Applications for DAPC president’s job coming in as deadline looms
From Staff Reports
The search continues to fill the position of Rachel Rowell, president of the Development Authority of Polk County (DAPC).
Rowell announced her plans to leave after her husband accepted another job and the family made plans to move to another part of Georgia.
A search began immediately to find a qualified candidate to fill to fill her job. This would assure that training for the new hire would be completed before Rowell leaves.
A job description became
available on www.PolkGeorgia. com website under Economic Development Who We Are.
Chairman David Williams said the application process would end Friday, June 10.
However, Karen Nissen, search committee, said response has been slow.
She said applications received to date are from “individuals established in their chosen career.”
Nissen said, during the June DAPC meeting, most people are apparently satisfied where they are and that salary could be an issue.
Williams said no salary has been set and suggested the search committee continue the review process. Excluding Nissen, they are Ray Carter and Britt Madden.
A short list – 5 to 8 people - will be developed and interviews held to cut the list down to 2 or 3 before a final selection is made, according to Williams.
Rowell assumed her position July 30, 2013 and filled the post left vacant with the departure of Eric McDonald.
She said her arrival coincided with erection of the spec building in Cedartown North Business Park. The project is ongoing as prospects continue to arrive to see this available structure.
“We have welcomed many visitors who toured this industrial space,” Rowell said. “We now have a project seriously considering the spec building and an existing industry looking to expand.”
She also noted that filling the building continues to be priority and interest has heated up during the last several weeks.
Rowell said she would never forget the welcome, support and friendship she has received since her assumed her job duties.
“It has been a great learning experience for me and I will always remember the people of Polk County,” she said. “City and county officials, local leaders and board members have offered guidance and assistance.”
She said the mission of DAPC is to pursue new jobs, economic growth and the development in Polk through assisting existing industries with expansions, as well as recruiting business development aspirations and strategies of the community as defined by board members and economic development stakeholders from the public and private sectors.