The Greater Starkville Development Partnership has named Jennifer Prather its interim CEO while it searches for a successor to Scott Maynard.
Maynard announced his resignation as Partnership CEO on June 14 to accept a position as the program director of employer relations at Florida State University’s career center.
He was selected for the Partnership CEO post on June 29, 2017.
Prather, who serves as the Partnership’s Director of Tourism, will assume the position at the end of the month. She has been with the organization since January 2013. She began her time with the Partnership as the special events and projects coordinator and was promoted to director of tourism in August 2017.
As interim CEO, Prather will help to oversee the Partnership’s operations while the board conducts a ‘national search’ for new CEO. She would not confirm to The Dispatch whether she intends to apply for the permanent job.
According to a Partnership Press release, the Partnership board has turned to Logan Development Group to recruit CEO candidates.
Partnership Board Chairman Jerry Toney said in an issued statement that he believes Prather will do well while the board conducts its search.
“Jennifer is a proven team player and committed to the vision of the Partnership,” Toney said. “Under her interim leadership, I am confident the Partnership will continue to prosper while we conduct our CEO search. With the ‘busy’ (football) season quickly approaching, there is no doubt Jennifer and the Partnership staff will keep us going strong. We are fortunate to have this team working on behalf of our community.”
Maynard, when contacted by The Dispatch, agreed with Toney.
“I think she’s an excellent choice for the interim,” he said. “She’s got the experience to keep the momentum the Partnership has generated over the past year going and will do an excellent job.”
Prather acknowledged Maynard’s role in building momentum for the organization, and said she believes that the Partnership will see continued success.
“Scott’s leadership over the las year has propelled the momentum that the Partnership is experiencing, and I am honored to be entrusted by the board to lead our team and organization through this period of transition,” Prather said. “I am confident that with the strong team we have in place, we will see continued success.”
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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