The Partnership has officially named Director of Tourism Jennifer Prather as its interim CEO after the news Scott Maynard would resign last week.
Maynard announced his resignation on June 14 to assume a position with the Florida State University Career Center. The Partnership Board of Directors has engaged Logan Development Group to begin a national search to fill this position.
Chairman of The Partnership Board of Directors Jerry Toney said Prather is a proven team player and committed to the vision of the Partnership.
"Under her interim leadership, I am confident the Partnership will continue to prosper while we conduct our CEO search," he said. "With the ‘busy’ 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.”
Prather has been with the Partnership since January 2013, beginning as special events and projects coordinator by directing and overseeing numerous special events. In August 2017, Prather was promoted to director of tourism focusing on the enhancement of the Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Starkville Main Street Association.
She was also an inaugural member of the SDN's first Rising Stars Under 35 class earlier this year.
“Scott’s leadership over the last 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. I am confident that with the strong team we have in place, we will see continued success.” Prather said.
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is comprised of the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce, Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority, Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Starkville Main Street Association.