Summary

The Columbia Economic Development Corp. is conducting a search for an experienced, versatile, results-driven professional to pilot our multi-pronged initiatives in Columbia County NY.

The successful candidate will manage a staff of seven, administer a $1.3 million budget, implement a strategic plan, oversee a $3.5 million loan portfolio, leverage economic development funding, maintain relationships with community stakeholders, act as the agency's spokesperson, and serve as a first point of contact for businesses desiring to grow in Columbia County.

The President & CEO must be a strong leader with economic development experience, high integrity, and top-notch communication skills, capable of working with many constituencies while guiding staff to carry out CEDC's objectives and CEDC staff in order to achieve our strategic and operational goals.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the top candidate will be responsible for general administration, finance and accounting, loans and grants, business retention and expansion, membership development, and ongoing engagement with board members as well as other partners and stakeholders, including the Columbia County Board of Supervisors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 Implement the goals of CEDC as set forth in the Strategic Plan and organizational policies as established by the Board of Directors.
 Oversee CEDC's fiscal function and performance, including budgeting, management, and reporting.
 Communicate with the Board and membership, along with CEDC's stakeholders, partners and regulatory oversight agencies regarding economic development activities, opportunities and trends.
 Work hand-in-hand with the Board of Supervisors and its Economic Development Committee to ensure programmatic and financial success.
 Manage, train, support and motivate the professional staff.
 Maintain partnerships with county, town and village elected officials, community organizations and county residents, serving as a resource and advocate in supporting economic development opportunities.
 Promote cooperation between business and education to ensure a strong workforce pipeline.
 Build alliances with state and federal economic development partners and elected officials to assure local awareness of and participation in programs supporting economic and community development.
 Meet regularly with existing businesses and other key employers, maintaining positive and supportive relationships.

The Ideal Candidate

 5+ years of progressive experience in economic development field
 Understanding of federal, New York State, and local economic development programs and funding sources
 Knowledge of industrial development agency, land bank, and SBA functions
 Experience partnering with state, county and municipal governments
 Experience providing executive support to a board of directors
 Outstanding writing and public speaking skills
 5+ years of personnel management and supervision
 Proven problem-solving, multi-tasking and relationship building skills
 Appreciation for Columbia County's uniqueness

Additional Information

The salary range is $130,000 to $150,000 per year. Employee compensation and benefit policies can be accessed at this web address:
https://columbiaedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CEDC-Employee-Handbook-revised-and-adopted-6-27-23.pdf
Participation in evening meetings is required. Some travel is necessary. Mileage for authorized travel is reimbursed.

To Apply

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references by email only to [email protected] no later than May 1, 2026.

About CEDC

Formed as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation in 1994, CEDC is the lead economic development organization for Columbia County, New York. Our mission is to strengthen the area's tax base through economic growth and job creation, to help businesses succeed, and to promote Columbia County as a desirable habitat for business investment and personal opportunity. Our activities focus on business retention and expansion, housing, community planning and downtown revitalization, land use, infrastructure including broadband and cellular service, and lending and technical assistance to small businesses.

Reports to: Econ Development Manager Class Code: 1824

Grade: 109 FLSA: Exempt

Hourly Wage: $40.79 ~ $48.95

NATURE OF WORK

Serving the public with project management, administrative and technical work to advance economic development opportunities. This position plans, organizes, and implements the economic development programs of the City to promote the growth and development of the City's economic base, assists in the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and vigorously seeks out new businesses for the City. This position plays a key role in City priorities by defining, aligning, and redeveloping investment, real estate, and infrastructure. This is a project management role that incudes strategic planning and technical work to strengthen Rockford's economic base. The position has considerable interface with all departments of the City, City Council, and the development and business community.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a professional project-management position responsible for the implementation, development and creation of economic development activities to achieve the community's vision and goals related to job growth. Work requires ability to create resources to ensure success of plan. The role will require establishing and implementing new initiatives to meet City and Department goals. The position will involve activities with public funding sources including local, state, and federal including Tax Increment Financing Districts, River Edge Redevelopment Zone, Enterprise Zone, Community Development Block Grant, and other financial programs and sources. Additionally, the role will involve a high-level of inter-division collaboration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.)

Assists with implementation of the City's economic development programs, including Community Development Block Grant, Tax Increment Financing districts, Enterprise Zones, River Edge Redevelopment Zone and other related business development activities.

Develops programs for business growth and property development that advance City priorities using City's cost reduction tools or funding sources.

Manages projects and Program administration including analysis of Program impact.

Manages assigned development and redevelopment projects.

Prepares TIF Proforma increment projections and other financial analysis.

Leads TIF projects that may range from prospecting projects to active TIF projects.

Assists in managing TIF administration along with Economic Development Manager and Fiscal Coordinator.

Leads City's involvement in state RFIs by supporting GRCC.

Develops requests for proposals (RFPs), conducts project evaluations, and coordinates
development agreements

Assists with development and execution of plans for redevelopment areas with City staff, private and public partners, and consultants, which may involve development of industrial parks, commercial focus areas, neighborhood supportive services. Reviews and evaluates work of consultants and partners.

Markets and recruits new industrial and commercial business to locate within the City.

Oversees the management of identified projects and develops a comprehensive schedule and timeline.

Attends various departmental and division staff meetings, as well as City Council Planning and Development Committee meetings. Makes public presentations and responds to questions and comments.

Leads engagement with industry organizations including Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association, R1 Planning, IMEC, RAAN and other stakeholders and industry organizations.

Presents technical policy options for consideration by Administration and City Council.

Serves as the liaison between the local government and the chamber of commerce, merchants association, sister cities, and other public and private or nonprofit groups and associations interested in economic development.

Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Economic Development Manager with additional guidance provided by the Community Development Director and City Administrator.

Work is performed according to extensive state and federal regulations particularly at times when utilizing EZ, CDBG, EDA, and TIF financing. Work is reviewed through established city, department, and program checks and balances, with substantive policy and procedural changes, major expenditures or special projects being reviewed by the department director or other city officials. Work is reviewed annually for overall results achieved.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision of staff is not a direct responsibility of this position although it may oversee individuals assigned to assist in the implementation of specific projects. May coordinate efforts of various agencies responsible for development services.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, however work activities may require travel to various sites throughout the city and out-of-town travel for business recruitment, to attend meetings and conferences as required.

SUCCESS FACTORS (KSAs)

Considerable knowledge of community economic development, including business attraction, expansion, and retention with a special emphasis on commercial and industrial development.

Considerable knowledge of complex and discretionary elements of real estate development activities, including project management and coordination of various ad hoc inter/intra departmental project teams.

Considerable knowledge of HUD "Special Economic Development Activities", EDA programs, and State of IL TIF provisions and Enterprise Zone implementation.

Knowledge of current and historic problems and issues facing Minority and Women owned businesses.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to make effective presentations in meetings and using PowerPoint when appropriate.

Ability to understand and explain complex concepts related to development projects, real estate transactions, and financial agreements.

Ability to supervise and direct the work of others as needed

Ability to manage multiple programs and projects.

Skill in the use and care of a personal computer with a special emphasis on developing and evaluating pro forma for real estate development and business use.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Real Estate, Public Administration, Planning, Marketing, Economics, or related field with a minimum of 7 years progressively responsible experience in the public or private sector, creating development plans with the predominate use being industrial. Must also have experience in the promotion and coordination of various programs for implementing such plans. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Illinois driver's license.

Residency requirement:

All employees (except Police and Fire) shall reside anywhere in Winnebago County or anywhere within fifteen (15) miles of the Rockford City Hall within six (6) months of completion of their introductory period, department heads and City Administrator shall live within the municipal boundaries of the City of Rockford within six (6) months of their completion of their introductory period.

The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com) has been selected to collaborate with the KEDC for this executive search.

The Organization
The Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) is a Type A economic development organization serving the City of Kilgore, Texas. Governed by a five-member Board of Directors appointed by the City Council, KEDC is charged with advancing economic growth through the attraction, expansion, and retention of primary employers.

KEDC has a strong track record of performance, including significant capital investment, job creation, and long-term growth in industrial property values. The organization operates with a focused team responsible for business development, real estate and site development, marketing, and project coordination. KEDC is widely recognized for its results-driven approach and has received international recognition for excellence in economic development.

The Community
Kilgore, Texas, is a historically business focused community with a strong economic foundation and access to a regional labor market that spans multiple counties. The community benefits from engaged local leadership, including alignment among municipal partners, education institutions, and the business community.

Kilgore maintains a reputation for outperforming peer communities with new opportunities related to industrial land availability, infrastructure capacity, and further strengthening its market position. The community is well-positioned for continued growth through strategic development, business retention, and proactive recruitment efforts.

Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of KEDC and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director directs all economic development initiatives, including business recruitment, retention and expansion, real estate development, and stakeholder engagement.

This role requires a highly relational and strategic leader who can balance long-term vision with operational execution. The Executive Director will represent KEDC to business leaders, site selectors, government officials, and community stakeholders while ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic plan and program of work.

Key Responsibilities
-Strategic Leadership and Organizational Management
-Lead organizational strategy, operations, and program execution
-Ensure financial stewardship and performance accountability
-Maintain strong alignment and communication with the Board
-Business Development and Project Management
-Drive business recruitment, retention, and expansion initiatives
-Manage key relationships and oversee the project pipeline
-Lead RFP responses and incentive strategy development
-Real Estate and Site Development
-Advance industrial site acquisition and development strategies
-Address land availability and infrastructure readiness challenges
-Stakeholder Engagement and External Relations
-Build and sustain relationships with public and private stakeholders
-Represent and promote KEDC to external partners and prospects
-Navigate political and community dynamics effectively
-Workforce and Community Collaboration
-Align workforce development efforts with employer needs
-Strengthen partnerships across education, business, and community sectors

Strategic Priorities for the First 12-24 Months
Organizational and Cultural Leadership
-Build trust and strengthen relationships with Board, staff, and community stakeholders
-Foster a collaborative, team-oriented organizational culture
-Assess and stabilize internal structure, roles, and staff development

Market Positioning and Business Development
-Execute marketing, outreach, and lead generation efforts
-Build and strengthen the project pipeline
-Increase visibility and credibility of KEDC in the economic development marketplace

Operational Effectiveness
-Evaluate and enhance Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) programs
-Strengthen internal processes for project management and reporting
-Align organizational activities with measurable performance outcomes

Long-Term Growth Strategy
-Advance strategies for industrial land acquisition and development
-Address infrastructure challenges through strategic partnerships and planning
-Position Kilgore for sustainable economic growth and diversification

Required Education and Experience
-Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
-Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience
-Demonstrated experience in economic development, business development, or a related field
-Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required

Preferred Qualifications
-Master's degree in economic development, public administration, business, or a related field
-Ten (10) or more years of relevant experience
-Experience working within Texas economic development frameworks, including incentives and tax structures
-Certification in economic development (e.g., CEcD) or progress toward certification.

Search Contact
The Kilgore Economic Development Corporation has engaged The Chason Group to lead this national search.

Contact: James McCoy
Vice President
The Chason Group
770.842.4774
[email protected]
www.thechasongroup.com

Position Type: Full-Time Exempt

Reports To: Director of Economic Development

Pay range: $83,000 - $98,000

Location: Grand Forks, ND; in-person

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm

Working Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, with occasional early morning and evening work

POSITION SUMMARY
The Business Development Manager directs economic development programs and projects in the Grand Forks region, working with community leaders to attract new businesses and support local businesses with retention and/or expansion projects. The Business Development Manager must effectively build and maintain relationships with public and private partners, stakeholders, and industry representatives to effectively advance the EDC's strategy, goals, and objectives to recruit, grow, and retain primary sector businesses that align with EDC priorities. S/he frequently meets with stakeholders and collaborates at various levels to advance the EDC's strategy, goals, and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and deploy strategies for primary sector business attraction, recruitment and retention initiatives in the region's target industries.
Maintain sound knowledge of the region's business development assets including, but not limited to, its communities, service providers, incentive programs, and available sites.
Manage projects portfolio, ensuring EDC is responding to client needs; track projects' status; prepare necessary reporting.
Manage client projects through necessary processes to include responding to RFPs and preparing proposals; coordinating site visits; packaging financial applications; identifying and connecting clients to regional resources and partners.
Manage activities of the Foreign Trade Zone, recruiting and supporting clients and overseeing reporting requirements.
Regularly attend business community meetings and events; serve as an EDC spokesperson with stakeholder groups and media.
Participate in professional associations and organizations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Requires a bachelor's degree in business or related field. At least two years of business development experience is preferred.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of economic development.
Competent user of standard business computer software and client management system.
Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting reports and projects.
Must have strong interpersonal, organization and communication skills for facilitating relations with public and private sector partners; ability to function successfully in a team environment.
Demonstrated ability to work within timelines to define and execute steps necessary to bring projects to successful conclusions.
Effective organization skills, with the ability to use independent judgment regarding work priorities.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Occasional overnight travel may be required

BENEFITS
10 paid holidays
6.67 hours of paid vacation accrued per month (2 weeks annually, increases after 24 months of employment)
8 hours of sick leave accrued per month
Comprehensive health and other insurance coverage
Retirement plan

Jorgenson Pace has been retained to conduct this executive search.

Southwest Michigan First is seeking a transformational CEO to lead the region through its next phase of growth, transitioning from strong momentum to scaled, measurable regional impact.

This leader will be responsible for:
• Executing a comprehensive, data-driven regional strategy
• Driving high-ROI economic development initiatives
• Strengthening regional alignment across public and private sectors
• Advancing inclusive economic growth and talent strategies
• Positioning Southwest Michigan as a top-tier U.S. region for investment and talent

The CEO will lead at a critical inflection point, where regional collaboration, innovation, and execution discipline will determine long-term competitiveness.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Drive Regional Economic Growth Strategy
• Lead execution across five strategic focus areas (Businesses, People, Places, Operations, Consultant Connect)
• Prioritize high-return initiatives and catalyst projects
• Align stakeholders around measurable outcomes and performance metrics

Strengthen Regionalism and Partnerships
• Deepen collaboration across municipalities, counties, and institutions
• Improve alignment of local, regional, and state economic development efforts
• Serve as the unifying voice for Southwest Michigan's economic future
• Support other economic development organizations

Accelerate Business Development and Investment
• Advance strategies in:
o Business retention & expansion (BRE)
o Targeted business attraction
o Industry cluster growth (manufacturing, medical devices, food & beverage, health sciences)
• Strengthen site selector relationships and deal flow pipelines

Lead Talent and Workforce Transformation
• Align education and workforce systems with industry needs
• Address talent attraction, retention, and skills gaps
• Expand leadership development and community engagement initiatives

Champion Quality of Place and Regional Competitiveness
• Advance housing, infrastructure, and placemaking strategies
• Promote Southwest Michigan as a destination for business and talent
• Support catalytic development and site readiness initiatives

Scale Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Expand support for small businesses and entrepreneurs
• Advance the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Foster inclusive growth, including support for underserved communities

Ensure Organizational Excellence and Growth
• Strengthen financial sustainability and investor engagement
• Build and retain a high-performing team
• Optimize systems, data, and operational alignment

Enhance Consultant Connect
• Grow consulting services, events, and thought leadership
• Strengthen relationships with site selectors and economic developers nationwide
• Diversify revenue streams and enhance brand visibility

COMPETENCIES
• Passionate about creating growth and prosperity in a community or region.
• History of successful leadership that is visionary, inclusive, accessible, and authentic.
• A strong understanding of the economic development ecosystem and how to work within a multi-jurisdictional region to strengthen commerce (high-level network to include local, state, federal governmental agencies, as well as business and industry associations).
• Demonstrated success in fund development, investor engagement, and growing private-sector support, including the ability to build and sustain strong relationships with CEOs, investors, and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of domestic and international business and markets, business development competencies, and the ability to close deals.
• Experience using metrics, dashboards, and performance management.
• Be adept at public policy and advocating on behalf of the business community.
• Build a culture of trust and collaboration amongst private and public-sector entities across the region and state.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and a track record of execution.
• Be a highly effective communicator, both written and oral.
• Have the courage, resilience, and persuasiveness to move forward with actionable initiatives that will foster economic growth.
• Form great teams, both internally and externally, to execute the Southwest Michigan First mission.
• Exhibit an ethical approach and commitment to community interests.
• Be self-confident, self-aware, and energized by challenges.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
• Bachelor's degree and at least ten years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, with a track record of success and proven results in leading a complex organization. Business acumen and project management skills.
• Proficiency in community, economic, and business development, and strategic planning.
• Understanding of the changing dynamics of the business environment in the region and what is required to attract and expand businesses to a community in such an environment.
• Strong character, with emotional intelligence, authenticity, and a broad perspective.
• Ability to collaborate and negotiate with community partners and diverse groups of people and interests.
• Superior interpersonal and organizational communications, ability to build and sustain working relationships, and build coalitions.
• Proven ability to attract, retain, and develop excellent staff. Must continue to build, strengthen, and energize a high-performance staff that can successfully implement and manage current and future initiatives while providing a collaborative and empowering environment.
• Professional experience with public relations, media relations, and public speaking.
• Effective Board relations; an open communicator who can provide timely information, minimize conflict, implement policy initiatives, and has a clear understanding of the difference between policy and administration.
• Experience working with academic communities to create and leverage public-private partnerships.

PERSONAL TRAITS
• Managing People and Performance - Manages and empowers people to help them achieve full potential and attain exceptional individual and team performance.
• Leading and Directing - Inspires and leads through clear vision and directions, organizing and enabling resources, and making critical decisions.
• Managing and Leveraging Relationships - Invests in relationships to successfully influence and build shared goals and achieve optimal organizational solutions and results.
• Communication and Presenting - Shares ideas and information across diverse audiences and entities to drive organizational performance and effectiveness.
• Strategic Thinking - Accustomed to changing dynamics facing the organization; leverages sharp organizational acumen to develop opportunities and strategies for organizational success.
• Analyzing and Deciding/Problem Solving - Makes sound rational decisions by thoroughly analyzing all aspects of a problem or issue.
• Planning and Organizing - Plans and organizes a detailed course of action that ensures the successful accomplishment of organizational initiatives and objectives.
• Executing for Results - Drives performance through expert management and execution of organizational plans and activities.
• Fostering Innovation and Change - Embraces and promotes innovation and change as a way to enhance personal, team, and organizational effectiveness.
• Maintaining Self Awareness and Impact - Maintains objectivity about own self; manages the impact of self on others, and actively learns from experience to maximize positive impact.
• Adapting to Change and Stress - Adapts and responds well to change; manages pressure effectively and copes well with setbacks.
• Upholding Standards - Consistently adheres to and upholds clear professional and ethical standards that complement those of the organization.

Cover letter and resume to [email protected]