MOULTRIE – The Moultrie–Colquitt County Parks and Recreation Authority has narrowed its search for a new executive director to three finalists.

The person selected will replace Terry Peek, who is stepping down Dec. 31. Peek has been the director since January 2004.

The CCPRA received 49 resumes and/or applications and interviewed six candidates.

The finalists are:

• Chris Bass has a bachelor of arts degree in communications with 11 years of professional recreation management experience.

He is a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional by the National Parks & Recreation Association (NRPA) and a graduate of University of Georgia Executive Management Institute, NRPA Management School, and GRPA Leadership School.

Bass is currently the parks operation manager for Douglasville Parks & Recreation Department and a frequent speaker and presenter for numerous NRPA and GRPA workshops and educational sessions on recreation issues. He was named the 2019 Distinguished Professional by Georgia Recreation & Parks Society (GRPA).

• Maggie Davidson is a lifelong resident of Colquitt County with a bachelor and masters of applied science degree in early childhood education.

Currently the associate director for the Moultrie-Colquitt County Parks & Recreation Authority, she supervises managerial staff and leads in formulation and administration of all programs and activities of the Authority.

She will serve as the interim director after Peek retires.

Davidson has 10 years of landscape management experience, is a member of Leadership Colquitt County, Rotary International and is an active community volunteer.

She is also a certified pool operator and certified playground safety inspector recognized by the National Recreation and Parks Association.

• Greg Icard has a bachelor of arts degree in political science and public administration with 10 years of experience working in the government sector including US Congressional offices.

He has over 15 years of management experience in the private sector.

Currently the vice president of the Economic Development Authority, he has been instrumental in fund-raising and communicating in the public sector as well as all levels of government from local to the federal level.

Additionally, he has provided oversight and direct management to numerous multi-million dollar construction projects and grants.

MCCPRA advertised through Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia Recreation and Parks Association website, Florida Recreation and Parks Association website, Alabama Recreation and Parks Association website, National Recreation & Parks Association website, MCCPRA Facebook page, MCCPRA website and Indeed.com.

Authority chairman Brad Gregory said the board is expected to meet and select the new director in mid-January.

“All three are very highly qualified,” Gregory said. “I can see any one of them doing the job well.”

Peek, who has been involved in recreation for 41 years, has had a positive impact during his 15 years of guiding the Colquitt County recreation program, Gregory said.

“He is so professional,” Gregory said. “A class act. He is one of the hardest-working people I know.

And it was his leadership that was responsible for making the transition (from City of Moultrie-operated to an independent authority) go so well.

“Whoever gets this job will be calling on Terry.”