The search for a new RDA leader could be ramping up as soon as next week.
According to Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Board Chair Kala Maxfield, the agency’s president search committee met Tuesday afternoon to conduct interviews with two search firms, Jorgenson Pace and the Chason Group. No decision was made as to which agency will eventually oversee the search for the RDA’s president, however, Maxfield says that decision could be made by next week.
While speaking with KVOE News Tuesday, Maxfield stated neither firm was involved in the search or selection of prior President Chuck Scott and when asked why the RDA has chosen to find a new firm rather than going with their previous choice, Maxfield explained the two agencies simply have a larger national reach.
Tuesday’s interviews came over a month after the last round of discussions on the Vision First study for local economic development. During those discussions, there was some contention as to whether or not the RDA President should serve as the head of an umbrella organization that would oversee all eco-devo agencies in the community.
Following those discussions, it was decided that a committee would be formed to lead the way for developing a new economic development structure with all local eco-devo entities invited to play a role in the committee. When asked if these developments were having any effect on the pace of the president search, Maxfield stated they were not.
The RDA search committee’s action comes just a few days after the RDA’s most recent board meeting on Friday where the president search and firms above were the main focal point. It also comes just a day before Emporia Enterprises is set to meet for its regular monthly meeting.
The enterprises board will convene Wednesday inside of the Trusler Business Center with the main item of business being an update on the Economic Advancement Committee. Two executive sessions, one for attorney consultation and the other for the acquisition, are also planned.
The meeting will begin at 4 pm.
