Big changes are coming for the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas in the new year.
Aside from the retirement of the organization’s only President Kent Heerman, the RDA Board of Directors will also be looking a lot different following the board’s annual reorganizational meeting Friday morning. Newly elected Emporia City Commissioner Jamie Sauder will assume the role of Board Chairman with Brad Kraft selected to serve as Vice-Chair and new Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking chosen to serve as treasurer.
Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeanine McKenna will maintain her role as board secretary. Outgoing Chairman Jon Geitz says he is excited for what the new leadership will mean for the RDA moving forward.
During the board’s regular monthly meeting, Geitz announced that new RDA President Chuck Scott is set to begin his duties on Jan. 17 with Heerman’s final day tentatively set for Feb. 1. In between that time, the RDA will facilitate a series of meetings with Heerman, Scott and local leadership to help acclimate Scott to his new community.
Additionally, the RDA Board also approved a change to the RDA’s personnel manual entitling employees with 20 years of service to 20 days of vacation.
On top of the regular monthly meeting and reorganizational meeting, the RDA held its annual board of directors meeting. The RDA will reconvene for its monthly meeting in January inside the Trusler Business Center.
