The President and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all aspects of operations for the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce and reports directly to the Board of Directors through an annually elected Chair. The professional provides vision, strategic direction, and management for the programs and personnel of the organization. The leader demonstrates expertise in collaboration, nonprofit governance and operations, financial management, tourism, marketing, public policy and advocacy, and community, economic, and workforce development. 

The President and CEO serves as the lead spokesperson for the Chamber and strategic initiatives, representing the organization’s interests to the media, elected officials, and all community and organizational stakeholders. The professional is charged with the proficient management of all resources at the Chamber’s disposal, including both team members and volunteer efforts. These resources must be expertly deployed to align with the mission of the organization and to advance the growth and prosperity of the Chamber and community.

The professional is recognized as a dynamic leader with high integrity. Key skill sets required include the ability to manage and support current programs; develop new initiatives and collaborative partnerships; and to lead and engage all Chamber stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in the area(s) of association management, economic development, community development, public relations, public administration, business and/or marketing from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years of executive-level leadership and personnel management experience with a Chamber of Commerce, destination marketing organization, or nonprofit organization of similar scale and complexity, or private sector, with demonstrated working knowledge of business, public policy, tourism, community development, economic development, workforce development, event planning, and program development.
• A Certificate in Nonprofit Organization Management through the U.S. Chamber’s Institute of Management (IOM) and the professional designation of Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) are highly preferred. In the absence of these professional credentials, a strong desire to achieve them at the earliest opportunity is the expectation of the Board of the chosen candidate.
• A Professional in Destination Management certificate and / or Certified Destination Marketing Executive educational achievement are highly preferred.
• A proven tenure in implementing a visionary strategic plan in collaboration with a diverse and influential body of organizational stakeholders.
• An innovative, creative, and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant initiatives and goals to enhance a region’s tax base and a track record of proven results.
• A strong financial background in budget management.
• Experience in running a Chamber that is also a Destination Marketing Organization or Visitors Bureau is a plus.