An outside group is now leading the Greater Starkville Development Partnership’s search for a new chief executive officer.
The Oxford-based Logan Development Group is expected to present a new group of finalists to the GSDP Board of Directors in July, a GSDP press release states.
Before then, the firm will meet with the GSDP search committee and community stakeholders during a site visit, develop a criteria for the position and develop a recruitment profile to aid in a nationwide search.
“(The firm) has a history of successful placements in community development, and we look forward to utilizing their experience to help us with this vital role in the community,” said GSDP board Chairwoman Michelle Amos in the release.
Logan has conducted previous national executive searches for various industries, including economic development, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, government, health care and private industry.
“Being a Mississippi company, it means a lot to work close to home and assist such a great organization. (The Partnership) and the Starkville community (have) a lot to offer, and we think this position will be very attractive,” said CEO Daniel Logan in the release.
Heath Barret, the Partnership’s director of member development, has led the organization on an interim basis since former CEO Jennifer Gregory resigned her post in October.
Sources familiar with the CEO search previously told The Dispatch Barret and two other external candidates made the shortlist for the position this spring, but the two other candidates pulled out of the job search for unknown reasons.
Barret has not yet confirmed his candidacy, and it is not known if he is still considered for the job, as he is listed as the Partnership’s contact person for more information about the search on the Partnership’s Friday press release.
Following Gregory’s departure, the GSDP board created a new position — tourism director — that’s expected to absorb some of the former executive’s responsibilities. Jennifer Prather, the Partnership’s special events coordinator and Starkville Community Market manager, was tapped last month to fill that position on an interim basis.
Last year’s personnel shake-up also included the departure of Business Manager Shelby Stevenson, who left for another job.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 44 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
