Arlington Economic Development Corporation Announces National Search for New Executive Director

Arlington, TX – April 28, 2021 – The Arlington Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) announced today a national search for its first executive director, who will be tasked with developing and executing a plan to attract new investment and higher-paying jobs to the City of Arlington while support existing local businesses within the growing and diverse community.

Arlington’s new Economic Development Corporation, funded by quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters last November, is the highest funded economic development corporation in the state of Texas. The mission of this nonprofit organization is to help the City of Arlington, centrally located in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, become even more competitive in the world of business recruitment.

The newly formed AEDC board, appointed by the Arlington City Council last December, is working to staff the organization this year. The board has partnered with The PACE Group, a leading economic development executive search firm, to conduct a national search for the AEDC’s first executive director.

“The need for a well-funded and expertly staffed economic development corporation has been discussed in our community for years,” AEDC Board President Michael Jacobson said. “We are committed to finding and selecting the best fit to lead this organization and believe that a national search is the best way to go about filling the role. The selection committee is excited to review and interview candidates over the next several months and we have a high confidence in this process.”

In addition to recruting new employers and industry to the city, the new executive director will also play a major role in the community, working with business leaders, elected officials and other organizations to increase economic opportunities for local businesses and residents. The AEDC will also provide confidential site selection assistance to businesses considering Arlington — the 46th largest city in the country and a hotbed for innovation—for expansion and new investment.

“Arlington is a community with excellent assets, from our great neighborhoods, award-winning park system and desirable schools to our proximity to a network of interstate highways and a major airport. It is a tremendous place to locate business,” City Manager Trey Yelverton said. “I look forward to working with AEDC’s new executive director to amplify our message about the many strengths of this city to businesses both nationally and internationally.”

The person selected to lead the Economic Development Corporation will have all the necessary resources to help position our community for business success, Deputy City Manager Jim Parajon said.

“The Economic Development Corporation’s work will help us strategically attract and retain the type of industries and businesses that will create meaningful employment and economic growth opportunities for our community,” Parajon said.

AEDC’s board, in partnership with the City of Arlington, contracted with The PACE Group to conduct the nationwide search, leveraging the firm’s expertise in the economic development field. The PACE Group has established relationships with economic developers, community leaders and board members across the country.

Media Contact:

Anthony Michelic

President, The PACE Group

817.915.4156

anthony@thepacegroup.com

Dallas, TX