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GSDP COO resigns to take MSU job |
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Friday, 15 August 2008 |
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By BRIAN HAWKINS Starkville Daily News Just as Greater Starkville Development Partnership leaders are moving into the final stage of their search for a new president/CEO, the organization’s chief operating officer on Thursday announced his resignation to accept a position at Mississippi State University. Chance McDavid, who was initially hired in 2006 as the GSDP’s vice president for community development and assumed the COO role last year, is resigning effective Aug. 22 to become a community development project manager with the MSU Community Action Team.
McDavid’s resignation leaves vacant — at least temporarily — the two top positions on the GSDP staff. The GSDP is preparing to interview the five finalist for the president/CEO’s job left vacant by the resignation of David Thornell in April. In a statement released Wednesday, GSDP leaders said they expected to name a new CEO within the next 30 to 45 days. Terry Kemp, chairman of the GSDP board of directors, commended McDavid’s service with the organization. “On behalf of the Partnership, we recognize and appreciate the many contributions Chance has made to our community while serving in a leadership position at the Partnership. We wish him the very best in the next phase of his career recognizing that he will still remain a valuable contributor to the greater Starkville area,” Kemp said in a statement late Thursday afternoon. Upon joining the GSDP, McDavid was primarily responsible for Chamber of Commerce initiatives and community development program. He has played a key role in the success of the Forum, Oktibbeha County’s leadership development program, which has seen four classes graduate 70 alumni, GSDP officials said. The Starkville Young Professionals group was launched under McDavid’s leadership, and his work will result this fall in a major GSDP membership drive and a “buy local” campaign to encourage greater support for Starkville area businesses, GSDP officials said. “It’s been a pleasure to serve the Starkville and Oktibbeha County community. I’m confident the Partnership and the new CEO will continue to be a catalyst for promoting a healthy and sustainable environment for businesses, residents and visitors by encouraging collaborative relationships between the public and private sectors that result in positive outcomes for overall community betterment. There is no doubt the Partnership and the greater Starkville area are on the verge of even more exciting times.” McDavid said in a statement Thursday. “One of the greatest assets of a community is the talents and skills of its people. We are fortunate to have so many businesses and residents actively engaged in diverse activities that positively impact our economy and quality of life. I’ve enjoyed immensely the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help bring the expertise and resources of MSU to communities and organizations across our state while remaining an active part of the greater Starkville area,” McDavid added.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 16 August 2008 )
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