EDC Headhunter Merger: Dallas’ The PACE Group Teams With North Carolina’s Jorgensen Consulting

Known for their work in economic development, community development, and nonprofit, Jorgenson Pace will conduct high-level searches nationwide for leadership positions in economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, downtown development, government, and other not-for-profit organizations.

Executive search firms The PACE Group of Dallas and North Carolina-based Jorgenson Consulting have merged to become Jorgenson Pace.

Known for their work in economic development, community development, and nonprofit, Jorgenson Pace said it will conduct high-level searches nationwide for leadership positions in economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, downtown development, government, and other not-for-profit organizations.

“Combining the deep expertise, relationships and networks of both firms made sense for future growth,” Managing Partner Todd Jorgenson said in a statement. “We have significant track records of success, a proven process, and a strong team of people that will grow our business’s ability to serve a larger landscape of non-profit and for-profit companies.”

To serve clients nationwide, Jorgenson Pace said it will maintain offices in Texas, North Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, and Maryland. The firms have more than 60 years of collective experience in the industry with a stellar legacy and reputation built by their founders, Joan Jorgenson of Jorgenson Consulting and John Lovorn of The PACE Group.

“We place a premium on delivering exceptional client service and building long-lasting relationships in the communities we serve,” said Anthony Michelic, who served as president of The PACE Group before becoming partner at Jorgenson Consulting via the merger. “We understand that the candidate we place has the potential to have a multigenerational impact on the location and its economy, and we take each assignment very seriously.”

‘Together we’re better’

The firm said that by placing candidates in key roles at the state, regional, and local levels, they have helped spur tens of billions of dollars in capital expenditure and create millions of well-paying jobs across the nation. Dozens of governors and scores of economic development organizations have relied on the firms’ expertise to help build thriving economies, the firm added.

Todd Jorgenson received the prestigious Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Economic Development from the International Economic Development Council in 2023.

Jorgenson Pace said that both firms grew in recent years.

“We have a big history and big vision for the future,” Jorgenson said. “Although we’ll remain committed to our core expertise, we also see growth opportunities in executive search for destination marketing organizations, port authorities and other public and private sector organizations.”

Michelic said the merger will help grow business.

“There’s no doubt that together we’re better,” Michelic said. “With an exceptionally strong foundation on which to build, Jorgenson Pace has a very bright future.”

Jorgenson Pace said its first client engagement will be leading the president & CEO search for the Southwestern Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and Chamber.

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