Title
Review and provide guidance on the appointment process for the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors
Abstract
Introduction & Background: The Chatham County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board of Directors includes four (4) members appointed by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners (BOC). Historically, when vacancies have occurred in BOC-appointed positions, the EDC has conducted its own recruitment and nomination process and forwarded recommended candidates to the Board of Commissioners for consideration. In the 2025 appointment cycle, the EDC received multiple applications, conducted interviews through its Nominations Committee, and recommended candidates to fill vacant BOC-appointed seats. EDC is recommending two individuals for appointment from that process.
Discussion & Analysis: The Board of Commissioners may wish to determine whether future appointments to the EDC Board should continue to follow the current practice of considering candidates recommended by the EDC or whether the appointments should be handled through the County's standard board and committee appointment process.
Under the current approach, the EDC recruits applicants, reviews qualifications, conducts interviews, and submits recommended candidates to the Board of Commissioners for appointment consideration. Alternatively, the Board of Commissioners could advertise vacancies through the County's regular board and committee appointment process, receive applications directly, and make appointments in the same manner as other advisory boards and committees.
This discussion provides an opportunity for the Board to clarify its expectations, ensure consistency in appointment practices, and establish a process that promotes transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Board's goals for citizen participation.
Current Members:
|
Type |
First Name |
Last Name |
Original Appointment |
Date Term Expires |
|
Full Board BOC 1 |
Vacant |
|
|
10/31/2029 |
|
Full Board BOC 2 |
Vacant |
|
|
10/31/2030 |
|
Full Board BOC 3 |
Shari |
Becker |
10/31/2025 |
10/31/2027 |
|
Full Board BOC 4 |
Allison |
Bolin |
10/31/2024 |
10/31/2028 |
|
EDC Board 1 |
Shannon |
Becker |
10/31/2021 |
10/31/2029 |
|
EDC Board 2 |
Leslie |
Walden |
10/31/2025 |
10/31/2029 |
|
EDC Board 3 |
Jerry |
Hudson |
10/31/2024 |
10/31/2026 |
|
EDC Board 4 |
Sheen |
Klaus |
10/31/2025 |
10/31/2028 |
|
EDC Board 5 |
Zoretta |
French Hayes |
10/31/2025 |
10/31/2028 |
|
EDC Board 6 |
Travis |
Kosowski |
10/26/2023 |
10/31/2027 |
|
EDC Board 7 |
Antonio |
McBroom |
11/10/2020 |
10/31/2028 |
|
EDC Board 8 |
Greg |
Lewis |
11/19/2025 |
10/31/2028 |
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: A clear and consistent appointment process supports the Comprehensive Plan's goals of effective governance, public engagement, transparency, and collaboration. Establishing a defined process helps ensure that qualified individuals have an opportunity to participate in economic development initiatives that contribute to the County's long-term growth and prosperity.
Budgetary Impact: There is no direct budgetary impact associated with this discussion.
Recommendation/Motion: Review and provide guidance on the appointment process for the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.