DAPC hires Kendrick as new president to take over in September
Missy Kendrick will begin her duties as the new President of the Development Authority of Polk County (DAPC) on Monday, Sept. 19.
She will fill the position held by Rachel Rowell, who submitted her resignation to DAPC in June. Rowell was hired to serve in this position following the departure of Eric McDonald.
David Williams, DAPC chairman, said Rowell would be missed. “She has done an excellent job for us since coming to Polk County,” he said.
“Rachel is a true professional and knows how to work with new and existing industry leaders and local decision makers,” he said. “She has the respect and admiration of everyone she meets.”
Williams said a qualified pool of applicants was received during the search to fill the new president’s position.
Most of the applicants were from out of town but there was some local interest, according to Williams.
During the interview process, the list of job seekers was cut to a group of 5 of the most qualified individuals.
Kendrick was hired following the interview of those who made the final list.
“Missy is very experienced and well-qualified for the job,” Williams said. “She says she is excited to begin her duties in Polk County.”
He also emphasized that Rowell will remain until early October. This will allow a transition of the leadership role in Polk’s economic development (new and expanding industrial projects.)
Missy Kendrick comes from Barnesville-Lamar County where she has been the Executive Director for the past 11 years.
Kendrick has worked in Chamber or Economic Development agencies for more than 20 years. She is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a recognized Chamber Institute for Organization Management graduate. She serves on the Board of GEDA (Georgia Economic Developers Association) as Second Vice-Chair and serves on several local boards in varying capacities.
DAPC board members noted, in a press release, “we look forward to Missy coming to our community and bringing a wealth of economic development experience and knowledge with her.”
The Mission of the Development Authority of Polk County (DAPC) is to pursue new jobs, economic growth, and development in Polk County through assisting existing industries with expansions, as well as recruiting new business and industry to Polk County.
The President/CEO is responsible for furthering the business development aspirations and strategies of the community as defined by the DAPC board and economic development stakeholders from the public and private sector.