March 31, 2026, CDH Partners has announced the appointment of Jarrette Burckhalter as chief operating officer. Burckhalter is a strategic operations executive known for translating vision into disciplined execution and scalable growth. Throughout his career, he has partnered with founders and leadership teams to strengthen operational performance, align strategy with accountability, and build high-trust, high-performing cultures.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jarrette to our leadership team during this pivotal season of growth,” said Melissa Cantrell, CEO of CDH Partners. “His ability to bridge the gap between visionary strategy and disciplined execution is exactly what we need to elevate our operations. More importantly, Jarrette’s commitment to community and servant leadership is a perfect match for our mission-driven culture at CDH.”

Burckhalter brings a broad business, financial and operational perspective to executive leadership and board environments and believes that “strong operations create the foundation that allow great visions to flourish.”

“I wanted to apply my experience and tools to an organization whose work creates positive, generational change,” Burckhalter said. “Joining CDH is the realization of that goal. The firm’s focus on serving those who serve others is a direct reflection of my professional and personal values.”

A native Atlantan with deep roots in the community, Burckhalter believes leadership begins with service. He and his wife, Amber, are celebrating 25 years of marriage this year. They have one son, Jack, a high school senior preparing for college. An avid traveler, Burckhalter has explored North America, Central America, the United Kingdom and much of Europe, with future travel goals that include the Middle East and Asia.

Burckhalter is actively engaged in civic and community leadership. He currently serves on the boards of The Center for Family Resources, the Honorary Commanders Alumni Association, and Kiwanis of Marietta, where he is Chair of the Sponsored Youth Leadership Program. He is also a member of the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association, serves on its Armed Services Committee, and is a mentor with Mentoring for Leadership.

His previous service includes board roles with Communities in Schools of Georgia (Marietta/Cobb), Horses for Heroes, My Heroes, St. Benedict’s School, and The Walker School Wolverine Club. He is a graduate of Leadership Cobb, Class of 2018, and a member of the Honorary Commanders Class of 2024. Burckhalter is a graduate of Georgia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Psychology, and has completed numerous executive education and professional development programs focused on leadership, mentoring, people and culture, conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, and governance.