Golden Triangle Development LINK - (Columbus–Starkville–West Point, MS) – President and CEO

Golden Triangle Development LINK - (Columbus–Starkville–West Point,
MS) – President and CEO

Opportunity Summary
The President & CEO is the chief architect and lead negotiator for the Golden Triangle Development LINK (“LINK”), the nationally recognized regional EDO serving Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha Counties, home to Columbus, Starkville, and West Point. Reporting to the Board, the President & CEO drives strategy, manages the team and budget, and serves as the region’s chief spokesperson to site selectors, companies, investors, and state/utility partners. Over two decades, the Golden Triangle has surpassed $10B in capital investment and 10,000+ jobs with marquee wins across steel, aerospace, automotive, wood products, and technology, positioning the next CEO to convert an already strong brand and asset base into the region’s next wave of high-wage growth.

About the Organization
LINK is the regional economic development organization for the Golden Triangle. It began as Columbus-Lowndes Economic Development Association, rebranded in 2003, and expanded in 2013 to serve the tri-county region. The stated vision is one of incremental approach to achieve exponential results, anchored in collaboration, transparency, and efficiency.

Strategic Context & Momentum
The LINK’s current portfolio includes high-impact projects such as Steel Dynamics’ $2.5B aluminum mill in Lowndes County, the TVA-certified CINCO Megasite, and the emerging supplier park network. Other recent wins include additional investments from Camgian, Fabricators Supply, and Stark Aerospace, as well as expanded air service via American Airlines at Golden Triangle Regional Airport.

Position Scope
The President & CEO converts regional advantages into measurable outcomes, capital investment, job creation, wage growth, and tax base expansion, while maintaining the LINK’s reputation for speed, certainty, and creative problem solving. Primary external partners include the Mississippi Development Authority, TVA, regional utilities, county/municipal governments, Golden Triangle Regional Airport, and higher-ed/workforce entities.
Essential Functions

Project & Deal Leadership
•Drive new lead generation of companies that align with the Golden Triangle’s culture, industrial strengths, and strategic focus sectors.
•Present opportunities to county and municipal partners; serve as chief facilitator on incentive packages, infrastructure commitments, and development agreements.
•Manage the full incentive cycle, from structuring through approval and close, ensuring timely and transparent coordination with the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), TVA, and local entities.
•Guide the preparation of incentive proposals, due diligence materials, and financial models supporting new and expansion projects.
•Evaluate third-party due-diligence reports and internal assessments to ensure sound decision-making.
•Lead ongoing Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) efforts across Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha Counties to support existing employers and encourage reinvestment.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Alignment
•Strengthen key alliances by deepening collaboration with municipal and county governments, state agencies, utility providers, higher-education institutions (including Mississippi State University, East Mississippi Community College, & other institutions of higher learning), and private-sector investors.
•Maintain and grow relationships with funding partners; identify opportunities to expand and diversify the investor base known as The Trust, making recommendations to the Board as appropriate.
•Coordinate regional strategies across public and private sectors to ensure alignment and unified advocacy on policy, infrastructure, and workforce priorities.
Marketing & Communications
•Advance a unified regional brand strategy that positions the Golden Triangle as the South’s premier location for large-scale industrial and technology investment.
•Oversee marketing collateral, digital presence, and website content to reflect LINK’s achievements and assets.
•Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson, clearly articulating the mission, vision, and impact of the LINK to media, site selectors, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
•Produce clear, persuasive written communications for investors, Board members, and the general public that reinforce transparency and credibility.
•Represent the organization at key industry events, conferences, and trade missions to elevate the region’s visibility.
Team Leadership & Development
•Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing, mission-driven staff aligned with LINK’s strategic objectives.
•Set clear expectations, performance metrics, and accountability systems that drive individual and organizational success.
•Encourage professional development and a culture of innovation, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
Finance, Governance & Professional Standards
•Direct the annual budgeting process, prepare, review, and present financial plans for Board approval; ensure efficient use of resources and transparent reporting to funding partners.
•Work closely with the Executive Committee, third-party accounting firm, and independent auditors to maintain fiscal discipline and ensure compliance.
•Stay informed on industry best practices, financial trends, and legal developments relevant to economic development and public-private partnerships.
•Address inquiries from clients, regulators, and community stakeholders with professionalism and clarity.
•Uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all organizational operations.

Traits & Skills
•Decisive Leader – Makes confident, data-informed decisions grounded in experience, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of policy and process. Balances speed with precision to keep complex projects moving forward.
•Strong Technician – Brings a solid command of the technical dimensions of economic development—utilities, real estate, finance, infrastructure, and site readiness. Understands how these elements interact to make projects viable and can engage confidently with engineers, developers, and financial partners.
•Collaborative Partner & Diplomat – Fosters long-term, trust-based relationships across the Golden Triangle’s counties, cities, state partners, utilities, and private investors. Navigates political dynamics with tact while keeping focus on shared goals. Builds alignment through transparency and inclusion.
•Well-Connected Professional – Maintains deep, trusted relationships within the national site selection, economic development, and industry consultant networks. Leverages these connections to identify opportunities, stay ahead of market trends, and enhance the region’s visibility.
•Deal Maker – Negotiates agreements that advance regional priorities while creating win-win outcomes for companies, partners, and communities. Brings credibility and creativity to the table in every transaction.
•Innovative Problem Solver – Tackles immediate challenges and long-range opportunities with creativity and resourcefulness. Brings fresh thinking to site readiness, infrastructure solutions, and incentive structuring.
•Market-Savvy Strategist – Anticipates shifts in global, national, and regional economies. Spots emerging opportunities that align with LINK’s strengths.
•Team Builder & Mentor – Unites staff around clear objectives and measurable outcomes. Delegates effectively, develops talent, and sustains a high-performance, collaborative culture.
•Authentic Leader – Projects credibility and composure in every setting, from boardrooms and community meetings to state-level briefings and national conferences. Carries a room through clear communication, preparation, and a leadership style that inspires confidence and trust.
•Hands-On Executive – Balances strategic oversight with direct engagement. Understands every layer of the organization, from Megasite development to investor relations, and leads by example.
•Visionary & Executor – Articulates a bold vision for the Golden Triangle’s next era of growth and follows through with disciplined implementation and measurable results.
•Exceptional Communicator – Serves as a compelling advocate for the organization and the region. Delivers clear, persuasive messages in both written and spoken form, whether addressing the Board, investors, public audiences, or the press.

Experience & Education
•7+ years managing teams and budgets in economic development with major project leadership experience
•Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Economic Development, or related field required
•Hands-on experience with Megasite projects preferred
•Advanced credentials (CEcD/EDFP/MEDP) preferred

Reporting & Governance
Reports to the Board of Directors of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. Works closely with county and city leadership, utility partners, and private investors through The Trust.

Location
Based in the Golden Triangle—Columbus, Starkville, and West Point, Mississippi—with regular regional and national travel.

Compensation & Benefits
Competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience, with benefits and relocation assistance considered. Expected base compensation of $350,000+.

Confidentiality
Candidate confidentiality will be maintained throughout the recruitment process. Background and reference checks will be conducted. The Golden Triangle Development LINK is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application Process
This position is open until filled. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume to Anthony Michelic at LINK@jorgensonpace.com. Upon receipt, resumes and cover letters will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this brochure. Jorgenson Pace will contact candidates selected for an interview.

References and Background Check
Candidates will be checked extensively for background and references. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, a peer, a development client, and a subordinate, as applicable. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release information for the purpose of the background investigation, which will include education, social media background, credit check, criminal, and driving records. Should an offer be extended before to the completion of these checks, the offer will be made contingent.