(ATLANTA, GA — 09.21.11)

The Clean Air Campaign announced today that it has selected Tedra Cheatham, CEcD for the position of executive director, leading the organization’s efforts for less traffic and cleaner air that reach thousands of employers, commuters and schools across Georgia.

Cheatham, a certified economic developer, currently serves as chief operating officer for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.  During her eight-year tenure with the Chamber as COO and, previously, vice president of economic development, Cheatham advanced numerous initiatives to enhance economic growth and quality in the area. Her contributions to the success of North Fulton’s development helped foster numerous transportation enhancements and a thriving business community that is home to several Fortune 500 companies.

“Tedra’s experience as a leader, a convener and a conduit for advancing positive growth will be instrumental as The Clean Air Campaign works to accomplish its mission,” said Renay Blumenthal, chairman, board of directors, The Clean Air Campaign. “She is coming on board at a time when we are seeing dynamic changes in the way transportation, environmental and economic development ideas come together to shape Georgia’s future.”

“Our search firm, The Goodwin Group, was very thorough in helping us identify a strong set of candidates, and at the end of the day Tedra was the perfect fit,” Blumenthal concluded.

Prior to joining the Greater North Fulton Chamber, Cheatham held leadership positions overseeing economic development for the north central Texas cities of Bedford and Euless.  She began her career as a lobbyist and later worked in the public sector as an analyst for the Louisiana State Senate.

In 2008, Cheatham was recognized for her leadership in North Fulton by the American Women’s Business Association. She has also served as a loaned executive to GNO, Inc. in post-Katrina New Orleans and was named to the White House’s deployment team to the Gulf Coast to address economic conditions following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“I’m looking forward to working with The Clean Air Campaign staff, Board of Directors and partners to build on the success of the commute options, transportation and air quality initiatives that have become an integral part of Georgia’s long-term growth and business retention strategy,” states Cheatham.  “The Clean Air Campaign stands out as a catalyst for advancing the state’s vision for economic prosperity, a healthy environment and a vibrant quality of life.” 

Cheatham remains an active member of the community, serving on numerous boards and supporting a multitude of organizations, including the Drake House, a residential assessment center for homeless women and their children that Cheatham helped establish.  She was recently re-elected for a second term as a member of the Board of Directors for the International Economic Development Council, a leading organization for professionals in the field of economic development.

Cheatham earned her Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University and her Master of Public Administration from the University of New Orleans.