The Chason Group Recruits CEO for Southern Conservation Trust
April 1, 2024 – The Chason Group has placed dedicated and proven conservation enthusiast Chris Doane as president and CEO of Southern Conservation Trust in Fayetteville, GA. He is replacing Katie Pace Quattlebaum who served seven years as CEO and executive director until stepping down in May of 2023. “Chris’ experience in the areas of leading and building a non-profit like SCT weighed significantly in the Board’s thought process,” said James Yates, chair of the board and senior construction manager for Comcast. “He brings a proven record of building sustainable revenues in the world of conservation. Also, Chris is a visionary and results oriented. His previous engagements show that collaboration is always at the top of his mindset.”
Mr. Doane most recently served as president and creative director for The Crezent Agency in Newnan, GA. The marketing agency offers a broad range of consulting services to a diverse client base. Mr. Doane and his team consulted for multiple international brands and hundreds of small businesses including Hella, Duracell, Yanmar, and Piedmont Hospital. Previously, he held positions with Atlanta American Corporation, Paxton Media Group, and Flint River College.
In the non-profit arena, Mr. Doane served as the president of SORBA Atlanta (MTB Atlanta). While in this role, the organization has established relationships with 25-plus organizations including Georgia State Parks, The Army Corps of Engineers, The Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land and multiple cities and counties in an effort to conserve greenspace and activate passive recreation opportunities. Mr. Doane also serves as vice president and incoming president of SORBA/IMBA in Gainesville, GA.
“A lifelong aspiration of mine has been to positively influence my community,” said Mr. Doane. “Aligning with organizations focused on outdoor recreation, conservation, outdoor programming, and health and wellness has been my chosen path. My passion for adopted initiatives is reflected in tangible actions and measurable results. The position with Southern Conservation Trust resonates with my interests, successes, and achievements.”
The Southern Conservation Trust is dedicated to elevating nature through exceptional stewardship throughout Georgia and the Southeast. Founded in 1993, the organization has had a wave of growth in the last five years, resulting in the conservation of over 55,000 acres in 13 states, the opening of the Fayette Environmental Education Center, and the additional growth of nearly a dozen public nature preserves.
The Chason Group, based in Cartersville, GA, specializes in executive-level searches for non-profits, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and foundations. Some of the firm’s past executive searches include: president of North Georgia Community Foundation, president of Brunswick & Glynn County Development Authority, vice president of economic development for the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, among others.
Related: The Chason Group Finds New CEO for the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
Tim Chason, who has over 30 years of experience in the business and non-profit world, is founder and president of the firm. He is a former executive with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
Recent Search
The Chason Group recently assisted in the recruitment of Jim Tunison as the president and CEO of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. “Jim has the experience as a chamber leader, collaborator, and energy the search committee was looking for to fill the position,” said Charlie Hartz, volunteer chair of the chamber and owner of Village Café and Scenthound. “He is a confident professional who has the enthusiasm required to move our 5-star chamber to a new level of service for the membership and community. Jim understands the local issues and has proven himself as someone who is committed to making a positive difference in the community.”
“The opportunity to serve as president of the chamber and be a part of the dynamic Aiken community is very exciting for me and my family,” Mr. Tunison said. “I look forward to building upon the solid foundation of the chamber that David Jameson has established over the last 18 years. One of my first goals, in concert with the board and membership, is to establish a next generation strategic plan for the organization that reflects the needs of a growing Aiken business community. This will involve a tremendous amount of listening, and I look forward to that aspect of my new role.”
The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is a business alliance serving the business interests of the region. The roots of its history date back to 1918. Since then, the chamber has evolved into the largest voluntary membership driven organization of businesses in the Aiken, SC, region.
Related: The Chason Group Recruits CEO for Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce in Georgia
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
