The Cheatham County Economic and Community Development board has hired Jerome Terrell as its new Director effective January 3, 2018.
Jerome Terrell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of economic development. Terrell spent close to 11 years with TVA Economic Development, first as a regional manager for a 10-county Middle Tennessee area and TVA’s most active region, then as a senior advisor for the Economic Development division. Prior to TVA, Terrell served as Director of Economic Development for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce where he was charged with coordinating efforts with national site consultants and economic development leaders in the Middle Tennessee area to secure multiple relocation projects, as well as managing existing business relations to promote expansion and stability. Before to his work in economic development, Terrell had a rich and diverse professional career, owning and operating private businesses in the transportation industry and serving as Director of Corporate Relocation for a real estate company.
In 2016, the Tennessee Economic Development Council (TEDC) recognized Terrell’s dynamic experience, leadership, and enthusiasm for economic development by presenting him with The Legacy Award, which recognizes those in the state economic development community who have had an extraordinary impact on the profession and the community in which they work.
“I have a genuine passion for economic development and feel very fortunate to serve a community that I love and call home,” Terrell said when asked about the job ahead in the new year.
Terrell currently serves on the Board of Directors for Safe Haven Cheatham County and has volunteered his time with Junior Achievement Middle Tennessee, as well as You Have the Power, a victim’s rights advocacy coalition in Nashville.
The Nashville native completed his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee.
An outdoor enthusiast, Terrell enjoys fishing, hiking, kayaking and spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Colette, reside in Ashland City.
The Executive Board of the Joint Economic and Community Development consists of the Cheatham County mayor and the four mayors of the towns across the county. The Board began the selection process after former Director Daryl Phillips resigned in early September.
Cheatham County Mayor Kerry McCarver said the search processed worked with the most experienced candidate rising to the top and with Terrell’s background, the new director should hit the ground running in the new year. “Several strong indicators in the county show solid growth ahead and the post of ECD Director is vital to capture and manage the quality growth that Cheatham County wants and needs,” added Mayor McCarver.
Terrell can be reached at the JECD office located at 108 N. Main Street, Ashland City or call
(615) 792-2379. The ECD email is director@cheathamconnect.com.