SPRINGFIELD — The wheel of industrial development in one of Georgia's premier logistical spots will soon be placed in permanent hands.
The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) intends to have a new CEO in place by June. Tre Wilkins, the IDA's project manager, has filled the position on an interim basis since John Henry resigned in December 2017 after nearly 13 years on the job.
During Thursday's IDA meeting, Personnel Committee Chairman Troy Smith reported that 42 candidates applied for the job. He said the number of candidates under consideration was arduously whittled to 20 and seven candidates remain.
Five finalists have been granted telephone interviews and two interviewed in person.
"Those interviews went well," Smith said. "I think we have several options. Moving forward, I feel like we have someone in that group who can lead this organization."
Smith suggested giving each finalist 45 minutes to an hour to make presentations to the IDA.
After the meeting, Smith said, "Hopefully in May we will have an idea who (the committee's pick) is and be able to vote on it (as a board). Then we can have someone on the job in June if everything goes as planned. We're ready for it to be over with."