Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and Killeen Economic Development Corporation Announce Retirement of John Crutchfield and Reveal New President & CEO

(Dallas, TX) – John Crutchfield, current President and CEO of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and Killeen Economic Development Corporation, announces his retirement from both organizations, effective August 31, 2022. Crutchfield has served as the President and CEO for the past 17 years, beginning in October of 2004. Crutchfield names his greatest successes to be those of lasting, quality relationships with staff, and with business, community, government, and military leaders. Crutchfield is also proud that during his tenure as President and CEO he was able to aid in the creation of Texas A&M University – Central Texas and Interstate 14. During retirement Crutchfield plans to spend more time with his wife Sheila.

After an extensive national search, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and Killeen Economic Development Corporation has named Scott Connell, CEcD as the new President and CEO, beginning September 1, 2022. Connell brings over 36 years of economic development and chamber of commerce experience to Killeen. Most recently he served as Vice President at the Temple Economic Development Corporation in Temple, TX. Prior to his work in Temple he served several communities throughout Texas and North Carolina. In January, the search committee at the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation elected to work with The PACE Group, a Dallas, TX based firm that specializes in national economic development and chamber of commerce executive searches, to provide candidates for the committee’s consideration.

CEO Search Committee Chair, Michael Linnemann said, “I have appreciated the opportunity to work with a great group of our local leadership over the past six months through a focused and successful national search process. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the recommendation of the committee to bring Mr. Connell on as our next President and CEO. Scott has a proven background of success and the right tools to lead our organizations into the future. We look forward to his start here and we welcome him to Killeen!”

Mr. Linnemann continued by saying, “Scott has spent years as a leader in the Texas economic development and chamber of commerce industry. Our committee is confident that he is the right person to drive us forward and we look forward to seeing what he does here.”

Mr. Connell’s 36 years in the Economic Development field was spent at the local level working in public and private sectors for small cities as well as major metropolitan areas. He has worked with companies that represent a diverse array of industries including heavy manufacturing, technical manufacturing, life sciences, headquarters, back offices, light manufacturing, distribution, and start-ups. Some of the companies he worked to locate to communities include McKesson, Dell Inc., McLane Company, Stanley Tools, Pioneer Natural Resources, Niagara Bottling, Atos, among many others.

When asked his thoughts on being chosen for the position, Mr. Connell responded, "I am humbled and very honored to have been selected by a great group of leadership in Killeen. When I look at Killeen, I see a community that holds great assets and high opportunity for growth ahead. The local leaders are passionate about their city and want the best for the future of its people.” He continued, “I look forward to hitting the ground running with partners at the Chamber and EDC team to build on the community’s existing momentum."

Connell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of Texas at Austin. He also holds his CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) designation and is a graduate of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership program. Scott has completed additional professional courses in management, entrepreneurship, marketing and finance. He is a current member and former board member of the Texas Economic Development Council, a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, International Economic Development Council, Industrial Asset Management Council, and several other member organizations. He was recognized as one of Consultant Connect’s 2015 North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.

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About The Killeen Economic Development Corporation

KEDC's mission is to promote the development of commercial, industrial and manufacturing enterprises that promote and encourage employment and the public welfare. Members of KEDC work closely with the Killeen Industrial Foundation and the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce

About The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce provides vision, leadership and support to business and community leaders to create economic prosperity. The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce focuses on programs that achieve progress in the following areas: Business Development, Community Development, Economic Development, and Industry Councils.

About The PACE Group

The PACE Group is a leading executive search firm, specializing in recruiting executive leadership for economic development organizations and governments across the United States.