Cookeville Chamber CEO Search Continues

The search for Cookeville’s next Chamber of Commerce CEO will take longer than expected.

Officials said the chamber’s board of directors have decided to restart the the process of hiring a new leader.

“After detailed review by the search committee of candidates from across the county as well as local, the chamber board’s passion for excellence and focus on the future led to further discussion of options for a continued process to ensure the best fit for the organization,” Zach Ledbetter, vice president of the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau, said.

The board began seeking applications for a new CEO after George Halford announced his retirement earlier this year. They had originally anticipated a new hire to take place by the end of 2019.

“George and the board have agreed that he will continue to serve his role until further announcement,” Ledbetter said. ” Currently, there are no details regarding timeline.”