After a year of leadership uncertainty, the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is taking a definitive step toward stability by hiring an executive search firm to identify its next permanent president and CEO.
At a board meeting earlier today, AEDC officials met with The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in nonprofit and economic development leadership placement. The firm outlined its qualifications, past successes, and proposed process for conducting a national search to fill the top leadership position.
“It’s important for our community to be able to move forward and to get a permanent person in, and that way we can get about the business of doing economic development,” said Doug Nelson, the AEDC’s interim president and CEO. Nelson has served in the interim role during a period of organizational transition and has confirmed that he is also a candidate for the permanent position. He emphasized, however, that he will go through the same process as any other applicant.
Originally, the AEDC board had planned to meet with two search firms, but one firm withdrew, leaving The Chason Group as the sole presenter. During its presentation, the firm shared its structured, three-phase approach to finding the right candidate for Amarillo.
The first phase will involve in-depth interviews with the AEDC board, staff, and key community stakeholders. This step is designed to capture the priorities and expectations of those who work most closely with the organization. From there, the firm will use this input to shape a candidate profile and recruitment strategy.
The second phase will move into outreach and evaluation, including pre-screening of applicants, initial interviews, and background research to ensure that only qualified candidates move forward.
The final phase will present the AEDC board with a shortlist of top candidates. From there, the process will culminate in formal interviews, giving board members and stakeholders the opportunity to make a final selection.
“We believe that they are going to be able to provide our community a service that we need and deserve, frankly. And so that our board can be able to make a good decision about an executive, hopefully in the next two or three months,” Nelson said.
The Chason Group estimates the search will take between 90 and 120 days, with work set to begin as early as next week. The firm’s fee for managing the process is projected at $27,000, with some additional costs anticipated.
For Amarillo, the appointment of a new leader at AEDC carries weight far beyond filling an administrative role. The president and CEO of the organization plays a central part in driving business recruitment, supporting local industry, and shaping long-term economic strategy for the region. Stability in this position is seen as critical to ensuring continuity in these efforts.
