News Blog
Jim Cook to Lead Newly Formed County Economic Development Department
November 14, 2011
After a national search for a director to lead the county's Economic Development Department, formed in March, the County Administrative Office found their leader right at home: Jim Cook, redevelopment and housing director for the county, has been guiding the nascent department and has been selected as its new director.
According to the report prepared by County Administrative Officer Lew Bauman, Cook has 30 years of government experience and a masters in public administration. His salary will be $110,000.
For now, Bauman is holding off on a search for Cook's replacement. "There may be an opportunity to consolidate and combine functions given our budget environment," he says. The state's also proposed eliminating redevelopment agencies entirely, and while their future remains in limbo with a pending lawsuit, Bauman says they don't plan to fill the redevelopment agency's top seat.
Besides, Cook will still be responsible for overseeing redevelopment. Created as an umbrella, the Economic Development Department houses the Workforce Investment Board along with Housing and Redevelopment.
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