The city of Hattiesburg is a bustling community and Chad Newell, President of the Area Development Partnership, is playing a key role in the economic vitality of the area. Newell shared what guided him to pursue this career path and tips his hat to those who helped guide him along the way.
What was your first job?
As a teenager, I remember hot summers cutting grass and teaching tennis lessons. I also worked in the shoe department at McRae’s, where I sold my future wife a pair of patent leather shoes with ribbons!
Tell us about your education?
I have a bachelor’s degree in economics from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Tell us about your family.
Jen and I have been married for 31 years and have two sons: Garrett (26) and Brooks (20) and one daughter, Jordan (23). Jen is retired from banking, takes care of the household, and travels with me. Pat, my Mom (aka Meme), lives with us as well. Garrett and his wife Christina reside in Hattiesburg as do Jordan and her husband Noah. Very soon, I will officially have a six-year-old Grandson as Jordan and Noah move from being foster parents to adoption.
What is your current position?
For the last 15 years, I have had the privilege of serving as president of the Area Development Partnership (ADP), the regional chamber of commerce and economic development agency here in Greater Hattiesburg.
Describe your duties.
Our organization exists to enhance the quality of life through economic progress. We also provide an array of programs and services so that our members grow personally and flourish professionally. An important part of my job is to help ensure a great culture as we strive to recruit and retain incredible talent here at the ADP. I am very biased, but I believe our ADP team is world-class. I also spend time working on our strategy and to look into the crystal ball to plan as best we can for what is to come. I spend a considerable amount of time consulting with and engaging our Board and investors. As a non-profit CEO, fundraising is also always at the top of the list as we have to be well financed to compete effectively in trying to grow our region’s economy.
What led you to become interested in a career in economic development?
In college, I thought about everything from teaching to engineering and then settled on economics. After working in the state economist’s office, I quickly realized I was better suited for something a bit more applied, so I went back and got my master’s in economic development. I have spent over three decades in various public, private, and private non-profit jobs across numerous communities in Alabama, Tennessee, and now my home state of Mississippi.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
I have come to the realization that Rome was not built in a day, and neither is Greater Hattiesburg. Patience is a virtue and I often want things to occur more rapidly than they actually do.
Goal you have yet to achieve?
On the economic development front, a big goal is to obtain one or more major projects on our Eagle One Mega-Site. We often lead the state in job creation and are among the nation’s leaders but seeing Eagle One come to fruition will be gratifying as it will have a generational impact on South Mississippi. I also one day hope to have my own consulting practice centered around leadership and strategy.
Best business decision you have ever made?
I truly believe that accepting this job at the ADP in 2009 has turned into a wonderful career choice—and the community has been an amazing place to raise my family.
Worst business decision you have ever made?
In 2007, we moved to Nashville at the height of the economy to work in retail development. Quickly thereafter, the national economy spiraled down as did my job in Nashville. So, while it could be construed as a bad decision, I believe it helped shape me into a better version of myself and the trials and tribulations equipped me for the road ahead.
Who are the people that made a difference in your life growing up?
My parents and two older sisters provided an awesome family unit growing up as did my tennis instructor Bill Autry. Bill was eight years older than me and became the big brother that I never had. We literally had a lifelong friendship that continued until his passing in 2020. Richard Follis is a childhood friend who remains a great friend today. I am not sure we were great influences on each at times, but we always had each other’s back and navigated the early years together. The biggest influence in my life has been Jen, my lovely wife of 31 years. We started dating at 18 and got married at 22, so according to her she helped raise me—and there’s more truth in that statement than you will ever know!
What’s the best business advice you have been given?
My Dad always told me that everyone puts on their pants one leg at a time just like we do. So, as a kid from humble beginnings in Meridian, I have been able to travel the world and interact with business and political leaders at the highest levels. No matter our background and circumstances, we can all make a difference. As I move toward the latter stages of this phase of my career, I hope that I am pouring into others as many people have done for me along the way. It is cool to see people accomplish their goals, dreams, and aspirations. Believe in people more than they believe in themselves and you will see amazing things transpire.
