One Sumter Economic Development Foundation - The Chason Group

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

One Sumter Economic Development Foundation | Americus, Georgia

Unite and Lead a Southwest Georgia Community on the Rise

One Sumter is seeking a collaborative, visible, and results-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The executive search is being led by The Chason Group (www.thechasongroup.com).

This is an opportunity to lead the organization that brings Americus and Sumter County together. The next Executive Director will build on a strong record of partnership-driven achievements, including community-wide broadband, the Ignite College and Career Academy, Sumter 100, and the Pearly Brown Amphitheater. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to clarify One Sumter’s priorities, strengthen partnerships, expand resources, and advance workforce, housing, and downtown initiatives that matter to residents and employers.

One Sumter is seeking more than an administrator. It wants a trusted, neutral convener who can build relationships, bring the right people to the table, secure resources, and move projects from discussion to results.

About Americus, Georgia

Americus, the county seat of Sumter County, is a historic Southwest Georgia city of roughly 16,000 residents within a county of about 28,000. It is home to Georgia Southwestern State University, South Georgia Technical College, and a historic downtown anchored by the Rylander Theatre.

The community is known for its welcoming spirit, generosity, and strong personal relationships. It offers broadband connectivity, higher education, and downtown amenities.

About One Sumter

One Sumter’s mission is the enhancement and promotion of economic development, workforce development, marketing and communication, and transportation. Its GROW 2029 framework focuses on Collaborative Leadership, a Safe and Vibrant Community, an In-Demand Workforce, and Effective Communications.

One Sumter works with the City of Americus, Sumter County, the Chamber of Commerce, the Payroll Development Authority, Georgia Southwestern State University, employers, and community partners to secure funding and deliver projects that benefit the entire community.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director serves as One Sumter’s chief executive, leading its strategy, partnerships, fundraising, communications, staff, and operations under the Board’s direction.

The Executive Director will be actively engaged in the community, convening partners, managing projects, cultivating donors, and telling One Sumter’s story. Success will require a leader who builds consensus, remains politically neutral, and becomes an engaged member of the community.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an accomplished, relationship-centered leader who combines vision with disciplined execution. One Sumter is particularly interested in candidates with:

• Demonstrated success building relationships and coalitions across diverse groups.
• Experience managing complex, multi-partner projects.
• A record of securing grants, government funding, and private contributions.
• Strong judgment, neutrality, and credibility.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills.
• Experience in a rural, small-city, or Southern community, or the ability to adapt quickly.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Five or more years of experience in economic or community development, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, or related fields.
• Equivalent education and executive experience may be considered.
• Nonprofit or economic development organization leadership experience is preferred.
• Public, private, philanthropic, or regional leadership experience qualifies.
• Georgia knowledge and relationships are desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

One Sumter intends to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package appropriate to the responsibilities of the position.