Gaynor Cheokas
Director
Center for Business and Economic Development
Georgia Southwestern State University
Americus, Georgia
Education:
B.S. in Political Science, Columbus State University
M.S.A. in Business Administration, Georgia Southwestern State University
Profile:
Mrs. Cheokas currently serves as Director for the Center of Business and Economic Development at Georgia Southwestern State University housed in the School of Business Administration. In this capacity she consults one-on-one with entrepreneurs, provides support services to economic development agencies, and local governments. These services and assistance include conducting and dissemination of business and economic research, consulting services, and training and development of staff, workforce and management. Her area of interests is assisting small business maximize their marketing investment by developing specialized plans.
Before joining GSW, Mrs. Cheokas served as Area Director in Americus for the Small Business Development Center network of Georgia. She also worked 21 years in the retail industry and brings an extensive background in multi-unit retail management. As Director of Stores for The Tog Shop, Inc., she was responsible for the planning and management of all retail interest owned and operated by The Tog Shop. She planned and implemented promotional programs to achieve projected annual sales, planned and administered budgets, and tailored merchandising plans for each location. She has extensive knowledge and experience in marketing, customer service, and small business management. She is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and is a member of Board of Examiners for the Georgia Oglethorpe Award. Additional, she is a Yellow Belt Six Sigma Campion. In the future she plans to complete Six Sigma Black Belt certification which will further enhance her qualifications as a process management specialist.
In addition, Ms. Cheokas remains active in her community; currently serving as Immediate Past President of the Sumter Historic Trust, board member of the Americus Rotary Club, board member of the Americus Blue Tide Swim Team, and coordinator of Early Buds Junior Garden Club, consisting of 6th and 7th grade boys and girls. She is married to Mike Cheokas and they have three children, Brittany, Athan, and Lexie.
 |
Gaynor Cheokas, Director 229-931-2726 phone 229-931-6917 fax Georgia Southwestern State University School of Business – Suite 212 800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive Americus, GA 31709 |