Finalists identified for economic development director
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Brown says there could be a decision by the end of the year.
“The intentions are actually to bring in the top three finalists,” Brown said, “for an interview before the full board hopefully the week between Christmas and New Years.”
Brown said the names of the finalists would be revealed at that meeting.
“They’re trying to line up travel plans,” Brown said, “to be sure everybody can be here. We’d like to do it in one day. It’s subject to their schedules, but our plans are to bring in the top three candidates.”
If everything comes together, Brown feels a replacement could be announced in 2005.
“Our hope is still to, perhaps not have them in place, but at least have made a selection and made an offer prior to the end of the year,” Brown said.
There have been a number of first-rate applicants, according to Brown.
“I can tell you, from talking to the Screening Committee, we have some extremely well-credentialed candidates and it’s been very difficult to sort through,” Brown said, “because we have a lot of very talented people that have applied for this position this time.”
One of the requirements for the position may have helped reduce the field significantly, according to Brown.
“Our number one criteria is we wanted someone with five years experience in our specific field,” Brown said.
Brown said the board has been pleased with the caliber of the applicants in general.
“The Screening Committee has told us the applicants they’ve seen have been of higher quality than they have really expected,” he said.
“These are, as I understand it,” Brown went on, “for the most part people who have been performing a job similar to what we have in other locations successfully. In some cases maybe they’re a number two person looking to move into a number one slot, or in some cases our geography or something about our community is enticing to them compared to where they are.”