Ashdown’s Williamson selected by Cossatot for director position

The University of Arkansas Cossatot selected Vickie Williamson of Ashdown, Ark., as the Director of Economic Development for Little River County.

“This is a collaborative effort of the college, private industry, and various other groups in Little River County who see the future of the county as being one of great economic growth. This is the first giant leap to get there,” said UA Cossatot Chancellor Steve Cole.

Williamson is an economic and community development professional with seven years of industry experience.

Most recently, Williamson managed regional development with the Ark-Tex Council of Governments in Texarkana, Texas. There she led economic development collaboration among corporations, elected officials, cities, and counties to develop and implement strategies and objectives included in a five year comprehensive development strategy.

Williamson said the county will utilize Little River’s resources to create an environment that strengthens current businesses, attracts new industries, and encourages entrepreneurship.

“We will focus on strategic partnerships, developing a job-ready workforce, improving existing infrastructure, and anticipating new market opportunities and needs,” said Williamson.

Chancellor Cole explained, “Priority one for Vickie is going to be to work with the Intermodal Authority Board to build and market a trans load facility in Ashdown.”

“This effort has been in the works for a long time and Vickie will be tasked with helping to complete the process.”

The Little River County Intermodal Facility is a key to the county’s economic growth, Cole said.

Williamson can be contacted at 870-584-1488, or vwilliamson@cccua.edu, or at her office on UA Cossatot’s Ashdown campus.