The search hasn’t restarted for a new president of the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas, but only because that’s awaiting budgetary approval from the city.
RDA Board of Directors members voted unanimously to restart a process now over 2.5 years old since the resignation of Chuck Scott in early 2024. Board Chair Jeff Williams:
Much of the reason behind the restart revolves around the end of the Flint Hills Economic Alliance — the push to bring the RDA, Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Emporia Main Street, Emporia Enterprises and Visit Emporia together for economic development with the RDA as the umbrella agency. Floated in February, the concept didn’t generate the full support needed for that specific model of operation. Still, City Manager Trey Cocking sees a lot of benefits that came from the Economic Alliance effort, notably with the aforementioned agencies strengthening ties since the concept was announced earlier this year.
Williams agrees.
With FHEA off the table, Cocking says the thought of having a “one stop shop” may not be going forward, but he says the collaborative discussions now underway should make things smoother for economic development.
Once the City Commission approves the current-year budget adjustments and the full 2027 budget, Williams says the search process can officially begin.
The tentative plan has a new director onboarding at some point in November. Williams says there could well be an interim vice president chosen. That will happen later.
Lyle Butler has been serving as the RDA’s interim president since February 2025. Brad Kraft started the year as board chair but resigned that position to become the interim vice president.
