Centergy - President & Chief Executive Officer

ERG has a retained search with Centergy, Inc.

Centergy operates with a level of trust that lets leadership move quickly on bold ideas, backed by a board so respected it maintains a waiting list for open seats. Decisions are made collaboratively rather than top-down, and the organization prides itself on being a connector across business, government, and community lines. It's a close-knit team stepping into its next chapter after years of steady, relationship-driven leadership, with high expectations for continuing that legacy.

This is a rare chance to step into a President and CEO role with real latitude to define what comes next for a well-established regional organization. The right person will build direct relationships with investors, government leaders, and business owners across five counties, translating that access into concrete economic wins for the community. It suits a confident, entrepreneurial leader who wants ownership over strategy and execution, not just oversight, and who is ready to make a visible, lasting mark on a region already gaining national attention.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and external face of the organization, representing the region to investors, government officials, business leaders, and the public.
• Build and sustain relationships with regional investors and stakeholders, including regular engagement to demonstrate the value and impact of their investment.
• Lead the organization's approach to workforce development and talent attraction, including regional branding and marketing initiatives that support long-term growth.
• Guide economic development priorities across the five-county region, including business retention efforts and coordination on site selection, business development, and government relations.
• Oversee the organization's financial and operational health, including budgeting, planning, and financial reporting in partnership with internal and contracted support staff.
• Engage effectively with the Board of Directors and executive committee, ensuring strong governance and alignment on strategic direction.
• Pursue grant funding and public/private funding mechanisms to diversify and strengthen the organization's financial base.
• Represent the region at state and regional events, including advocacy efforts with legislators and state officials.
• Develop and communicate metrics that demonstrate the organization's impact and the return on investment for stakeholders.
• Anticipate change and bring together diverse stakeholders to get ahead of regional challenges before they escalated.

• Five or more years of progressively responsible career growth, including at least three years in a leadership capacity, with a demonstrated track record as a catalyst for goal implementation and business growth.
• Strong financial acumen and business background sufficient to understand and manage the organization's operating and fiscal plans, and to advocate for local and state support around investment, legislation, policy, and funding.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset with a proven ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, and the credibility to earn the trust and support of stakeholders with differing priorities.
• Familiarity with the Wisconsin economic development landscape. Must reside within the five-county region (Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, or Wood County).
• Knowledge of regional branding, marketing, and talent attraction strategies, with the ability to build and implement workforce development initiatives.

• Economic development experience, including familiarity with site selection, business development, and government relations, and the ability to align regional resources to capture business growth opportunities.
• Grant writing knowledge and experience with public and private funding mechanisms.
• Experience with event planning.
• Bachelor's degree in business, public policy, economics, or a related field.

• Outstanding communicator and relationship builder who engages effectively with a governing board.
• Natural connector who anticipates change and brings stakeholders together proactively.
• Respected leader who inspires others through collaboration rather than authority.
• Comfortable with public presentation and serving as the external face of the organization.
• Strategic thinker who can preserve the region's distinct identity while managing growth.
• Action-oriented, with a track record of delivering timely, positive results.
• Comfortable navigating courageous conversations and negotiating among diverse interests.
• High energy and capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Resilient under pressure and public scrutiny.