The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce has named Colin T. Martin as the organization’s new president and CEO. Currently the chamber president in Harris County, Martin’s first day in Fayette will be Nov. 1.
Martin replaces Carlotta Ungaro, who resigned suddenly earlier this year.
“Colin currently serves as president of the Harris County Chamber of Commerce in west Georgia and has also guided governmental affairs for the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, both as a volunteer and staff member. The Georgia native has also served in a leadership position with The Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority, a multi-county organization designed to enhance commerce and trade opportunities within the Columbus region,” said Fayette Chamber Chairman Stephen Childs.
Childs said the chamber’s search committee spent significant time with Martin over the past month. He and his wife, Dr. Beth Martin, will be moving to Fayette County in the near future, said Childs.
During his tenure with the Harris Chamber, Martin has been instrumental in the creation of an economic development strategy as a part of the county government’s comprehensive plan. Other programs he has implemented include a social media strategy and the establishment of a legislative agenda for the business community. While with the Columbus Chamber, he initiated legislative efforts, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic and Georgia Chamber of Commerce, to add defense contractors to those industries eligible for job tax credits, Childs said.
Martin graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s of Arts, English degree. He served as a commissioned second lieutenant, field artillery in the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps.
As a cancer survivor, Martin serves on the Leadership Council of the American Cancer Society in Columbus. The father of two has also held volunteer positions with the Boys Scouts of America, Valley Interfaith Promise and served as chairman of the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau, Childs noted.
“I want to take this opportunity to recognize the search committee for their dedication and diligent work on identifying the key qualities needed of the new executive and then matching candidates with those traits. Serving on the committee were Rob Parker, Pinewood Forest; Debbie Britt, Piedmont Fayette Hospital; Al Mead, New Hope Baptist Church; Monte Raynor, Big Frog of Fayette; Jaimi Tapp, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; and Lee Whetstone, MAU Workforce Solutions,” said Childs.
Childs also thanked Kim Schnoes, who served as interim president for the past several months.
“Along with Paige Muh, Cereto Bean, Michael O’Brien, Sydney Baker, Megan Dean, Madison Davis and Jadea Rodriguez, the chamber team has kept our operations moving forward during this time of transition,” said Childs. “Kim will continue to help us through the transition and will resume her role on the Chamber Board and Executive Committee for the remainder of the year.”
