ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, May 21, 1996 TAG: 9605210073
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: DUBLIN
SOURCE: ELISSA MILENKY STAFF WRITER
The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance has named a Tennessee man as its new executive director.
Stuart C. Gilbert, a certified economic developer, has been working as executive director of the Maury County Economic Development Commission in Columbia, Tenn., a not-for-profit partnership of local governments, private business and higher education. He will begin his new job on June 6.
The alliance, a nonprofit regional marketing agency, has been without a director since August when Franklyn Moreno left the top post. After a nationwide search that garnered 70 applicants, the alliance announced in April that Pulaski businessman Hiawatha Nicely was taking the job.
Less than a month later, Nicely announced he would not take the job after all, citing personal and professional responsibilities.
Like Nicely, Gilbert was among six finalists for the job. Alliance President Barry Evans said Nicely initially was chosen for his knowledge of local issues. Gilbert, however, has more economic development credentials.
Evans offered Gilbert the job last week and announced the appointment on Monday to the alliance board of directors.
"After an extensive search, we have made an excellent decision," Evans said. "Gilbert's qualifications more than exceed our expectations and I am confident the alliance will move forward under his direction."
Gilbert, who has served in his current job since 1991, helped bring 16 manufacturing businesses to Maury County, which contributed $150 million in new investments and 900 new jobs, according to a news release. The Saturn Corp., which is based in Maury County, also has added 4,000 new employees since 1991.
Before working in Tennessee, Gilbert was director of the Economic Development Corp. in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. He earned master's degrees in urban and regional planning and public administration from Southern Illinois University.
Although the alliance has been without an executive director for nearly a year, Evans said the organization has not suffered.
"I think without an executive director the alliance has shown tremendous poise and organization because of its core committees, its prospect team, to show it can stand on its own without an executive director," he said.
"With an executive director, with an organization that is in a position to withstand that, with the character and caliber of this director, you're going to hear more about the alliance," he added.
LENGTH: Medium: 51 linesby CNB