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

Salary: Based on experience

Application Deadline: 8/1/2026

Contact:
Tim Chason
📧 tchason@thechasongroup.com
📞 4047350540

To Apply:
Professionals interested in this executive leadership opportunity are invited to upload a cover letter and resume at www.thechasongroup.com by May 31, 2026.
For more information, contact Tim Chason at 404.735.0540 or tchason@thechasongroup.com

About Rome-Floyd County and Northwest Georgia

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome and Floyd County, Georgia offer a strategic location that blends small-town charm with regional connectivity. Positioned roughly 70 miles northwest of Atlanta and within easy driving distance of Chattanooga and Birmingham, Rome and Floyd County provide convenient access to major metropolitan markets while maintaining a relaxed pace of life. The region is served by key transportation corridors, including U.S. highways and state routes that connect to the broader interstate system, enhancing mobility for businesses and residents alike.

With a population of approximately 100,000 residents in Rome and Floyd County, the region is nearing 250,000 citizens. Rome and Floyd County serve as the economic and cultural hub of Northwest Georgia. Its economy is anchored by a diverse mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with the city and county also recognized as a regional medical center and workforce hub.

Rome and Floyd County’s quality of life is defined by affordability, minimal congestion, and abundant outdoor recreation along its rivers and surrounding hills. The community is further strengthened by a robust education system, featuring two public school systems, five private systems, and higher education institutions such as Berry College, Shorter University, Georgia Highlands College, and Northwest Georgia Technical College, which support workforce development and lifelong learning. Together, these assets position Rome and Floyd County as a vibrant, accessible community for residents and businesses alike.

The Organization

The Rome Floyd County Development Authority is the lead organization for business recruitment, expansion, and retention in the region. RFCDA serves as a proactive partner to local governments, educational institutions, and private sector leaders in shaping the area's economic future.

The Authority is dedicated to attracting new industry and investment to the region; supporting the retention and expansion of existing businesses; developing workforce pipelines through strategic education-industry partnerships; and promoting Rome and Floyd County as a destination for commerce and innovation.

RFCDA is instrumental in enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life through thoughtful planning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership.

The Position

The President and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all aspects of operation for the Rome Floyd County Development Authority. The professional will lead the strategic planning and execution of economic development for the Rome and Floyd County area. The leader is responsible for recruiting targeted new businesses, retaining, supporting, and expanding existing businesses as well as collaborating with community partners to develop, retain and attract a strong workforce for the area. The executive is also responsible for oversight and direction of the Authority’s internal team to include those dedicated to existing industry retention, project management, and administration.

The ideal candidate will possess integrity, leadership skills, strong communication skills, marketing and public relations expertise, financial acumen, and be politically savvy. 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.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experiences

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally with an MBA or other postgraduate work, in the area(s) of economic development, community development, real estate, public relations, public administration, business, and/or marketing from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record of successful business attraction, retention, and expansion projects.
• Five years of executive-level leadership experience in economic development, with substantial experience in a managerial role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive strategic planning and execute complex projects.
• An innovative, creative, and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant initiatives and goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of public policy, economic trends, and business climates.
• Ability to navigate government processes and leverage public-private partnerships with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, utility providers, and other statewide allies.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experienced, strategic economic development professional with proven results; experience in property/ site development
• Strong leadership skills; politically savvy; relationship and team builder
• Highly personable with marketing skills; values existing industries
• Excellent communication, presentation and collaboration skills

Specific Duties

Economic Development and Marketing

• 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:

o Develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies that align with the vision and mission of the Authority.
o Lead efforts to attract new businesses to the region by promoting the area’s economic advantages.
o 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.
o 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.
o Maintain relationships with statewide project managers, site selection consultants, property owners, and real estate brokers.

Fiscal Management

• Serve as the fiscal agent for transactions relating to the Development Authority. These duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following responsibilities:

o Develop and present to the board for approval, promptly and on an annual basis, a budget that represents the goals and objectives of the Development Authority.
o Audit, allocate, and approve all invoices for expenses incurred by the Development Authority supporting the respective operations and matching the strategic initiatives.
o Consistently review options for additional funding sources to enhance the economic environment of the community. This shall include grants based on the needs of the community.

Organizational Leadership

• The President is responsible for selecting, leading, managing, and empowering the paid professional staff.