Charles Hall, the founder and former CEO of LaGrange-based association management company Association Services Group, LLC, passed away on January 20 at the age of 74.
Known for his servant leadership, love of agriculture, and passion for associations, Hall was instrumental throughout his life and career in building trade associations that would go on to do great things within their industries.
“Since founding ASG 30 years ago this year, Charles has remained dedicated to serving his clients and supporting his team. He is not only a respected leader in the association management industry but also a cherished member of our ASG family. He genuinely loved our team, and he was loved in return,” said Katie Oxford, ASG CEO and one of the managing partners who purchased ASG from Hall in 2021. “It’s nearly impossible to imagine a day at ASG without Charles. His vision, work ethic, and leadership have profoundly shaped our organization. We are heartbroken over losing Charles so soon,” she said. Oxford began work for ASG as program coordinator for Charles in 2013.
After founding ASG in 1995, Hall brought on the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association as one of his first clients. At that time, one of the key objectives in GFVGA’s mission statement was for the new association to become the ‘Voice’ of Georgia’s produce industry. Hall took that mission as a personal challenge, and today, GFVGA hosts one of the premier regional trade shows in the U.S.
Hall was recognized for his industry and association leadership multiple times. In 2011, he was awarded the Clifford Clark Award as the outstanding association executive in Georgia by the Georgia Society of Association Executives. Then in 2018, he was named a member of ‘The Packer 25’. He received the Glenn Bostrom Award in 2019 for outstanding career achievement from the Association Management Company Institute, and then in 2022 upon his retirement, Hall was awarded the “Friend of the County Agent” Award – the highest honor awarded by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agent Association.
Hall was deeply loved and respected by family, friends, colleagues and community members across the country. He was a beloved father, brother, and grandfather, as well as a cherished mentor and wise friend. Charles is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Jan, two children Emily (husband: Wendell) and Tamlin, and six grandchildren (Bethany, Hannah, Connor, Addison, Brock, Hendrix).
Charles will be laid to rest in Hall Family Cemetery, LaGrange, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charles’ memory may be made to First Baptist Church on the Square, LaGrange, Georgia.
