It’s been known for several months that the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas would have a new leader come next year, the only question was “who would it be?” As of Thursday evening, that question now has an answer.
During a special meeting of the RDA Board of Directors, Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Chuck Scott was selected to take over the RDA Presidency following the retirement of Kent Heerman early next year. Scott comes to Emporia
from Abilene and is a graduate of Kansas State University where he attained a Master of Business Administration Degree.
Scott also brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of finance, real estate development and project management to the position. RDA Board Chair Jon Geitz says Scott’s skill set will “translate very well to the Emporia area.”
Scott is tentatively set to take over as President effective Jan. 17 according to Geitz who says he expects it will be a “seamless transition.”
Scott’s selection concludes a four-month search for a new president following the announcement of Heerman’s impending retirement back in mid-June. Heerman has led the RDA as its only president since 1994 and in that time has helped businesses develop over 2,500 jobs with over $1 billion in new equipment investments alone.
While he did not disclose the exact number of applicants, Geitz says he was very pleased with the candidate pool for the search. KVOE will have comment from Scott on his recent appointment at a later time.
