Dawson County Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Apr. 26.
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Selects Kevin Herrit to Serve as Director of Economic Development
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has selected Kevin Herrit to serve as Director of Economic Development. The announcement was made this week by Mandy Power, President and Chief Executive Officer of the business organization.
“The economic development search committee has been very strategic in making a selection in this process,” according to Power. “As a group, we were looking for a professional who understands a rural area while at the same time has the knowledge and skill sets to move our area forward in terms of new jobs and retaining existing businesses. Kevin brings those experiences to the chamber team.”
Herrit has served as Community Development Director for the City of Dahlonega; Principal Planner, Columbus (GA) Consolidated Government; Community Transportation Planner, Tennessee Department of Transportation; and City/County Planner, Whitfield County.
The Chamber’s Director of Economic Development is responsible for leading a focused effort to increase investment and support the creation of new jobs in the county and the expansion and retention of existing jobs. The professional leader is accountable for both commercial and industrial recruitment. The overall goal is to expand the local tax base and grow new high-quality jobs. The director also represents the chamber, Development Authority of Dawson County, and community at meetings with clients, investors, developers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
“I look forward to becoming a part of the Chamber team as well as working with the elected and appointed leaders of the community,” Herrit said. “Small and professional business growth and retention will remain a high priority for the Chamber and Development Authority. It is also important that as a community and economic development team, we begin to establish relationships with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and other statewide partners to present ideas for industrial growth opportunities. Economic development is a team sport, and I am excited to join the team.”
Herrit is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in community and regional planning. In May 2022, he will receive his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Georgia. Other certifications and leadership training certifications Herrit has earned include American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); Economic Development Finance Professional Certification (EDFP); Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of North Georgia; and Managers Institute & Directors Institute (APA); and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.
Herrit’s first day in the position at the Chamber is set for May 2.
The Dawson Chamber engaged The Chason Group to lead the executive search process. The firm, which is Georgia based, specializes in executive searches for economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations, and other non-profits.
Original source can be found here.
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