Throughout its 27-year history, the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas has had one leader. That will change next year.
Kent Heermann announced his retirement during Friday’s RDA Board of Directors meeting, saying it is “time to pass the baton” to the next leader. Heermann plans to retire some time in the first quarter of next year.
During Heermann’s tenure, the RDA and city leaders has helped businesses develop over 2,500 jobs with over $1 billion in new equipment investments alone. Heermann says the RDA has helped set the stage for over 2.6 million square feet of business space and potentially billions of dollars in economic impact for Lyon and surrounding counties.
Heermann credited the city, Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Lyon County and other community partners for their support of the RDA’s mission of quality job creation, capital improvement and broadening the area’s tax base.
Heermann says he will help with the orderly transition to a new president and chief executive officer.
