Celina EDC engages search firm for new director, names interim director

By Audrey Henvey | Star Local Media

Celina Record
By Audrey Henvey | Star Local Media
January 10, 2024

Celina leadership is looking ahead to next steps as it searches for a new economic development corporation director.

On Dec. 5, the Celina EDC board of directors approved a separation agreement with Alexis Jackson, who served as executive director of the corporation starting in 2018. The same day, the board named Melissa Thomas as the interim director through the January 2024 meeting.

Since then, Thomas has been named the official interim director of the EDC. In addition, the EDC has engaged Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. to assist in the search for a new director.

During its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Celina City Council selected Council Member Philip Ferguson and Council Member Brandon Grumbles to serve on an ad hoc committee for the recruitment of a new EDC director. The council approved the appointments in a unanimous vote.

The committee also includes Celina EDC Board President Clint Bissett, Board President Sandra Martinez and Celina City Manager Robert Ranc.

Bissett said the committee will work with the search firm to narrow down candidates.

“Once we get the candidates narrowed down to the final two or three, they’ll come to the EDC board, they’ll come to the council, we’ll get to interview them as a group,” Bissett said during the meeting.